Description
A refreshing and vibrant Fresh Watermelon Cucumber Feta Salad combining sweet watermelon, crisp cucumber, tangy feta, and aromatic mint, all dressed in a zesty lime dressing. Perfect as a light side dish on warm days, this salad balances juicy fruits, fresh herbs, and savory cheese for a delightful and hydrating treat.
Ingredients
Salad:
- 6 cups seedless watermelon, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 English cucumber, sliced into half-moons
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled (brine-packed recommended)
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, torn
- 1/4 cup red onion, very thinly sliced and soaked in cold water
Lime Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1/4 teaspoon flaky sea salt
- Cracked black pepper to taste
- Pinch of chili flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the red onion: Soak the thinly sliced red onion in cold water for 5 to 10 minutes to reduce sharpness. Drain thoroughly and pat dry with paper towels. Set aside.
- Make the lime dressing: Combine extra virgin olive oil, fresh lime juice, honey, flaky sea salt, cracked black pepper, and optional chili flakes in a jar. Secure the lid and shake vigorously until the dressing is emulsified and well blended. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Prepare the fruits and vegetables: Cut the watermelon into 1-inch cubes and lightly pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Slice the English cucumber into half-moons for easy eating and aesthetics.
- Assemble the salad: Arrange the watermelon cubes and cucumber slices evenly on a wide serving platter or in a large salad bowl. Scatter the soaked and drained red onion slices evenly over the salad.
- Add cheese and herbs: Distribute the crumbled brine-packed feta cheese in chunks throughout the salad for bursts of creamy, tangy flavor. Tear fresh mint leaves and scatter generously over all the ingredients for a refreshing herbal aroma.
- Dress and serve: Just before serving, drizzle the prepared lime dressing evenly over the salad. Gently toss the salad to combine flavors without breaking up the watermelon. Finish with a pinch of flaky sea salt and extra mint leaves. Serve immediately to enjoy the freshest taste.
Notes
- Do not dress the salad until just before serving to prevent the watermelon from releasing too much juice and making the salad watery.
- All salad components can be prepped hours ahead and stored separately in airtight containers for convenience. Assemble right before serving.
- Using brine-packed feta cheese provides a creamier, tangier flavor compared to dry pre-crumbled feta and is highly recommended.
- Always use fresh lime juice for the dressing as bottled lime juice imparts an off-flavor that alters the salad’s freshness.
- For a spicy kick, add thinly sliced fresh jalapeño to the salad and increase the amount of chili flakes in the dressing.
