Watermelon Feta and Mint Salad
This easy Watermelon Feta Mint Salad is refreshing and packed with sweet and savory flavors. It’s the perfect fast and flavorful side dish made in 10 minutes to pair with any main course for delicious summer entertaining.
As soon as summer hit when I was growing up, we always had watermelon in the house…and I mean always. Juicy, ripe, sweet and so refreshing, it’s a must on hot days, and this Watermelon Feta Mint Salad is the perfect no-cook side that comes together with minimal effort, and is the perfect balance of sweet, savory, tangy, and creamy flavor and texture. It’s ideal for summer BBQs, cookouts, and and easy summer entertaining.
Perfectly sweet and juicy watermelon, tangy, salty feta and fresh mint get tossed in a citrusy dressing for the ultimate summer side. This Watermelon Feta Mint Salad is made with 6 minimal ingredients but has big flavor, and that’s my kind of cooking…or should I say, non-cooking, in the summertime. Enjoy!
If you like this refreshing recipe, try some of our other favorites with watermelon as the star ingredient. This Watermelon Peach Feta Salad is packed with fruity flavor and we love these Watermelon Margarita Skewers, too.
Why You’ll Love This Salad
- Ready in Under 10 Minutes: With just a handful of easy ingredients and a simple process, this salad comes together in no time at all.
- No Cooking Required: No oven or stove required — simple mix and serve. This recipe is ideal for hot days.
- Perfect Flavor Combo: This salad is the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and herby.
- Great for Entertaining: Easy to assemble, plate or transport, this salad is perfect for potlucks, BBQs, and meal prep.
- Easily Customizable: Add or omit ingredients based on your taste and preferences. Add cucumber, arugula, or prosciutto for extra flavor.
Ingredients
- Watermelon: Juicy, refreshing, and vibrant in color. A true summer staple.
- Feta Cheese: Salty, tangy, and perfectly crumbly. Pairs nicely with the sweet watermelon.
- Mint: Slightly sweet and cooling, fresh mint makes all the difference.
- Cucumber: Clean and refreshing in flavor, and crisp in texture.
- Lime: Freshly squeezed, for brightness.
- Honey: Adds a touch of sweetness.
- Sea Salt & Black Pepper: Seasoning enhances the whole salad.
How To Make Watermelon Mint Feta Salad
1. Add the watermelon, feta, mint, and cucumber (if using) to a large serving bowl.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, honey, salt, and pepper.
3. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine.
4. Garnish with additional mint and feta.
5. Serve immediately or chill until ready to serve.
Expert Tips
- Use Cold Watermelon: Use chilled melon, straight from the fridge for the best texture. This way it’s firm, and not mushy.
- Pat Watermelon Dry: Remove excess moisture gently, to avoid a watery salad.
- Add Feta and Mint Last: Fold both in just before serving for the best color and texture.
- Don’t Substitute Dried Mint for Fresh: Fresh is a must — it’s colorful and refreshing in flavor. Dried just won’t do the trick.
- Choose Ripe Watermelon: Look for watermelons that have a dull, matte finish (not shiny), feel heavy when you pick them up, have a yellow spot on the bottom, and a brown stem. This means they’re fully ripe and juicy.
Variations
- Make it Spicy: Add thinly sliced jalapeños for heat.
- Greek-Inspired: Mix in Kalamata olives and be sure to include cucumber for a Mediterranean-inspired twist and extra tang.
- Vegan Option: Use dairy-free feta or omit entirely.
- Use Other Fruit: Try swapping in ripe cantaloupe or honeydew for the watermelon.
Storage
Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for 1-2 days. Drain any excess liquid before storing, and if possible, store the salad in a strainer or colander so the liquid can drain as it sits. Watermelon releases a lot of moisture, so leftovers can be slightly watery!
You can prep the components to this salad in advance and store them separately in airtight containers. For the best texture, combine ingredients right before serving, gently mix, and enjoy.
FAQs
Yes, you can prep the ingredients in advance, but for the best texture we recommend mixing together right before serving.
A block of sheep’s milk feta cut into cubes or crumbled is perfect for a tangy, salty flavor and crumbly texture.
We don’t recommend using thawed frozen watermelon as the texture can turn mushy and soft, but you could certainly try grated frozen watermelon into the salad to give it a viral “shaved ice” texture.
More Easy Salad Recipes
- Greek Tortellini Salad
- Fruit Salad with Honey Lime Dressing
- 7-Layer Spring Salad
- Caesar Tortellini Salad
Watermelon Mint Feta Salad
Ingredients
- 6 cups watermelon cubed
- 1 cup feta cheese crumbled
- ¼ cup fresh mint chopped
- 1 small cucumber diced (optional)
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Pinch of sea salt
- Fresh cracked black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Add the watermelon, feta, mint, and cucumber (if using) to a large serving bowl.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, honey, salt, and pepper.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine.
- Garnish with additional mint and feta.
- Serve immediately or chill until ready to serve.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 1-2 days. Drain excess liquid before storing, and if possible, store salad in a strainer or colander so the liquid can drain as it sits. Watermelon releases a lot of moisture, so leftovers can be slightly watery!
- Prep the components to this salad in advance and store separately in airtight containers. For the best texture combine ingredients right before serving, gently mix, and enjoy.
