Fitness / June 15, 2023

Refreshing Watermelon Cucumber Salad

This Refreshing Watermelon Cucumber Salad recipe combines juicy watermelon, crisp cucumbers, and tangy feta cheese, then tops it with a zesty dressing and fresh mint garnish to make the perfect summer side dish.

Refreshing Watermelon Cucumber Salad featured

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When I think of summer, I think of backyard barbecues, pool parties, and beach getaways. Amid the heat there is nothing quite like this salad to reinvigorate you. It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser and adds a touch of elegance to any summertime gathering. Combining juicy watermelon, crisp cucumbers, and punchy red onions, this salad is a celebration of vibrant flavors and textures.

But let’s not forget the crumbled feta cheese and a zingy lemon-honey dressing; that’s when the true culinary magic comes into play. This fusion of Mediterranean-inspired ingredients offers a harmonious balance of sweet, savory, and tangy notes. Top it with a fresh mint leaf garnish and suddenly, where there was a salad is now a work of art.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

Watermelon, mint, and feta may seem like an unusual combination but it’s a must-try in a summer salad!
Have I mentioned how refreshing this is! It’s watermelon, after all, which is pretty much flavored water, right?
The watermelon provides a mild sweetness that will appeal to the whole family. The kids will eat this salad because they want to, not just because it’s good for them (which this salad is, by the way *see the next section*)

Is This Watermelon Cucumber Salad Healthy?

This fruit has a high water content, which keeps you hydrated during hot summer days, and provides a high amount of electrolytes, such as potassium.
Watermelon also helps to keep blood pressure low and improves circulation to support heart health.
It contains vitamins A and C, and antioxidative properties (that’s how it gets its bright red color!)

INGREDIENTS

These all-natural ingredients will do your body (and your taste buds) good!

the salad:

½ watermelon, cubed (around 4 cups)
1 small cucumber, diced
½ red onion, thinly sliced
⅓ cup feta cheese, crumbled
sprig mint leaves, for garnish
pinch of sea salt and black pepper

THE DRESSING:

2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
3 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp honey
pinch of sea salt and black pepper

Refreshing Watermelon Cucumber Salad ingredients

INSTRUCTIONS

Prep

Dice the cucumber and set aside. Thinly slice the red onion. Remove the seeds and skin from the watermelon. Cut the watermelon into stripes and cubes. Set aside.

Combine

Combine the cubed watermelon, diced cucumber, and sliced red onions in a bowl.

Whisk

In a small bowl, add the olive oil, lemon juice, honey, and whisk to combine. Season with sea salt and black pepper.

Arrange

Arrange the watermelon, cucumber, and red onions on a plate. Drizzle with the dressing.

Top

Top with crumbled feta cheese and garnish with mint leaves. Season with salt and pepper.

DEVOUR!

Variations

Looking to make this salad more substantial? Add avocado cubes or hot peppers. Avocado contains healthy fats while the peppers will give the salad some bite.
Not a fan of mint? Feel as though your breath is fresh enough? Consider fresh herbs like basil or coriander instead.
Add some sliced almonds to give this salad a crunchy texture.
The fruit doesn’t have to be limited to just watermelon; add sliced strawberries or sliced peach.
Substitute lime juice for the lemon juice in the dressing. The lime juice will provide a tangy, zesty flavor that harmonizes well with the watermelon and cucumber. Experiment with different citrus options to find your perfect balance of acidity and sweetness.

Other Salads You Might Like To Try

Going to a picnic? Here are some other dishes you might like to bring along with the watermelon salad:

Simple Mexican Coleslaw: As the name implies, this is a simple one to concoct so you can spend more time in the summer sun and less time in the kitchen prepping your dishes.

Low-Carb Mock Cauliflower Potato Salad: Fool your fellow diners with this “potato” salad that doesn’t contain potato (and all its carbs) at all.

Healthy Mediterranean Couscous Salad: Couscous looks good on a fancy plate beside a serving of grilled fish AND at a barbecue beside cobs of corn and tubs of Jell-O.

FAQs

Why is my watermelon cucumber salad mushy?

I’m guessing the watermelon was old and, therefore, too soft. Choose a ripe watermelon for this salad. An overripe watermelon will become mushy when dicing and will release a lot of juice. Also, make sure to toss the salad gently and add the dressing at the very last minute before serving.

Can I use a different type of cheese apart from feta?

Absolutely! You can experiment with a soft cheese (e.g., goat) or a crumbly cheese (e.g., blue); both are excellent alternatives that pair well with the watermelon and cucumber base.

How can I make this salad vegan?

For a vegan-friendly version, replace the feta cheese with a vegan cheese alternative or omit the cheese altogether. Additionally, make sure to use a plant-based honey substitute, such as agave syrup, for the dressing.

How do I pick the perfect watermelon for this salad?

Choose a watermelon that feels heavy for its size, with a uniform shape and a creamy yellow spot where it sat on the ground (indicating ripeness). Knock on the watermelon – a deep, hollow sound signifies a ripe, juicy melon. Avoid those with soft, flat, or indented areas, as they may be overripe or lack sufficient water content.

How to Store Watermelon Cucumber Salad

Store the cubed watermelon, diced cucumbers, and thinly sliced red onions separately in airtight containers to prevent them from getting soggy or losing their distinct textures. It also allows you to assemble individual portions as needed over the course of a few days.

It’s best to store the lemon-honey dressing separately in a small airtight container. Adding it to the salad before you need to will result in soggy ingredients.

To serve, combine the watermelon, cucumber, and red onions. Drizzle with the dressing, top with crumbled feta cheese, and garnish with mint leaves. Add a pinch of salt and pepper and, with that, your salad is ready to go once again.