Watermelon Salad

This refreshing WATERMELON SALAD is brimming with sliced sweet watermelon, cucumber, feta cheese, red onions, and mint leaves all tossed in a simple yet unusually good sweet, tangy, and spicy dressing. A mouth-watering summer salad that will impress anybody!

Salads are always a hit here at home during summer. We may have our own preferences when it comes to what we want in our salad, but this Watermelon Salad here gets the nod from all three of us.

Once summer starts to roll around, I seriously go on a watermelon shopping spree. Do you do that, too, or is it just me? Nevertheless,  I was determined to share with you guys my clever tips on how to pick a watermelon. And boy, I was amazed at how many of you have the same challenge, too.

Now if you’re already pretty confident with your watermelon picking skill, then the first thing on your agenda should be this uniquely refreshing and flavor-packed Watermelon Salad. 

Watermelon Salad Recipe Ingredients

If you’ve never tried watermelon in a savory spicy setting, then you’re in for a treat. I’d like to call this salad my “little spunky”, as it is surprisingly good given the uncommon mix and match of ingredients.

For this easy salad recipe, you’ll need:

• fresh seedless watermelon
• diced cucumber
• diced feta cheese (may substitute with Queso Blanco or even Goat Cheese)
• thinly-sliced onions
• coarsely chopped mint leaves

As for the watermelon salad dressing…

• extra virgin olive oil
• fresh lemon juice
• lime juice
• red vinegar (or swap with Apple Cider Vinegar or Balsamic Vinegar)
• cayenne pepper
• honey
• hot sauce
• salt and pepper

I bet you have most of the ingredients sitting in your pantry. Now just imagine the flavor combination in this salad. You’ll get that nice sweet and refreshing taste from watermelon, savory and salty from the cheese and that nice oomph of flavor from the red onions and mint leaves. 

Can You Make This Even Without the Dressing?

I know that some of you might ask this. So yes, you can enjoy this salad EVEN WITHOUT the dressing. HOWEVER,  the salad dressing actually brings all the flavors together; making this simple dish an extraordinary one!

Watermelon Salad Variations

We all know you could customize this watermelon feta salad to suit your liking. So here are just a few of my suggestions.

• Don’t like the spice? Skip the hot sauce and cayenne pepper. It will still be delicious.
• Add avocado slices for creaminess.
• Throw in another fruit like strawberries or blackberries.
• Add a little crunch with some chopped toasted nuts or coconut flakes.
• Corn also tastes amazing with watermelon.
• Want some greens? Serve this salad on a bed of arugula or romaine lettuce.

Can You Make Watermelon Salad Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can. Make this completely the night ahead and store it in the fridge. Or just add the mint and feta cheese on the day of serving. It doesn’t really matter though.

What to Serve with Watermelon Salad?

This homemade watermelon cucumber salad is actually perfect for cookouts or as quick lunches. And most of the time, you’ll love it serving with these ones below.

• Cucumber Sandwiches
• Corn on the Cob
• Salmon Burger
• Fried Fish Sandwich
• Hawaiian Grilled Chicken Thighs
• Marinated Grilled Flank Steak

 

Happy first week of summer!

 

How To Make Watermelon Salad

 

How To Slice a Watermelon

Start by cutting off both ends of the watermelon. Then slice watermelon into half and cut in slices. Place each slice on the cutting board. Then cut out the skin of the watermelon slices, as you cut it out rotate the slice. Be sure to cut out all the white parts. Cut it into cubes and place in a large bowl.

In a small mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, red vinegar, lime juice, cayenne, honey, hot sauce, salt, and pepper. In a large bowl, combine watermelon, cucumber, feta, onion, and chopped mint. Toss with dressing. Garnish with mint. Refrigerate until ready to serve.