Description
A refreshing, no-cook salad combining sweet watermelon, salty feta, crisp cucumber, and fresh mint with a tangy lime vinaigrette. Perfect for last-minute gatherings and BBQs.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups cubed seedless watermelon (~1.5 lbs)
- 1 cup crumbled block feta cheese (~4 oz)
- 1/2 medium red onion, thinly sliced (~3 oz)
- 1 medium English cucumber, chopped into half-moons or cubes (~10 oz)
- 1/2 cup packed fresh mint leaves (~15–20 leaves)
- 3 tbsp fresh lime juice (~1.5 limes)
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp honey
- 1/2 tsp flaky salt (e.g., Maldon)
- Pinch of black pepper (optional)
Instructions
- Cut the watermelon into 1-inch cubes and place in a large bowl. Keep chilled until ready to assemble.
- Slice the red onion into thin half-moons. If desired, soak slices in ice water for 10 minutes to reduce sharpness, then drain well.
- Chop the cucumber into half-moons or small cubes to match the watermelon size. Add both onion and cucumber to the bowl with the watermelon.
- In a small jar or bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, honey, and a pinch of regular salt until emulsified.
- Pour the dressing over the watermelon, cucumber, and onion. Gently toss to coat without mashing the melon.
- Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese on top. Do not toss vigorously to avoid breaking the cheese.
- Tear the mint leaves by hand and scatter them over the salad. Sprinkle with flaky salt and optional black pepper.
- Serve immediately to prevent the watermelon from becoming watery.
Notes
Do not dress the salad too early as salt draws moisture out of the watermelon, making it watery. Use cold ingredients for the best texture. If using standard cucumbers, peel and seed them. For dairy-free, omit feta or use a dairy-free alternative. For avocado twist, add diced avocado right before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 12
- Sodium: 250
- Fat: 6
- Saturated Fat: 2
- Carbohydrates: 15
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 4
Keywords: watermelon salad, feta salad, mint salad, labor day recipe, no cook salad, summer salad, gluten-free side, quick dinner, 5pm win, healthy salad