Sunshine in a bowl, that's exactly what this Watermelon Salad with Feta, Cucumber, and Mint Recipe tastes like. The cool, juicy watermelon paired with fresh cucumber and tangy feta just hits the spot on a warm day. Trust me, it's one of those salads you'll want to make again and again once you try it.

A white bowl filled with a watermelon salad made of two main layers: large, bright red watermelon cubes and dark green cucumber pieces, all evenly mixed. The salad is topped with scattered white crumbly cheese and small chopped fresh green mint leaves, adding texture and color contrast. A silver spoon is resting inside the bowl, scooping part of the salad, showing the cubes clearly. In the background on a white marbled surface, there is a smaller white plate with more watermelon salad, green mint sprigs, a black and white checkered cloth, and two halved limes for decoration. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Watermelon Salad with Feta, Cucumber, and Mint Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Watermelon Salad with Feta, Cucumber, and Mint Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Watermelon Salad with Feta, Cucumber, and Mint Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I've made this watermelon salad countless times during summer barbecues and casual dinners, and it always steals the show. The balance of sweetness, tang, and freshness makes it a refreshing standout that’s also incredibly simple to pull together.

Super Refreshing: The crisp watermelon and cucumber keep you cool and hydrated, perfect for those hot days.
Easy to Make: With just a handful of ingredients and no cooking required, it’s practically foolproof.
Flavor Harmony: The salty feta and zesty lime dressing elevate the natural sweetness beautifully.
Versatile: It pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or can stand alone as a light, nutritious snack.

The image shows a spoonful of fresh watermelon salad held above a white bowl with a white marbled surface in the background. The salad has three main layers: bright red watermelon cubes at the base, small chunks of cucumber with dark green skin, and white crumbly cheese scattered on top. Green mint leaves are mixed in, adding a touch of fresh green to the colors. The salad looks juicy and fresh with contrasting textures and colors that stand out clearly. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient plays a part in making this watermelon salad sing. From the juicy watermelon to the salty feta, each one complements the other perfectly. When shopping, I always look for the freshest watermelon and English cucumbers to keep it crisp and vibrant.

Flat lay of bright red cubed seedless watermelon, crisp green cubed English cucumber, fresh torn mint leaves, crumbly white feta cheese, a small glass bowl of extra virgin olive oil, and a lime halved with one wedge, arranged beautifully with a few mint sprigs scattered around, placed on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Watermelon: Choose a seedless, ripe watermelon that's firm and juicy – this is the star of the salad!
English Cucumber: They have fewer seeds and thinner skin than regular cucumbers, so they blend seamlessly into the salad’s texture.
Feta Cheese: Opt for a good-quality, crumbly feta; its saltiness contrasts beautifully with the sweet watermelon.
Fresh Mint Leaves: They bring a bright, refreshing note that lifts the entire dish.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Adds richness and depth to the dressing without overpowering the salad.
Fresh Lime Juice: The tartness balances the sweetness of the watermelon and adds a zesty kick.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

While I love the classic combo of watermelon, cucumber, feta, and mint, there’s plenty of room for creativity here. You can easily tweak it to suit your tastes or what you have on hand.

Add some heat: I sometimes sprinkle a pinch of chili flakes or diced jalapeños when I want a little kick in my watermelon salad with feta, cucumber, and mint recipe.
Swap the cheese: If feta’s not your thing, try fresh goat cheese or ricotta salata for a milder, creamy twist.
Make it a full meal: Adding some toasted nuts or seeds gives the salad crunch and a protein boost.
Herb swap: Sometimes I mix in fresh basil or cilantro along with the mint to shake things up.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Watermelon Salad with Feta, Cucumber, and Mint Recipe

Step 1: Whisk the Dressing

I start by whisking together 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil and 1½ tablespoons of fresh lime juice in a small bowl. This simple dressing brightens the salad without overpowering the fresh ingredients. Set it aside while you prep the rest.

Step 2: Cube Your Fresh Ingredients

Next, I carefully cube 4 cups of seedless watermelon and 1½ cups of seedless English cucumber. I love cutting the pieces into uniform cubes so every bite has a lovely balance of flavors. Then, toss in about ⅓ cup of chopped or torn fresh mint leaves.

Step 3: Gently Toss with the Dressing

Pour the dressing over the watermelon, cucumber, and mint, then gently toss everything together. I’m extra careful here to not smash the melon – keep the toss light and delicate to avoid it releasing too much juice.

Step 4: Add Feta and Serve

Finally, sprinkle ½ cup of crumbled feta cheese over the top. The salty feta adds a perfect contrast to the sweet and fresh salad. Serve immediately for the best texture and taste.

Top Tip

From my experience making this watermelon salad with feta, cucumber, and mint recipe, timing is everything. Here are some tidbits that have saved me from watery messes or flat flavors.

Chill Your Ingredients: Always use chilled watermelon and cucumber so your salad stays crisp and refreshing.
Dress Last Minute: Add the dressing right before serving to avoid sogginess and excess juice.
Gentle Tossing: Handle the watermelon cubes with care to prevent them from breaking down too quickly.
Pick Your Melon Wisely: If you buy pre-cut watermelon, look for pieces without a grainy texture for maximum juiciness and sweetness.

How to Serve Watermelon Salad with Feta, Cucumber, and Mint Recipe

Garnishes

I keep it simple with a few extra mint leaves scattered on top for that fresh pop of green. Sometimes I add a little flaky sea salt or a few cracks of fresh black pepper to enhance the flavors even more.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, juicy steak, or a summer burger. It also works well alongside dishes like grilled shrimp or even a light pasta salad if you’re hosting a crowd.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I sometimes use a melon baller to scoop the watermelon into spheres—it’s such a fun conversation starter! Serving in clear glass bowls or on rustic wooden boards also makes the vibrant colors really pop.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you do have leftovers, store the salad in a tight-lid glass container in the fridge—but only for a day or two. The watermelon and cucumber will release juice over time, so always check for freshness before serving again.

Freezing

Honestly, I don’t recommend freezing this watermelon salad with feta, cucumber, and mint recipe because the texture of the fresh ingredients changes drastically when frozen. It’s best enjoyed fresh and chilled.

Reheating

This salad is served cold, and reheating isn’t really an option. If you want to enjoy leftovers, just give it a gentle stir and serve chilled again. Adding a little extra lime juice freshens it up nicely.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I prepare the Watermelon Salad with Feta, Cucumber, and Mint Recipe ahead of time?

While you can pre-cut the ingredients, it’s best to mix the salad just before serving to keep it fresh and avoid excess juice buildup.

What can I substitute for feta cheese?

Goat cheese or ricotta salata are great alternatives that still add a creamy texture with a mild tang. Just avoid mozzarella, as it’s too bland for this salad’s flavors.

Is this salad suitable for vegetarians?

Absolutely! This Watermelon Salad with Feta, Cucumber, and Mint Recipe is vegetarian friendly and makes a delightful meat-free option.

Can I make this salad vegan?

Simply replace the feta with crumbled tofu or vegan cheese, and use all plant-based ingredients for a refreshing vegan version.

Final Thoughts

This watermelon salad with feta, cucumber, and mint recipe holds a little place in my heart because it always brings people together, whether it’s for a quick lunch or a backyard cookout. I love how effortlessly it combines simple ingredients into a dish that’s bursting with fresh, vibrant flavors. Give it a try—you'll want to keep this colorful salad in your regular rotation, just like I do.