This Watermelon Cucumber Feta Salad is the perfect summer dish! It’s cool, crunchy, and has a tasty twist with salty feta cheese. Your taste buds are in for a treat!
I love how quick this salad is to make. Just chop, toss, and enjoy! It’s a hit at barbecues, and honestly, who can resist watermelon in the heat? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Watermelon: Seedless watermelon is ideal for this recipe since it’s sweet and juicy. You can also use cantaloupe or honeydew melon if watermelon isn’t available, but the taste will vary slightly.
Cucumber: I recommend using a fresh, crisp cucumber for crunch. English cucumbers or seedless varieties work great. If you’re looking for something different, consider using zucchini; just make sure to slice it thin!
Feta Cheese: Feta adds a salty lift to the salad. If you’re dairy-free, you can use crumbled tofeta or a vegan cheese alternative. If you prefer a milder flavor, goat cheese is a tasty substitute.
Fresh Mint: Mint complements the flavors beautifully, but you can swap it for fresh basil or parsley if you’re not a mint fan. Just remember, different herbs will give the salad a different vibe!
Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice brings brightness to the dish. Consider using lemon juice for a different citrus twist, or even apple cider vinegar for a tangy kick!
How Do I Perfectly Toss a Salad Without Crushing the Ingredients?
Tossing salad should be gentle, especially with larger pieces like watermelon. Here’s how to do it right:
- Use your hands or two large serving utensils, like spatulas.
- Start from the bottom of the bowl and lift the ingredients up and over each other, instead of stirring vigorously.
- Do this just until everything is mixed, which should only take a few seconds.
This technique helps keep your watermelon cubes intact and ensures every bite is delicious!
Refreshing Watermelon Cucumber Feta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 4 cups seedless watermelon, cubed
- 2 cups cucumber, peeled and diced
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
For the Dressing:
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This salad takes about 10 minutes to prepare and about 15-20 minutes for chilling in the refrigerator. So, in just half an hour, you can have this refreshing salad ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Ingredients:
Start by washing the watermelon and cucumber. Cut the watermelon into bite-sized cubes and peel, then dice the cucumber. You want everything to be in a nice, easy-to-eat size.
2. Combine the Main Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed watermelon and diced cucumber. These two will be the stars of the show, so make sure they’re nicely mixed together.
3. Add Feta and Mint:
Next, sprinkle in the crumbled feta cheese and chopped mint leaves. The feta adds a creamy, salty flavor, while the mint gives it a refreshing touch.
4. Drizzle the Dressing:
Now, drizzle the fresh lime juice and olive oil over the salad. This will enhance all the flavors beautifully!
5. Toss Gently:
With clean hands or two utensils, gently toss all the ingredients together. Be careful not to break up the watermelon cubes. You want to keep everything intact and delicious.
6. Season and Chill:
Sprinkle some salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Give one last gentle toss and then cover the salad. Chill it in the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes for a refreshing taste.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once chilled, take the salad out and give it a quick stir before serving. Enjoy this refreshing, flavorful watermelon cucumber feta salad as a perfect summer treat!
Can I Use Other Fruits in This Salad?
Absolutely! While watermelon is the star ingredient, you can experiment with other fruits like cantaloupe, honeydew, or even strawberries for a unique twist. Just keep the fruit fresh and sweet!
How Long Does This Salad Last in the Refrigerator?
This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The longer it sits, the more the watermelon will release its juices, so it may become a bit watery.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Mint?
No problem! If you don’t have fresh mint, you can use other herbs like basil or parsley for a new flavor. Mint adds a refreshing note, but these options can bring a great taste as well!
Can I Make This Salad in Advance?
You can prep the ingredients ahead of time, but it’s best to combine everything just before serving to keep the watermelon and cucumber fresh and crisp. If prepared in advance, hold off on adding feta and the dressing until right before serving.
