This watermelon salad is a surprising yet delicious combination of sweet watermelon, red onion, cucumber, and salty feta cheese. It is refreshing, fruity, and incredibly easy to make in just 20 minutes, making it the absolute perfect summer party side dish.
A Perfect Flavor Balance
The ingredients in this recipe work together to create a bright and dynamic flavor profile. Red onion adds vibrant color and bold flavor, while fresh lime juice brightens up the entire dish. English cucumbers lend a crisp, refreshing texture, perfectly balanced by the creamy flavor of crumbled feta cheese. You can finish the salad with fresh cilantro, or swap it for mint depending on your preference.
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Watermelon Salad
15
servings20
minutes96
kcalIngredients
1 cup sliced red onion, cut lengthwise
3 tablespoons lime juice
15 cups cubed watermelon
3 cups cubed English cucumber
1 (8 ounce) package feta cheese, crumbled
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro or mint
Cracked black pepper, to taste
Sea salt, to taste
Directions
- Marinate the Onions: Place the red onion slices in a small bowl and pour the lime juice over them. Allow the onions to marinate in the juice while you assemble the rest of the salad. (Note: Reviewers state that marinating the onions in the lime juice is an important step for the best flavor!)
- Combine the Base: Gently combine the cubed watermelon, cubed English cucumber, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped cilantro in a large bowl. Season the mixture with cracked black pepper to taste.
- Toss: Toss the watermelon salad with the marinated onions and their juice. Season with sea salt just before serving.
- Serve: Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Make Ahead: You can make this fresh watermelon salad up to a day in advance. For the best texture, keep the dressing separate until ready to serve, and add the feta just before serving so it does not become soggy.
- Storage: Store your leftover watermelon salad with feta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Because watermelon releases liquid as it sits, be sure to stir the salad gently before serving. Leftovers are best enjoyed cold straight from the refrigerator.
- Serving Pairings: This summery watermelon salad will pair perfectly with your favorite grilled protein. Excellent serving ideas include Grilled Rosemary Chicken Breasts, Grilled Sea Bass, or Sirloin Steak with Garlic Butter.
- Herb Swaps: If you do not have cilantro or mint on hand, one reviewer noted great success swapping in fresh basil from their garden.
- Presentation Idea: For an elegant presentation, a reviewer recommends cutting the watermelon into triangular sections and serving them individually topped with the remaining ingredients and drizzled with a balsamic glaze.
