Watermelon Cucumber Salad

If you’re looking for a refreshing summer salad, try this tasty Watermelon Cucumber Salad with feta cheese, mint and basil.

Summertime is the perfect time for outdoor entertaining and cookouts! This watermelon cucumber salad recipe is perfect for bringing to your next summer get together.

It’s light, refreshing, and easy to make – just chop up the ingredients and toss them together. A perfect simple salad for any hot summer day!

Feta cheese gives the salad a touch of creaminess, and the herbs give this salad lots of flavour, while the simple lime juice dressing add a touch of acidity. Don’t forget about the crunchy cucumber combined with the juicy sweet watermelon – it all makes for a perfect summer side dish.

The flavors combine perfectly to create a refreshing and tasty salad that is perfect for picnics, potlucks, and outdoor dining. So why not give it a try yourself? The recipe is below. Enjoy!

Why You Will LOVE This Watermelon Salad

• Refreshing summer salad
• Pairs well with a variety of main dishes
• Loaded with fresh produce
• Healthy side dish
• Contrasting textures – crisp and creamy!
• Easy to throw together
• Lots of great ways to modify it to your own taste!

How to Pick Out a Watermelon

The sweetness of the watermelon is the star of the show in this salad, and can make or break it. This is why it is important to do your best to pick out a sweet and flavourful ripe watermelon.

When selecting the best watermelon, look for one that is heavy for its size and has a dull, not shiny, appearance. There should also be a creamy yellow spot on the watermelon where it rested on the ground while growing. Shiny skin and a lack of a field spot can indicate that the watermelon is under-ripe.

To test for ripeness, tap the watermelon—it should have a deep, hollow sound. Avoid watermelons with bruises or dents, as these can make the fruit spoil more quickly.

If you’re not sure how to pick out a watermelon, ask the produce manager at your local grocery store for help.

How to Cube a Cucumber

You will want to wash your cucumber before you start.

To cube an English cucumber, start by slicing it in half lengthwise. Then, cut each half in half again. Finally, slice the cucumber sections crosswise to create cubes.

If you are using a regular cucumber, you will need to peel it before you cube it. You will also need to scoop out the seeds with a spoon. To do this, cut the cucumber in half lengthwise and then use a spoon to scoop out the seeds from the centre. After you have removed the seeds, proceed with slicing and cubing the cucumber as directed above.

Thinly sliced cucumber will get slimy and weird fairly quick so be sure to stick with larger chunks for crisp cucumber.

Watermelon Salad Recipe Variations

Swap the cheese – Instead of a block of feta cheese, try goat cheese or fresh mini mozzarella balls.

Add onion – Dice red onion and toss it in to add a little zip.

Spice it up – If you want more than a little zip just toss in some minced jalapeno pepper.

Naked – This fresh watermelon salad is excellent without a dressing, although I love the way a little lime juice and oil ties it all together.

Swap the dressing – Swap the oil and lime juice for a fruity vinaigrette.

Bulk it up – Serve it on a bed of arugula for a more traditional salad that will serve more.

Grill it – Grill sliced watermelon for a bit of smokey flavour before cubing it.

Avocado – A chopped avocado will add creaminess to the salad. Be sure to dress the salad to keep the avocado from browning.

Watermelon feta salad – Simply omit the cucumber.

Make it vegan – Swap in vegan feta.

What to Serve with Watermelon Salad

Crispy, sweet, and salty with a bit of tang, this watermelon cucumber feta salad is the perfect summer side. Serve it along with:

• Grilled chicken
• Any cut of steak
• Smoked beef roast
• Hamburger
• Grilled fish

How to Store Watermelon Cucumber Salad

Watermelon cucumber salad is a refreshing, summery dish that’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, and barbecues. The key to storing watermelon cucumber salad is to keep it cool and to consume it within 24 hours.

To store watermelon cucumber salad, place it in a covered container in the fridge. If you’re taking it to a potluck or picnic, pack it in a cooler with ice packs. If storing leftover watermelon cucumber salad, remove what is left from the large bowl and transfer to an airtight container.

Watermelon cucumber salad is best enjoyed within 24 hours of being made. After that, the watermelon will start to lose its crispness and the cucumbers will become soggy. However, if you must store it for longer, it will still be edible for up to 3 days.

I do not recommend freezing watermelon cucumber salad.

About the Ingredients for Watermelon Cucumber Salad

Watermelon – A mini seedless watermelon should give you about 4 cups of cubed watermelon. You could also use a melon baller. If your watermelon isn’t very sweet or flavourful try tossing the watermelon with a bit of sugar before assembling the salad. You could also use pre-cut watermelon, but this is a much more expensive option.

Cucumber – You will want to quarter the cucumber lengthwise and then chop the cucumber sticks into 1 inch slices. If you use anything but English cucumbers you may need to scoop out the seeds and peel it.

Feta – Adds a creamy, savoury element to the salad. Feel free to use as much as you like. You can also substitute creamy feta cheese for goat cheese if you like.

Fresh herbs – I used both basil and mint from my own garden. I love the combination of herbs, especially with the sweetness of the cucumber and watermelon. You can go all mint if you prefer.

Lime – One lime should give you 2 tablespoons of fresh lime juice. You can substitute with balsamic vinegar if you like. You can also include lime zest for more of a citrus punch if you like.

Olive oil – Use extra virgin olive oil, or you can substitute with a high quality neutral oil.

Salt and pepper – Season to taste, start with 1/2 teaspoon of each. A little flaky sea salt is a great addition to this watermelon-cucumber salad recipe.

You could also use my honey-lime dressing on this salad instead of the dressing I used.

Looking for More Watermelon Recipes?

Check out more of my favourite recipes made with watermelon!

A simple recipe for strawberry watermelon ice pops for when you want a refreshing treat to keep your family cool on hot summer days.

Watermelon Salsa with Cinnamon Tortilla Chips is a refreshing summer dessert or appetizer, perfect for serving at backyard parties. Packed with juicy watermelon, this salsa is a quick and easy summer appetizer the whole family will love!

This Strawberry Watermelon Slushie is a refreshing whole fruit summer drink made with real fruit and ice. No Sugar added!

How to Make Watermelon Cucumber Salad

Yields: 8 Servings | Prep time: 15 Minutes

Ingredients:

• 4 Cups Seedless Watermelon, cubed
• 1 English Cucumber, diced
• 1 Cup Feta Cheese, cubed
• 1 tablespoon fresh mint, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh basil, minced
• 1 lime, juiced
• 1/4 Cup Olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions:

Place the watermelon, cucumber, and feta in a large salad bowl.

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

Drizzle the lime dressing over the watermelon mixture and toss to coat.

Season to taste, and garnish with more fresh herbs before serving.