Watermelon with Feta Cheese Salad

This Watermelon with Feta Cheese Salad is the perfect combination of sweet, salty, and refreshing flavors. Sweet watermelon pairs beautifully with creamy, tangy feta cheese, while fresh herbs and a light dressing bring everything together in a vibrant, crowd-pleasing dish. Whether served as a summer side, a light lunch, or a refreshing appetizer, this colorful summer salad is simple to prepare and bursting with fresh seasonal taste.

Easy Watermelon with Feta Cheese Salad Recipe

When watermelon season rolls around, it’s always a treat to find new ways to enjoy this summertime favorite. If you grew up sprinkling a little salt on a juicy slice of watermelon, you’re going to love this Watermelon with Feta Cheese Salad. The combination of sweet, ripe watermelon and creamy, salty feta creates the perfect balance of flavors in every bite.

Tossed with fresh herbs and a simple dressing, this refreshing watermelon feta salad is an easy way to elevate your summer side dishes. Whether you’re serving it at a backyard bbqs, picnics, family cookout, or Sunday supper, it’s the kind of dish that always draws compliments and has everyone coming back for seconds.

Fresh ingredients to make Watermelon with Feta Cheese Salad: (Scroll down for the full printable recipe card and quantities.)

Melon – Sweet, juicy watermelon is the star of this easy salad.
Cheese – Crumbled feta cheese for a salty bite.
Veggies – Cucumber and red onion adds texture.
Fresh Herbs – Fresh mint expands the flavor profile.
Lime Vinaigrette – Lime juice, granulated sugar, sea salt or kosher salt, black pepper, olive oil (you could use vegetable oil if preferred).

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How to Make Watermelon with Feta Cheese Salad Recipe

Prep the Watermelon and Veggies – Cube the watermelon, slice the onion and cucumber.
Make the Dressing – Place lime juice and sugar in a mason jar with a tight-fitting lid. Shake or stir until completely dissolved. Add salt, pepper, and olive oil. Shake again until well mixed.Set aside
Combine – Combine watermelon, cucumbers, onion, half of the Feta, and mint leaves. Gently toss until combined. Drizzle with dressing and gently stir to combine.
Serve – Transfer to a serving plate or bowl. Top with the remaining half of the Feta, and mint. Drizzle with the rest of the dressing or serve on the side, if desired.

Kitchen Equipment to Make Watermelon Salad

Knife and cutting board.
Large bowl.
Balloon whisk.
Lemon juicer.
Measuring cups and measuring spoons.
Mason jar.

Recipe Variations, Tips and Substitutions

Spice – The addition of a little salt and pepper after assembling the salad ingredients makes a big difference, even though there is salt and pepper in the salad. You can always place shakers on the table for people to make any adjustment to their own taste.
Fresh Herbs – You can use fresh basil in place of mint.
Use Fresh Lime Juice – Freshly squeezed lime juice is best for the dressing. If you have trouble getting juice from your lime, you can microwave the lime for 10-15 seconds, and it should produce more juice. Rolling it on the counter before cutting it can also help to release the juices.
Serving Option – This salad can also be served on a bed of arugula or you can actually mix it into the salad before serving. Should you choose to do so you’ll need around with 2-3 cups of baby arugula. Baby arugula leaves, sliced radish and balsamic glaze are optional but delicious additions.
Balsamic Glaze – Balsamic glaze can be drizzled over the salad as an alternative or in addition to, the lime dressing.
Cucumbers – English cucumbers can be used as an alternative to the baby version since they also have few seeds. That’s the key reason baby cucumbers are used. You could also use sliced radish or add avocado just before serving.
Cheese – Crumbled feta cheese or a block of feta can be used as an alternative. Sometimes I find that a block of Feta, as with any cheese, is better if you crumble it yourself. It also tends to have a fresher flavor. That said, please note than either will work.

Storage and Leftovers

Make-Ahead Tip – You can whip-up the dressing a day or two ahead of time and chill in the refrigerator in a mason jar. Allow it some time on the counter and shake shake shake to combine before tossing with the remaining ingredients. The olive oil will solidify slightly when chilled.
Toss with Dressing Just Before Serving – You can proceed through step 2 and combine the salad ingredients and cover for 30-45 minutes before serving. You will need to pour off any accumulated juices before putting the dressing on the salad, or it may dilute the dressing.
Leftovers – This watermelon salad is best made and served fresh. Should you have leftovers (you likely won’t!) you can safely keep it for 1-2 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator.. The watermelon may naturally become watery, so you’ll want to drain excess liquid it before serving.
Freezer – I don’t recommend freezing this salad, the watermelon will become mushy when thawed, even in the fridge.

More Southern Style Salad Recipes to Make

Fresh salads aren’t just reserved for warm weather, they’re always a welcome addition to any menu. More salad recipes you may like to try:

Fresh marinated Green Bean Salad will add color and texture to the table.
Southern Potato Salad is picnic ready.
Italian Spaghetti Salad with Spinach doubles as a side dish and a light main dish entree.
Layered Southwestern Cornbread Salad can be served as a side dish or with tortilla chips for dipping.
Retro Grape Salad features a sweet creamy dressing and toasted pecans.
Spinach Strawberry Salad from The Slow Roasted Italian.

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