Watermelon Salad with Feta & Mint Recipe

There’s nothing that says “summer” quite like Watermelon Salad with Feta & Mint! Each bite is juicy, salty, tangy, and refreshing. This vibrant salad is my go-to for cookouts, picnics, and any hot day when you want something utterly delicious but light as a feather.

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

This salad keeps things simple, but every ingredient truly shines. Each one brings its own unique taste, texture, or burst of color—and together, they transform into something you’ll want to make on repeat.

• Watermelon: Choose a ripe, seedless watermelon for juicy, sweet cubes—this is the crisp, refreshing base of the salad.
• English cucumber: Adds gentle crunch and balances the sweetness with a clean, cooling flavor.
• Red onion: A few thin slices offer gorgeous color and a note of sharpness that livens up every bite.
• Feta cheese: Crumbled feta brings tang, creaminess, and that irresistible salty pop.
• Avocado: The buttery texture makes the salad feel extra luxurious and satisfying.
• Fresh mint (or basil) leaves: Mint keeps things bright and summery, while basil works wonderfully if you’re out of mint!
• Jalapeño or serrano pepper (optional): For a little kick, add some thinly sliced chile—totally customizable for spice lovers.
• Extra-virgin olive oil: Forms the base of the zippy dressing and adds a subtle peppery richness.
• Fresh lime juice: Brings brilliant acidity and citrusy zing to tie everything together.
• Garlic: Just half a clove is enough to make the dressing pop.
• Sea salt: Enhances all the natural flavors and keeps the salad perfectly seasoned.

Variations

Watermelon Salad with Feta & Mint is super versatile, so don’t hesitate to mix things up! Feel free to tailor it to your personal preferences, dietary needs, or whatever you have on hand in your fridge.

• Swap out the herbs: Use fresh basil, cilantro, or even a sprinkle of dill for a different flavor profile.
• Try different cheese: Goat cheese or ricotta salata are delicious alternatives if you want a new twist.
• Add crunchy extras: Toasted pistachios, pumpkin seeds, or pine nuts make the salad extra satisfying.
• Go mild or wild with spice: Leave out the chile for a mild salad, or try thinly sliced radish if you’re looking for crunch without heat.
• Make it vegan: Omit the feta or use a plant-based feta to keep it dairy-free but just as tasty.

How to Make Watermelon Salad with Feta & Mint

Step 1: Whisk the Dressing

In a small bowl, combine the extra-virgin olive oil, fresh lime juice, minced garlic, and a pinch of sea salt. Whisk until fully combined. This will be your zippy, citrusy dressing—so easy, but it packs so much brightness!

Step 2: Layer Up the Salad

Arrange the cubed watermelon, diced cucumber, and thinly sliced red onion across a large platter or shallow bowl—spreading everything out so every spoonful gets an even mix. The vibrant colors will already look irresistible!

Step 3: Drizzle, Top, and Finish

Drizzle about half the dressing across the watermelon and veggies. Scatter with crumbled feta, avocado cubes, fresh mint (and basil, if using), and sliced jalapeño or serrano for some heat. Finish with the rest of the dressing and an extra pinch of sea salt—taste and adjust as you like!

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Serve Watermelon Salad with Feta & Mint immediately while everything’s cold and crisp. I guarantee your guests will ask for seconds!

How to Serve Watermelon Salad with Feta & Mint

Garnishes

I love to finish this salad with an extra shower of torn mint leaves and a final sprinkle of flaky sea salt—such simple touches, but they really highlight the freshness of the Watermelon Salad with Feta & Mint. For a pop of color, a few edible flowers or thinly sliced radishes are also gorgeous!

Side Dishes

This salad is the ultimate summer side, so it pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, shrimp skewers, or classic picnic foods like corn on the cob. It’s also wonderful as part of a mezze spread alongside hummus, grilled pita, and olives!

Creative Ways to Present

For fun parties, serve Watermelon Salad with Feta & Mint in watermelon “boats” (just hollow out a melon and pile the salad inside!) or layer individual portions in pretty stemmed glasses. It’s attention-grabbing on skewers too—just thread the salad components onto sticks for a fabulous appetizer.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (which rarely happens!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one day. The watermelon may release extra juice, but the salad is still wonderfully tasty—it just becomes a little more chilled and juicy.

Freezing

Freezing Watermelon Salad with Feta & Mint isn’t recommended—the textures of both watermelon and avocado don’t survive freezing and thawing. For best results, enjoy this salad fresh!

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat this salad—just serve it straight from the fridge, and if it’s been sitting for a bit, give everything a gentle toss and maybe add a little fresh mint or feta before serving again.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I hope you feel inspired to whip up a batch of Watermelon Salad with Feta & Mint soon—it’s a dish that always lifts spirits and keeps everyone coming back for more. There’s magic in the simplicity of this salad, and I can’t wait for you to taste pure summer joy in every bite!

Print