If you love watermelon, you have to try this Watermelon Feta Salad! It could be the ultimate summer salad, made with juicy watermelon, crisp cucumber, fresh herbs, creamy feta, and a simple honey lime dressing that ties it all together. It is based on my easy Watermelon Salad, made with red onion, lime juice, mint, and a balsamic glaze. It’s another perfect way to enjoy this summer favorite.
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Honey Lime Dressing: This easy Honey Lime Dressing is sweet, tangy, and full of fresh flavor. And, it is made with just four simple ingredients: honey, fresh lime juice, olive oil, and a pinch of salt.
- Watermelon: For the best flavor and easiest prep, use sweet, ripe, seedless watermelon. Seedless watermelon keeps things simple, no picking out all the seeds!
- Cucumber: A Crisp cucumber adds refreshing crunch and balances the sweetness of the watermelon. We use mini cucumbers, sliced into half-moons for easy bites. No peeling needed, just slice and toss! Regular seedless cucumbers work well too, as long as they’re fresh and firm.
- Herbs: Fresh mint and basil make the salad taste extra fresh and summery. They add a pop of flavor that goes great with the sweet watermelon and salty feta.
- Feta Cheese: I like feta cheese for its creamy, salty bite; it balances the sweetness of the fruit and just ties everything together! I especially loved the bites with plenty of feta! If you don’t have feta, try goat cheese, queso fresco, or even small chunks of fresh homemade mozzarella as an easy substitute.
Can I Use Dried Herbs Instead of Fresh?
Fresh herbs are best for this salad, adding a bright flavor and a fresh, summery feel. So I would not recommend substituting dried herbs; they won’t give the same effect and can taste flat in a raw salad. If you don’t have fresh mint or basil, it’s better to leave them out or try using fresh parsley or cilantro instead, depending on your taste.
Why You’ll Love This Watermelon Feta Salad
If you’re looking for an easy fruit salad that’s refreshing, flavorful, and perfect for summer, this Watermelon Feta Salad is exactly what you need! And, if that isn’t enough reason to make it, here are more!
- Fresh and hydrating: Made with juicy seedless watermelon and crisp cucumber
- Easy to prepare: Ready in just minutes with simple ingredients
- Perfect balance: Sweet watermelon, salty feta, and tangy honey lime dressing
- Herb-packed flavor: Fresh mint and basil add bright, refreshing notes
- Ideal for summer: Great for picnics, BBQs, or light, healthy meals
Can I Make Watermelon Feta Salad Ahead Of Time?
Yes, you can make this watermelon feta salad ahead of time, but there are things to keep in mind. When making the salad ahead, it’s best to keep the watermelon, cucumber, and herbs together in one airtight container in the refrigerator. The honey lime dressing and feta cheese should be stored separately. Just before serving, toss the watermelon mixture with the dressing and sprinkle the feta on top. This helps keep the salad fresh and the feta nice and crumbly.
Easy Additions and Variations for Watermelon Feta Salad
Want to mix things up? This watermelon feta salad is super versatile and easy to customize. Here are some tasty ideas to try:
- Add avocado.
- Toss in toasted nuts like almonds, pistachios, or walnuts for crunch.
- Try it with goat cheese or queso fresco for a different tangy flavor.
- Add a handful of arugula or baby spinach to make it a more filling salad.
- Include thinly sliced red onion or shallots.
- Sprinkle chili flakes or drizzle a little chili oil if you like a spicy kick.
- Use fresh strawberries or blueberries to add extra fruit sweetness and color.
- Try a different herb mix, like cilantro or parsley, for a new flavor twist.
Feel free to get creative and adjust based on what you have on hand!
How to Store Watermelon Feta Salad
To store watermelon feta salad, keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. I recommend keeping the dressing and feta cheese separate until ready to serve (if possible). The salad stays fresh for 1–2 days. After that, the watermelon and cucumber may release water and become soggy. For best results, toss everything together just before eating.
Watermelon Feta Salad
Ingredients
Honey Lime Dressing
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 medium lime, juiced (about 2 tablespoons)
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 pinch kosher salt
Salad
- ½ seedless watermelon, peeled, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 6 cups)
- 2 cups cucumber, sliced in half lengthwise, then cut into half-moon shapes (we used mini cucumbers)
- ¼ cup chopped mint leaves, (about 15 leaves)
- ¼ cup chopped basil leaves, (about 15 leaves)
- ½ cup (100 g) feta cheese, crumbled
Instructions
Honey Lime Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, lime juice, olive oil, and kosher salt until smooth and well combined. Set aside.
Salad
- In a large bowl, combine the watermelon, cucumber, mint, and basil. Gently toss to distribute the herbs evenly.
- Drizzle the honey lime dressing over the watermelon mixture and gently toss again to coat.
- Sprinkle the crumbled feta over the top and serve immediately.
Did you make this recipe?
You can tag me at @iamhomesteader.
What the Test Kitchen had to say about this recipe:
Autumn
This could become my go-to summer salad! It is sweet, salty, and tangy, and I really love it!
Elizabeth
I had no idea what this salad would taste like with all of the flavors going on. But, I was pleasantly surprised at how well all of the flavors worked together! Yum!
Bella
I have never eaten cheese with watermelon, but it works, I guess. This salad is definitely refreshing and really good.
Stephanie
I couldn't wait to taste test this salad! I forget how much I love watermelon and I love feta, so it was a winner of a salad for me!
Amazing