Quick: What fruit is also a vegetable AND the unofficial MVP of summer? While eggplant is technically classified as a summer berry, I think we can all agree the answer is watermelon.
Fresh, juicy watermelon has been a staple of summer picnics, potlucks and BBQs for generations, and it’s totally delicious on its own. But if you’ve never tried blending it with creamy feta, crispy cucumber, fresh mint and lime dressing, you haven’t experienced it’s full potential.
This refreshing summer salad is the perfect balance of sweet, salty and savory, and – like most of my recipes – it’s super simple to make. Before we dive into the details, here are a few quick tips to ensure the best flavor and texture.
Make it just before you’re ready to serve – The mint in this recipe will oxidize if you prep in advance, and the salad overall doesn’t really keep well. Don’t worry, though, if you serve it fresh there’s almost no chance there will be leftovers . . . only requests for another batch soon! And since it’s super simple to make that’s an easy peasy request. 🙂
Use block feta – It tends to be firmer than feta that has been pre-crumbled, which works so much better in this recipe.
Don’t skip soaking the red onions – It reduces some of their bite and takes less than a minute of hands-on time.
Refreshing Watermelon Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 small seedless watermelon (enough to make 3 c. cubed)
- ¾ cup English cucumber
- ½ cup chopped fresh mint leaves
- ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp honey
- ¼ tsp sea salt
- 5 oz block of feta cheese, crumbled (about 1 cup)
Instructions
- Cut the onion into thin slices. Place the slices in a bowl of water while you prep the other ingredients. (About 10-15 minutes.)
- Cube the watermelon and add it to a medium bowl.
- Chop the cucumber and mint, then add them to the bowl with the watermelon.
- Remove the onions from the water, pat them dry, and add them to the bowl.
- Mix the olive oil, lime juice, honey and salt in a small bowl, then pour them over the watermelon mixture. Toss until well combined.
- Now it's time to add the feta. If you add it and then toss everything it will look kind of messy, so I recommend dividing the salad into serving bowls while sprinkling a little throughout as you go. Make sure to reserve some to sprinkle over the top.
Nutrition
More Summer Inspired Recipes To Try
Balsamic Strawberries – Based on an Italian dish called Fragole all’aceto balsamico, this recipe uses a splash of balsamic vinegar and a drizzle of honey to draw out the sweet fruity goodness of fresh strawberries. They’re perfect over pound cake, ice cream, or a crisp arugula salad.
No Bake Key Lime Pie – Tart and sweet, this creamy recipe is super easy to make with wholesome ingredients. The gluten-free graham cracker crumb crust balances the smooth texture of the lime filling, and it all comes together so easily.
Gluten-Free Peach Cobbler – Cinnamon, vanilla, & heaps of fresh peaches meld beautifully with the buttery, sweet biscuit topping in this easy summer dessert.
Easy Blueberry Sauce – Made with plump blueberries and a hint of lemon, this sweet sauce is perfect over cheesecake, waffles, ice cream, pound cake, yogurt and more.
