Watermelon Feta Cucumber Mint

Category: Good-For-You Dishes That Don't Taste Like Punishment

Enjoy this vibrant combination of sweet watermelon, crisp cucumber, creamy feta cheese, and fragrant mint, all gently tossed in a bright lime and olive oil dressing. This summery salad bursts with contrasting flavors and textures, balancing sweetness, saltiness, and refreshing herbal notes. Perfect for warm weather gatherings, it comes together quickly and makes a colorful addition to any table. For best flavor, use a block of feta and seedless cucumber if available. Serve chilled and garnish with extra mint for a lively, crowd-pleasing starter or side.

Clare Recipes
Created By Lily Chen
Updated on Mon, 11 Aug 2025 01:42:48 GMT
A bowl of watermelon salad with feta and cucumber. Save
A bowl of watermelon salad with feta and cucumber. | lilicooks.com

This watermelon salad brings together juicy watermelon cubes crispy cucumber fresh mint and creamy feta with a splash of simple lime dressing. It is my favorite for hot days because it tastes so refreshing and always disappears instantly at summer gatherings.

I first made this for a neighbors barbecue and everyone asked for the recipe by the end of the night. The combination surprised me by how well the savory feta and sweet watermelon work together.

Ingredients

  • Watermelon cubes or balls: This is the star of the salad choose very ripe seedless watermelon if possible for the best sweetness and texture
  • Cucumber: Use either an English or Persian cucumber for tender skin and tiny seeds or peel and deseed a standard cucumber for crisp bites
  • Fresh mint: Sliced thin or use small leaves Mint adds a cooling pop that really lifts every bite
  • Feta cheese: Crumbled Block-style feta has a creamier texture and more flavor than pre-crumbled look for Greek feta if you can
  • Olive oil: Use the best quality you can find A good olive oil gives body and helps tie all the flavors together
  • Lime juice: Freshly squeezed gives a zingy punch that brightens the whole salad
  • Salt and pepper: Brings out all the flavors in the fruit and cheese Use flaky sea salt if you have it

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the Main Ingredients:
Cut the watermelon into bite-size cubes or scoop into balls for a fun look Slice the cucumber thinly and remove the seeds if they are large Tear or thinly slice fresh mint leaves so they distribute evenly
Mix the Dressing:
In a small bowl whisk together the olive oil lime juice salt and pepper until combined This quick dressing will coat every piece with flavor
Assemble the Salad:
Add the watermelon cucumber and mint to a large mixing bowl Drizzle the dressing over the top and gently toss with clean hands or a wide spoon Take care not to crush the watermelon too much
Add the Cheese:
Right before serving sprinkle crumbled feta over the salad This keeps the feta from dissolving and preserves its creamy texture Mix lightly if needed to distribute the cheese
A bowl of watermelon salad with feta and cucumber. Save
A bowl of watermelon salad with feta and cucumber. | lilicooks.com

My favorite part of this dish is the freshness from the mint Every time I pick fresh mint from my own backyard garden and use it in this salad the flavor is even more vibrant and the smell brings back memories of childhood summers

Storage Tips

Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one day but it tastes best within a few hours after assembling because the fruit will start to release its juices and the feta can get a little soft If you want to make it ahead prep and store all the components separately then combine and dress just before serving

Ingredient Substitutions

No fresh mint Try fresh basil leaves sliced thin for a different herb twist If you do not have feta crumbled goat cheese or queso fresco works too For extra crunch add a handful of toasted pine nuts or pumpkin seeds

A bowl of watermelon salad with feta and cucumber. Save
A bowl of watermelon salad with feta and cucumber. | lilicooks.com

Serving Suggestions

This salad is wonderful as a light lunch or a side for grilled chicken seafood or kebabs At picnics I like to serve it in small cups for easy eating You can even pile it onto toasted sourdough or pair with crispy pita chips for an appetizer

Cultural Context

Watermelon salads with feta and herbs have roots in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine where sweet and salty flavors are paired often Watermelon and feta together is a classic Greek combination that takes full advantage of the abundant summer produce and salty cheeses of the region

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of cucumber works best?

English or Persian cucumbers are ideal for their thin skins and fewer seeds, but any cucumber can be used if peeled and seeded first.

→ Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

It's best served fresh, but you can prep the ingredients in advance and toss them together with dressing just before serving to maintain texture.

→ Is it necessary to use fresh mint?

Fresh mint delivers the brightest flavor and aroma. Dried mint is not recommended for this preparation.

→ How should feta be added for best flavor?

Crumbled feta from a block offers superior taste and texture compared to pre-crumbled varieties. Add it just before serving.

→ What dressing complements the ingredients?

A simple blend of olive oil, lime juice, salt, and pepper enhances the natural flavors without overpowering them.

→ Can I add other ingredients?

Red onion, arugula, or a sprinkle of toasted nuts can add more depth and crunch if desired.

Watermelon Feta Cucumber Mint

Sweet watermelon, cucumber, feta, and mint tossed with a lime dressing for a vibrant, refreshing summer dish.

Preparation Time
10 min
Cooking Time
1 min
Overall Time
11 min
Created By: Lily Chen


Skill Level: Beginner-Friendly

Cuisine Type: Mediterranean

Output: 4 Serves

Dietary Options: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

→ Main Components

01 3 cups watermelon, cubed or balled
02 1 1/2 cups cucumber, sliced, peeled, and seeds removed
03 2 tablespoons mint, thinly sliced or small leaves
04 1/3 cup feta cheese, crumbled

→ Dressing

05 3 tablespoons olive oil
06 1 tablespoon lime juice
07 Salt and pepper to taste

Steps

Step 01

Place the watermelon, cucumber, and mint in a large bowl.

Step 02

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, and salt and pepper.

Step 03

Drizzle the dressing over the melon mixture and toss to coat. Sprinkle with feta and serve.

Tips

  1. Using a block of feta cheese provides more flavor compared to pre-crumbled varieties.
  2. If using a standard waxy cucumber, peel and remove the seeds. English or Persian cucumbers can be used without peeling or seeding.

Required Tools

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Whisk

Allergy Information

Always check each ingredient for allergens, and consult a medical professional if unsure.
  • Contains dairy (feta cheese)

Nutritional Information (per serving)

These details are shared for general guidance and don’t replace professional advice.
  • Calories: 168
  • Fats: 13 g
  • Carbohydrates: 10 g
  • Proteins: 2 g