Feta cheese and watermelon salad is one of those effortless salad recipes that looks beautiful on the table and tastes even better! Fuss-free and bursting with vibrant seasonal flavors, the chilled, juicy watermelon and crumbly, salty feta blend sweet and salty into one delicious bite.
Sweet watermelon, creamy feta, fresh mint, crunchy cucumbers, and a simple lemony dressing come together most refreshingly. Every bite is juicy, salty, crisp, and incredibly satisfying!
Whether you're planning a summer barbecue, a picnic, or just need a quick lunch on a hot afternoon, this feta cheese watermelon salad is one summer recipe you'll find yourself making again and again (just like my corn bean avocado salad and watermelon iced tea).
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Fresh, light, and wonderfully refreshing, the feta and watermelon salad comes together in just 20 minutes.
- The quick salad recipe is super versatile and perfect for improvising with whatever you have in your garden or fridge.
- The salad is amazingly hydrating, exactly what you need when you're melting in scorching summer temperatures.
- It’s proof that the simplest ingredients often make the most memorable dishes.
Recipe Ingredients
Watermelon: Choose a peak-summer watermelon that's firm, juicy, and feels heavier for its size. I always check the outside for any dents or cuts first. Then, turn it over and look for the field spot (the part that rested on the ground while it ripened). It should be creamy yellow rather than white. Finally, thump on the slightly flat side of the melon; if it sounds hollow, you've found a ripe, flavorful melon.
Feta Cheese: Creamy, tangy feta is what makes this salad shine. Block feta usually has the best texture, but crumbled feta works perfectly too. I recommend looking for feta that is slightly grainy yet very creamy.
Onion: For crunch and a sharp flavor! Slice it thin so it doesn't overpower the taste of the feta cheese watermelon salad.
Cucumbers: Cool, crisp cucumbers add another layer of freshness and a lovely crunch.
Herbs: Mint and watermelon are such a natural pairing. The fresh leaves make this watermelon feta mint salad taste even more summery. You can use basil or any fresh herb you prefer.
Dressing: Use extra virgin olive oil and freshly squeezed lemon juice to tie everything together.
Please see the recipe card below for full information about ingredients and quantities.
Variations
One of my favorite things about this watermelon feta salad recipe is how easy it is to adapt. You can switch melons for grapes or cantaloupe. The classic Greek Mediterranean pairing works with any fruit. Try adding orange slices, a few olives, capers, or even halved tomatoes.
- If you prefer sweeter cheese, use goat cheese or soft cotija cheese.
- Skip the cheese and add blueberries to make a different but very summer-coded watermelon blueberry salad.
- Add toasted pistachios or walnuts for crunch.
- Chili flakes are a great way to add heat to the summer salad.
- You can even use a different vinaigrette made from balsamic vinegar, honey, and olive oil.
How to Make Feta Cheese And Watermelon Salad
Step 1: Make the vinaigrette - Whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Set aside.
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the watermelon, cucumbers, sliced onions, and crumbled feta cheese.
Step 3: Pour the dressing over the salad just before serving and gently toss everything together.
Step 4: Top with fresh mint and more feta cheese if you want. Serve chilled!
Pro Tips
- Let the salad sit in the refrigerator for an hour. It makes the salad more flavorful.
- I love the sharpness and crunch of raw onions. If you don’t like the punch, marinate them in red vinegar or soak them in cold water for 5 minutes.
- Be careful not to add too much salt to your dressing, as the feta cheese is quite salty. You can always add more later.
- If your watermelon is not sweet enough, drizzle a little honey over the salad.
How To Serve
This salad with feta and watermelon pairs beautifully with all your favorite barbecue dishes, roasted vegetables, and meats.
Create a delicious salad bar and serve this watermelon feta salad alongside avocado egg salad, summer pasta salad, and peach mozzarella salad.
Make it a part of a summer brunch spread - Think crispy crostini, baked chicken nuggets, and fried pickle dip.
I also love enjoying a bowl on its own for a light lunch when it's simply too warm to cook. For a fuller meal, serve it on a bed of arugula or baby greens.
Recipe FAQs
You can prepare all the ingredients a few hours in advance and keep them refrigerated separately. Assemble and dress the salad an hour before serving for the freshest texture!
Since watermelon naturally releases water over time, this salad is best enjoyed the day it is made. Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one day.
Yes! Simply swap the feta for your favorite plant-based feta alternative.
More Summer Salads
Did you try this recipe? I'd love to hear how it turned out. Please drop a comment below or reach out on Instagram, Pinterest, YouTube, or Facebook. I hope you love this feta cheese and watermelon salad as much as we do!
📖 Recipe
Watermelon Feta Salad
Ingredients
- 3 cups Watermelon, cubed
- 1 Cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1/2 small Onion, thinly sliced
- 1/3 cup Feta cheese, crumbled
- Fresh mint, a small handful
Vinaigrette
- 2 tbsp Extra virgin Olive oil
- 1 tbsp Lemon juice
- Salt & Pepper to taste
Instructions
Vinaigrette
- Whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper in a small bowl. Set aside.
Salad
- In a large bowl, combine the watermelon, sliced cucumber, and onions.
- Drizzle over the dressing.
- Top with feta cheese and fresh mint.
- Chill the salad for at least 1 hour and serve cold. Enjoy!
Notes
- Let the salad sit in the refrigerator for an hour. It makes the salad more flavorful.
- I love the sharpness and crunch of raw onions. If you don’t like the punch, marinate them in red vinegar or soak them in cold water for 5 minutes.
- Be careful not to add too much salt to your dressing, as the feta is salty. You can always add more later.
- If your watermelon is not sweet enough, add a drizzle of honey to the salad.
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