Nothing says summer like the juicy sweetness of watermelon paired with tangy feta and fresh mint. This Watermelon Salad with Feta and Mint Recipe is a bright, refreshing mix that’s surprisingly simple and perfect for warm days when you want something light but full of flavor.

The image shows a white bowl filled with a fresh salad consisting of bright red watermelon cubes and dark green cucumber pieces, scattered with small white crumbles of feta cheese and fresh green mint leaves on top. A silver spoon inside the bowl scoops some of the salad, held by a woman's hand, suggesting serving. In the background, there is a smaller white plate with more of the same salad, some fresh mint leaves on the white marbled surface, a black and white checkered cloth near the bowl, and two lime halves placed nearby. The overall look is fresh, colorful, and inviting. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Watermelon Salad with Feta and Mint Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Watermelon Salad with Feta and Mint Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Watermelon Salad with Feta and Mint Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I always get excited to make this salad because it feels fancy without any fuss. It’s a perfect combination of sweet, salty, and fresh, and honestly, it’s one of those dishes where every bite feels like a mini celebration.

Super simple to put together: Just a few fresh ingredients and a quick lime-olive oil dressing.
Refreshing and hydrating: Watermelon and cucumber provide a juicy crunch that’s perfect for summer heat.
Flavor balance: The feta’s saltiness perfectly complements the sweetness of the fruit and the coolness of the mint.
Versatile side dish: It pairs beautifully with grilled meats, picnics, or even as a light lunch on its own.

The image shows a close-up of a fresh watermelon salad held on a spoon above a white bowl on a white marbled surface. The salad has three main layers: bright red watermelon cubes with a juicy texture form the base, medium green cucumber slices with a smooth surface add a fresh look, and small white crumbles of cheese are scattered on top adding contrast. Light green mint leaves are mixed in for extra color. The background is softly blurred with another white bowl filled with more of the same salad visible. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient here plays a starring role, creating a harmonious flavor and texture ensemble. Plus, they’re super easy to find. The key is choosing fresh, quality watermelon and cucumber to keep that crisp, juicy vibe.

Flat lay of bright red cubed seedless watermelon, pale green cubed seedless English cucumber, fresh torn green mint leaves, crumbled white feta cheese, small glass bowl of golden extra virgin olive oil, and a halved fresh lime with vibrant green flesh, all beautifully arranged on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Watermelon: Go for seedless if possible and make sure it's ripe but firm — too soft and it’ll turn mushy quickly.
English cucumber: These are great because they have fewer seeds and thinner skin, keeping the salad crisp.
Feta cheese: Adds the necessary salty punch; don’t skip it, but crumble it lightly for texture without overpowering.
Fresh mint leaves: Mint brings that fresh herbal brightness that lifts the entire dish.
Extra virgin olive oil: Use a good-quality one — it adds richness and a smooth mouthfeel to the dressing.
Fresh lime juice: Brightens and balances the natural sweetness of the watermelon.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love playing around with this salad depending on what I have on hand or who I’m feeding. It’s super flexible, so you can easily put your personal spin on it.

Add some heat: I sometimes sprinkle a pinch of chili flakes or even thinly sliced jalapeños for a sweet-spicy kick — it sounds unusual, but it’s amazing.
Swap herbs: If you’re not a huge mint fan, basil or fresh cilantro works beautifully, offering a different herbal note.
Crunch factor: For extra texture, toss in some toasted pine nuts or sliced almonds — it adds a nice nutty contrast.
Dress it differently: Occasionally, I swap lime juice for lemon juice or even a splash of balsamic vinegar for a tangier edge.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Watermelon Salad with Feta and Mint Recipe

Step 1: Whisk Together the Dressing

I start by mixing the extra virgin olive oil and fresh lime juice in a small bowl. Whisk until they blend into a silky dressing. This little step is crucial because the dressing nails that bright flavor that ties everything together — don’t skip or eyeball it! Set it aside while you prep the salad.

Step 2: Prep the Fresh Ingredients

Next, cube your seedless watermelon and English cucumber into bite-sized pieces. I like to keep them roughly the same size for balance and ease of eating. Then toss in the chopped or torn fresh mint leaves. The mint is key for freshness, so be generous with it.

Step 3: Combine and Toss Gently

Drizzle the dressing over the watermelon and cucumber mixture, then gently toss everything together. Be careful here — watermelon and cucumber release juices quickly, so the salad can get watery if you overmix or press too hard. The goal is a light coating of the dressing all around.

Step 4: Sprinkle on the Feta and Serve

Right before serving, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the top. This adds that gorgeous salty contrast that makes the salad pop. Serve immediately to enjoy the freshest textures and flavors.

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned that timing and ingredient freshness make or break this Watermelon Salad with Feta and Mint Recipe. Here are a few little insights to help you get it just right every time.

Use chilled ingredients: Keep the watermelon and cucumber in the fridge before making the salad to maintain that refreshing crunch.
Don’t make it too far in advance: Watery textures can develop quickly, so prepare close to serving time for best results.
Gently toss the salad: Too much stirring breaks down the watermelon and cucumber, turning it mushy.
Choose quality feta: A good salty, creamy feta really elevates every bite — it’s worth the splurge.

How to Serve Watermelon Salad with Feta and Mint Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep garnishes simple — a few extra mint leaves and maybe a wedge of lime on the side to brighten things up. Sometimes, if I’m feeling fancy, I’ll add a tiny drizzle of balsamic glaze for a touch of sweetness and visual appeal.

Side Dishes

This salad is an excellent partner for grilled chicken or steak, especially during summer barbecues. I also like pairing it with grilled shrimp or alongside some crusty bread to soak up any leftover dressing and juices.

Creative Ways to Present

One favorite trick is using a melon baller to scoop watermelon into perfect spheres instead of cubes — it makes the salad look super elegant. Serving it in hollowed-out watermelon halves also makes for a stunning presentation at parties or gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you do have leftovers, store them in a sealed glass container in the fridge, but only for a night or two. The watermelon and cucumber release a lot of juice, so the texture won’t hold up very long after mixing.

Freezing

Freezing this salad isn’t something I recommend because watermelon and cucumber become mushy when thawed. It’s really best enjoyed fresh.

Reheating

This is a salad that’s meant to be served cold and fresh, so reheating isn’t really an option. If you want to enjoy the flavors again, make a fresh batch using the same quick method!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other types of cheese instead of feta in this watermelon salad?

Feta is ideal due to its saltiness and crumbliness, which balances the sweetness of the watermelon. However, if you want to mix it up, try cotija cheese or halloumi (grilled for extra texture). Avoid cheeses that are too soft or mild, as they won’t give the same contrast.

How far in advance can I make this Watermelon Salad with Feta and Mint Recipe?

It’s best made just before serving to prevent the salad from getting watery and losing its fresh texture. If you must prepare ahead, keep the dressing separate and toss quickly right before serving.

Can I add protein to make this a more substantial meal?

Absolutely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even crispy chickpeas make great additions to turn this salad into a light, healthy main dish without losing its refreshing charm.

Should I peel the cucumber for this salad?

If you're using an English cucumber, peeling isn’t necessary—they have thin, tender skin. For regular cucumbers, you might want to peel or at least partially peel them if the skin is thick or bitter to keep the salad crisp and pleasant.

Final Thoughts

This Watermelon Salad with Feta and Mint Recipe has become one of my go-to summer dishes because it’s easy, fast, and always impresses. Whether you’re making it for yourself, a casual lunch, or a crowd, it’s sure to delight with its fresh layers of flavor and texture. Give it a try—you might find it’s your new seasonal favorite, just like I did.