This refreshing Watermelon and Feta Salad combines juicy sweet watermelon with tangy feta cheese, crisp cucumber, and aromatic herbs for a perfect balance of flavors. Ready in just 10 minutes, it’s an ideal summer side dish that requires no cooking – just chop, toss, and serve! The combination of sweet, salty, and tangy elements makes this salad absolutely irresistible on hot days.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Incredibly Quick: From start to finish in just 10 minutes – this might be the easiest recipe in your collection!
Perfect Flavor Balance: The sweet watermelon paired with salty feta creates that magical sweet-savory combination that makes your taste buds dance.
No Cooking Required: When it’s too hot to turn on the stove, this refreshing salad saves the day without sacrificing flavor.
Versatile: Works beautifully as a light lunch, side dish, or even as an impressive starter for guests.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Watermelon: The star of the show! Choose a ripe, sweet watermelon for that perfect juicy base. The natural sweetness is what makes this salad special.
Feta cheese: Brings a salty, tangy punch that contrasts beautifully with the watermelon. Always go for good quality feta if possible – it really makes a difference.
Cucumber: Adds a refreshing crunch and subtle flavor that complements the watermelon perfectly.
Basil: Provides an aromatic, slightly peppery note that elevates the entire salad.
Mint: Adds that cooling, fresh finish that makes this salad truly refreshing.
Extra-virgin olive oil: Forms the base of our simple dressing, adding richness and binding everything together.
Red wine vinegar: Brings a tangy brightness that cuts through the sweetness of the watermelon.
Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors in the salad.
Flaky sea salt: For finishing – those crunchy little flakes add texture and bursts of saltiness.

Variations

Cheese Swaps

Try goat cheese or ricotta salata instead of feta for a different tangy experience.

Fruit Mix-ins

Add some blueberries or sliced strawberries for extra color and sweetness.

Spicy Kick

Sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes or thin slices of jalapeño for heat lovers.

Nutty Crunch

Top with toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds for added texture.

How to Make Watermelon and Feta Salad

Step 1: Make the Dressing

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, and kosher salt until well combined. This simple dressing is all you need – the ingredients themselves bring so much flavor!

Step 2: Combine the Ingredients

Add the watermelon cubes, cucumber pieces, crumbled feta cheese, and roughly chopped basil to the bowl with the dressing.

Step 3: Toss Gently

Carefully fold everything together until the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing. Be gentle – you want to maintain those perfect watermelon cubes rather than mashing them.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Transfer your beautiful salad to a serving bowl. Sprinkle the chopped mint and flaky sea salt over the top. Serve immediately for maximum freshness and flavor.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Chill the Watermelon: For an extra refreshing salad, refrigerate the watermelon before cutting.
Don’t Skip the Flaky Salt: Those crunchy finishing salt flakes make a huge difference in both texture and flavor – they create little pops of saltiness that contrast beautifully with the sweet watermelon.
Gentle Handling: Toss the salad with a light touch to keep the watermelon and feta intact.
Serving Tip: Use a slotted spoon for serving, as the watermelon will release some juice as it sits.

How to Serve

Perfect Pairings

This salad shines alongside grilled chicken, fish, or as part of a Mediterranean mezze spread. It’s particularly wonderful with anything cooked on the grill – the refreshing flavors balance smoky, charred proteins perfectly.

Presentation Ideas

Serve in a wide, shallow bowl to showcase the beautiful colors. For individual portions, try serving in hollowed-out watermelon halves for a stunning presentation.

Drink Pairings

A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light rosé complements this salad beautifully. For non-alcoholic options, sparkling water with a splash of lemonade works wonderfully.

Make Ahead and Storage

Preparing Components Ahead

You can prepare the dressing and chop the watermelon and cucumber up to a day ahead, but store them separately. Assemble just before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad may release more liquid as it sits, but will still taste delicious.

Refreshing Leftovers

To revitalize leftover salad, drain any excess liquid, add a few fresh watermelon cubes, and a sprinkle of new herbs before serving.

FAQs

Can I make this salad the day before?
While you can prepare all the components ahead of time, I recommend assembling the salad just before serving. Watermelon releases juice as it sits with salt and dressing, which can make the salad watery if made too far in advance. If you need to prepare ahead, keep the ingredients separate and toss them together right before your meal.

How do I pick the perfect watermelon?
Look for a watermelon that feels heavy for its size and has a yellow patch (not white or green) where it sat on the ground. Give it a tap – a ripe watermelon should produce a deep, hollow sound rather than a high-pitched one. These tips will help ensure your watermelon is sweet and juicy, which is crucial for this salad.

Is there a dairy-free version of this salad?
Absolutely! You can substitute the feta with a dairy-free feta alternative, which many grocery stores now carry. Another option is to use diced avocado for creaminess or just omit the cheese entirely – the salad is still delicious with just the watermelon, cucumber, and herbs tossed in the dressing.

Can I add protein to make this a complete meal?
This salad transforms beautifully into a main dish with added protein. Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas work wonderfully. For a vegetarian protein boost, try adding quinoa or white beans. The fresh, bright flavors of the salad complement these proteins perfectly while turning it into a satisfying complete meal.

Final Thoughts

This Watermelon and Feta Salad isn’t just a recipe – it’s summer in a bowl! With its perfect balance of sweet, salty, tangy, and fresh flavors, it’s sure to become a staple in your warm-weather rotation. Whether you’re hosting friends for a barbecue or simply treating yourself to a refreshing lunch, this salad delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. Give it a try – your taste buds will thank you!

Watermelon and Feta Salad Recipe