Description
Refreshing Watermelon Salad Recipe featuring juicy watermelon, fresh mint, tangy feta, and zesty lemon dressing. Perfect for a summer BBQ!
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 cups watermelon, cubed (about 1 medium watermelon or 4 pounds)
- 1 English cucumber, diced (about 2 cups)
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced (about 1/2 cup)
- 6 oz feta cheese, crumbled (about 3/4 cup)
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn (optional)
- 1/3 cup roasted pistachios or sliced almonds (optional)
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (about 1 large lime)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lime juice, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined and slightly emulsified. Set this dressing aside to let the flavors meld while you prepare the salad components.
- Step 2: Prepare your watermelon by cutting it into evenly sized 1-inch cubes, removing any seeds you encounter. Place the cubes in a colander for about 5 minutes to drain excess moisture—this prevents your salad from becoming watery later. While the watermelon drains, dice your cucumber into similar-sized pieces for consistent texture and balanced bites throughout your Refreshing Watermelon Salad.
- Step 3: If using red onion, place the thinly sliced pieces in a bowl of cold water for 5-10 minutes, then drain thoroughly. This quick soak tames the raw onion’s sharpness while maintaining its crisp texture and beautiful color contribution to your watermelon salad. Pat dry with paper towels before adding to the salad.
- Step 4: In a large serving bowl, gently combine the watermelon cubes, cucumber pieces, and soaked red onion slices. Pour about two-thirds of the prepared dressing over these ingredients and toss very gently to coat everything evenly. The goal is to maintain the watermelon’s integrity without crushing or breaking the pieces.
- Step 5: Just before serving, sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese, chopped mint, and if using, torn basil leaves and nuts over the salad. Drizzle the remaining dressing on top and give the salad one final gentle toss. This layering approach ensures the delicate herbs stay fresh and vibrant, while the feta maintains its distinct texture rather than dissolving into the dressing.
- Step 6: Serve your Refreshing Watermelon Salad Recipe immediately while all components are at their peak freshness and texture. For an extra visual touch, garnish with a few whole mint leaves and a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt to enhance all the flavors just before bringing to the table.
Notes
Fresh ingredients will always yield the best flavor results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 250 calories per serving
- Sugar: 18 grams
- Sodium: 390 mg
- Fat: 14 grams
- Saturated Fat: 6 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 27 grams
- Fiber: 3 grams
- Protein: 6 grams
- Cholesterol: 25 mg