When the summer heat is relentless, nothing satisfies quite like a refreshing, chilled salad. This Watermelon Salad with Feta and Mint is the kind of dish that steals the show at any BBQ, picnic, or sunny afternoon lunch. It’s cool, crisp, hydrating—and most importantly—bursting with bright, bold flavors that dance across your palate.
Juicy watermelon meets the saltiness of feta, the crunch of cucumber, the zing of lime, and the aromatic kick of fresh herbs. Add in a touch of heat from serrano pepper and the creamy goodness of avocado, and you’ve got a salad that’s as exciting as it is simple to make. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll find yourself returning to again and again, all summer long.
🛒 Ingredients
For the Watermelon Salad:
- 5 cups cubed seedless watermelon (chilled)
- 1 cup diced cucumber (English or Persian work best)
- ¼ small red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ avocado, cubed
- ⅓ cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 small serrano pepper, thinly sliced (optional for heat)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
For the Lime Dressing:
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
🥗 How to Make Watermelon Salad
1. Prepare the Ingredients
Start by cutting your watermelon into bite-sized cubes and chilling them if they aren’t already. Cold watermelon is key to making this salad ultra-refreshing. Slice the cucumber, red onion, avocado, and serrano pepper. Chop the mint and basil just before assembling to keep their flavors bright and fresh.
When slicing the red onion, keep the pieces thin so their pungency doesn’t overwhelm the salad. A brief soak in cold water can mellow their bite further if desired. As for the avocado, add it right before serving to prevent browning and keep the texture buttery.
2. Whisk the Dressing
In a small bowl, combine the lime juice, olive oil, and honey (if using). Whisk until emulsified, then season with a pinch of salt and freshly cracked black pepper. The dressing should taste bright and slightly tangy, with just enough sweetness to balance the saltiness of the feta and spice from the chile.
Drizzle this over the salad just before serving. You don’t want the watermelon sitting in the dressing too long, as it can release too much juice and water down the flavors.
3. Assemble the Salad
Gently toss the watermelon, cucumber, red onion, avocado, herbs, and serrano slices in a large serving bowl. Add the feta last and fold gently to avoid breaking it up too much. Pour the dressing over the top and give everything a light final toss.
For presentation, consider garnishing with extra mint leaves or a few larger chunks of feta. Serve immediately while everything is fresh, juicy, and cool.
🔄 Watermelon Salad Variations
This salad is endlessly adaptable, so don’t be afraid to put your own spin on it. Here are a few creative ways to make it your own:
- No Spice? Skip the serrano altogether or replace it with a milder jalapeño or none at all.
- Add Crunch: Toss in some toasted cashews, walnuts, or sunflower seeds for extra texture.
- Make it a Meal: Serve on a bed of peppery arugula and add a scoop of cooked quinoa for a light but satisfying lunch.
- Swap the Fruit: No watermelon? Try strawberries or cantaloupe for a delicious twist.
Each variation brings out different highlights in the salad, making it feel new every time you serve it.
🍴 What to Serve with Watermelon Salad
This vibrant salad pairs beautifully with classic summer fare. Serve it alongside your favorite grilled mains—whether that’s veggie burgers, grilled corn, or kebabs—for a colorful, refreshing contrast.
It also makes a fantastic side dish for sandwiches and wraps. Try it with a Caprese sandwich, a chickpea salad wrap, or even a fresh egg salad sandwich. The sweet-savory profile of the salad complements creamy and savory dishes like a dream.
For a full watermelon-themed spread, whip up some watermelon margaritas, popsicles, or juice to serve alongside. Summer entertaining has never been this easy—or this delicious.
🧊 Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
This salad is best served immediately after assembly. The watermelon releases juice quickly, so if you’re prepping ahead:
- Chop Ingredients Ahead: Store the watermelon, cucumber, onion, and herbs separately in the fridge.
- Mix Dressing in Advance: Keep it in a sealed jar and give it a good shake before serving.
- Assemble Just Before Serving: Combine everything right before your meal for maximum freshness and texture.
Avoid freezing this salad, as watermelon doesn’t freeze and thaw well—it becomes mushy and watery.
💡 Final Thoughts
If sunshine had a flavor, it would be this Watermelon Salad with Feta and Mint. Light, hydrating, and bursting with color and crunch, it captures the very essence of summer in every forkful. It’s the kind of dish that invites conversation, second helpings, and recipe requests.
Whether you’re lounging by the pool, hosting a weekend cookout, or just enjoying a quiet lunch, this salad is sure to become a seasonal staple. Keep it chilled, keep it fresh, and keep it coming.
Recipe Card
Watermelon Feta Salad with Mint
Ingredients
Method
- Prepare the Ingredients
- Start by cutting your watermelon into bite-sized cubes and chilling them if they aren’t already. Cold watermelon is key to making this salad ultra-refreshing. Slice the cucumber, red onion, avocado, and serrano pepper. Chop the mint and basil just before assembling to keep their flavors bright and fresh.
- When slicing the red onion, keep the pieces thin so their pungency doesn’t overwhelm the salad. A brief soak in cold water can mellow their bite further if desired. As for the avocado, add it right before serving to prevent browning and keep the texture buttery.
- Whisk the Dressing
- In a small bowl, combine the lime juice, olive oil, and honey (if using). Whisk until emulsified, then season with a pinch of salt and freshly cracked black pepper. The dressing should taste bright and slightly tangy, with just enough sweetness to balance the saltiness of the feta and spice from the chile.
- Drizzle this over the salad just before serving. You don’t want the watermelon sitting in the dressing too long, as it can release too much juice and water down the flavors.
- Assemble the Salad
- Gently toss the watermelon, cucumber, red onion, avocado, herbs, and serrano slices in a large serving bowl. Add the feta last and fold gently to avoid breaking it up too much. Pour the dressing over the top and give everything a light final toss.
- For presentation, consider garnishing with extra mint leaves or a few larger