Watermelon Salad with Cucumber and Feta

 

Watermelon Salad with Cucumber and Feta

This refreshing, sweet, and savory dish is perfect for hot summer days. Juicy watermelon pairs beautifully with crisp cucumber, tangy feta cheese, and fresh mint, all tossed in a light citrus dressing.

Ingredients (Serves 4-6):

For the Salad:

• 4 cups watermelon, cubed (seedless or remove seeds)
• 1 cucumber, thinly sliced or diced
• ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
• ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
• ¼ cup fresh mint leaves, chopped (or basil for variation)
• ¼ cup fresh arugula or baby spinach (optional)

For the Dressing:

• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tbsp fresh lime juice (or lemon juice)
• 1 tsp honey (optional)
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper

 

Instructions:

Instructions (Total Time: 10 minutes):

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

1. Cube the watermelon into bite-sized pieces.
2. Slice or dice the cucumber and thinly slice the red onion (if using).
3. Chop the mint leaves and crumble the feta cheese.

Step 2: Make the Dressing

1. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, honey, salt, and black pepper.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

1. In a large bowl, combine watermelon, cucumber, red onion, and mint.
2. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine.
3. Sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese and optional arugula or spinach.

Step 4: Serve & Enjoy!

1. Serve immediately, or refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to chill before serving.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate for 1 cup of salad):

• Calories: 120 kcal
• Protein: 3g
• Carbs: 12g
• Fat: 7g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 9g
• Sodium: 200mg (varies based on feta cheese)

Notes & Tips:

• Make it Dairy Free: Use vegan feta or skip the cheese.
• More Protein: Add grilled chicken, chickpeas, or quinoa.
• Extra Crunch: Toss in toasted almonds or walnuts.
• Serving Suggestion: Best served cold on a hot day.
• Storage Tip: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours, but best eaten fresh.

Questions & Answers:

• Can I make this salad ahead of time? Yes, but for the best texture, add the feta and dressing just before serving.
• What can I use instead of mint? Fresh basil is a great substitute.
• Can I use another cheese instead of feta? Yes! Try goat cheese or crumbled ricotta salata.
• How do I pick a good watermelon? Look for a heavy watermelon with a yellow spot and a deep, hollow sound when tapped.
• What dishes pair well with this salad? It goes well with grilled meats, seafood, BBQ, or Mediterranean dishes like hummus and pita.