Watermelon Salad with Cucumber and Feta
Description:
This refreshing Watermelon Salad with Cucumber and Feta is a perfect summer dish that combines juicy, sweet watermelon with crisp cucumber, tangy feta cheese, and a zesty dressing. The flavors are light and vibrant, making it a great appetizer, side dish, or even a light meal on a hot day. The salad is easy to make, requires no cooking, and comes together in about 15 minutes.
Ingredients:
4 cups watermelon, cubed (seedless preferred)
1 large cucumber, peeled and diced (or sliced thin)
1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (or lemon juice)
1 tablespoon olive oi
1 teaspoon honey (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional: 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced (for extra bite)
Optional: A handful of arugula or baby spinach for added greens
Time:
Preparation time: 10-15 minutes
Cooking time: 0 minutes (no cooking involved)
Total time: 10-15 minutes
Instructions:
Prepare the ingredients:
Cube the watermelon into bite-sized pieces.
Peel and dice or thinly slice the cucumber.
Crumble the feta cheese if not pre-crumbled.
Chop the mint leaves finely.
If using, thinly slice the red onion.
Make the dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the fresh lime juice, olive oil, honey (if using), salt, and pepper until well combined.
Assemble the salad:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the watermelon, cucumber, feta, and mint.
If adding red onion or greens, mix them in now.
Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
Serve immediately:
For best flavor and texture, serve the salad right away. If you want to chill it, refrigerate for 10-15 minutes, but avoid leaving it too long as the watermelon may release too much juice.
Tips:
Use seedless watermelon for ease.
Fresh mint is key for a bright, herbal note.
Adjust salt and pepper carefully because feta is salty already.
Lime juice adds more zest and brightness than lemon in this salad, but either works.
Add toasted nuts like pistachios or walnuts for crunch.
Common Questions & Answers:
Q1: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
A1: You can prep the ingredients ahead, but it’s best to combine and dress the salad just before serving to avoid sogginess.
Q2: Can I use other types of cheese?
A2: Feta is preferred for its tangy flavor, but you can substitute with goat cheese or queso fresco for a different twist.
Q3: What if I don’t have fresh mint?
A3: Fresh mint adds freshness, but if you don’t have it, you can omit or replace with fresh basil or cilantro for a different flavor profile.
Q4: Is this salad suitable for vegans?
A4: Traditional feta is made from sheep’s milk, so it’s not vegan. You can substitute with a vegan feta or omit the cheese.
Q5: Can I add protein to this salad?
A5: Yes! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas would complement the salad
well