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Watermelon Cucumber Salad

Watermelon Cucumber Salad

This refreshing summer salad combines sweet watermelon and crisp cucumber with tangy feta cheese and aromatic mint for the perfect hot-weather dish. Not just delicious, it's also naturally hydrating with watermelon's 92% water content and cucumber's 96%.
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Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keyword: Watermelon Cucumber Salad, Cooling Cucumber Salad, Summer Salad, Refreshing Salad
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Chilling Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 145kcal

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Small Bowl for Vinaigrette
  • Sharp Knife
  • Cutting Board

Ingredients

Salad Base

  • 4 cups seedless watermelon cubed into 1-inch pieces
  • 2 medium cucumbers peeled and cubed (about 2 cups)
  • 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves roughly chopped
  • 1/4 cup feta cheese crumbled (substitute with dairy-free feta for vegan option)
  • 1/4 red onion thinly sliced

Vinaigrette

  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon honey substitute with agave nectar for vegan version
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze for drizzling (optional)

Instructions

  • Cut watermelon into 1-inch cubes, removing any seeds if necessary. For the cucumbers, either peel them completely or create a striped effect by partially peeling lengthwise. Halve the cucumbers lengthwise, scoop out seeds, and cut into cubes roughly the same size as the watermelon.
  • Thinly slice the red onion and roughly chop the mint leaves just before adding to preserve their aromatic oils.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lime juice, honey, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
  • In a large bowl, gently toss the watermelon, cucumber, red onion, and mint with the prepared vinaigrette. Use folding motions rather than stirring to keep the watermelon from breaking down.
  • Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the salad just before serving. For an elegant presentation, add the feta to individual servings rather than mixing through the entire salad.
  • If using, drizzle with balsamic glaze right before serving for an extra flavor dimension.
  • For best results, chill the salad for about 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld (though this step is optional).

Notes

Choose a watermelon that sounds hollow when tapped and cucumbers that feel firm with no soft spots for maximum flavor.
For meal prep, pre-cut watermelon and cucumber can be stored separately for up to 3 days in airtight containers with a paper towel to absorb excess moisture.
Add protein like grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas to make this a main dish.

Nutrition

Calories: 145kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 2.5g | Cholesterol: 8mg | Sodium: 210mg | Potassium: 230mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 12IU | Vitamin C: 15mg | Calcium: 5mg | Iron: 0.5mg
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