Sweet. Salty. Cold. Fresh. This isn’t just another watermelon salad—it’s the kind people talk about long after the last bite. If you’ve ever been disappointed by soggy melon chunks or bland dressings, this version fixes all that fast. With crisp cucumbers, torn herbs, briny feta, and a zippy honey-lime drizzle, you get balance in every forkful. And yes, it’s ready in under fifteen minutes.
Table of Contents
Why This Mediterranean Watermelon Salad Works
This salad hits because it plays with contrast. The natural sugar in ripe watermelon becomes more intense when paired with salty cheese. That’s not an opinion—it’s kitchen chemistry. Salt makes sweet taste sweeter.
In parts of the Mediterranean like Egypt and Greece, snacking on watermelon with cheese isn’t a trend. It’s tradition. That blend of fruit and brine has been part of hot-weather meals for generations. This recipe keeps that spirit alive while adding a few modern twists.
Ingredients Needed
For the Honey Lime Dressing
- Two tablespoons honey
- Two tablespoons fresh lime juice
- One to two tablespoons high-quality extra virgin olive oil (Greek Early Harvest recommended)
- Small pinch of salt
For the Watermelon Salad
- Half a seedless watermelon, peeled and cut into bite-sized cubes
- One English cucumber or Hot House cucumber, cubed (about two heaping cups)
- Fifteen fresh mint leaves, chopped
- Fifteen fresh basil leaves, chopped
- Half a cup of feta cheese, crumbled (add more if desired)
Tip: Use block feta stored in brine for better texture and flavor.
How to Make Watermelon Salad
- Mix the dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, lime juice, olive oil, and a pinch of salt. Stir until the mixture looks smooth and slightly thick. Set it aside while you prep the salad. - Combine the base
In a wide mixing bowl or a serving platter with a bit of depth, add the cubed watermelon and cucumbers. Use your hands or a spoon to gently distribute them evenly. - Add the herbs
Sprinkle the chopped mint and basil over the melon and cucumber. This keeps the freshness bright and stops the leaves from getting crushed at the bottom. - Dress it up
Right before serving, drizzle the honey-lime dressing over the salad. Gently toss everything with clean hands or a large spoon. Tossing too early can pull moisture from the fruit, making it watery. - Finish with feta
Crumble the feta over the top without mixing it in too much. This keeps the cheese intact and avoids it dissolving into the dressing. Serve immediately.
Chef Ella’s Expert Tips for Success
Wait to dress
Only add the dressing just before serving. Salt draws out water from the watermelon and cucumber. That can turn your salad into soup if it sits too long.
Use real feta
Skip the pre-crumbled tubs. Block feta packed in brine has a creamier bite and a richer flavor. It also holds up better in salads.
Handle herbs gently
Chop or tear mint and basil right before adding them. Waiting helps them stay green and fragrant instead of turning dark or bitter.
Variations and Pairings
Add heat
For a little kick, toss in a few slices of fresh jalapeño or a pinch of Aleppo pepper. The mild spice pairs well with the sweet melon.
Make it vegan
Swap honey with maple syrup. Choose a plant-based feta substitute for the same creamy texture without dairy.
What to serve with it
This salad goes perfectly with grilled chicken kebabs, salmon burgers, or a chilled glass of watermelon sangria. It also works as a light side for backyard cookouts or quick lunches.
Conclusion
This watermelon salad delivers crisp texture, bold flavor, and refreshing contrast in every bite. The sweet melon, salty feta, fresh herbs, and zesty dressing all work together without fuss. It is quick to make and even quicker to disappear from the table.
If you gave this recipe a try, leave a star rating and share your thoughts in the comments. Did you mix it up with extra spice or serve it with your favorite grilled dish?
Snap a photo and tag us on Pinterest or Facebook. We’d love to see how your version turned out.
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Watermelon Salad
Ingredients
Honey Lime Dressing
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1.5 tbsp extra virgin olive oil Greek Early Harvest recommended
- 1 pinch salt
Watermelon Salad
- 0.5 seedless watermelon peeled and cut into bite-sized cubes
- 1 English cucumber cubed, about two heaping cups
- 15 leaves fresh mint chopped
- 15 leaves fresh basil chopped
- 0.5 cup feta cheese crumbled, use block feta in brine if possible
Instructions
- Mix the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, lime juice, olive oil, and a pinch of salt. Stir until smooth and slightly thick. Set aside.
- Combine the base: In a large mixing bowl or shallow serving platter, add the cubed watermelon and cucumber. Gently distribute them evenly using a spoon or your hands.
- Add the herbs: Sprinkle chopped mint and basil over the salad to keep the flavor fresh and the herbs intact.
- Dress it up: Just before serving, drizzle the honey-lime dressing over the salad. Gently toss to combine without breaking down the fruit.
- Finish with feta: Crumble the feta over the top and serve immediately without mixing it in too much to keep texture.
Notes
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 143.9 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 28.2 g
- Protein: 4.1 g
- Fat: 3.4 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4 g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 1.4 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg
- Sodium: 88.2 mg
- Potassium: 390.1 mg
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Sugar: 22.8 g
- Vitamin A: 1760.8 IU
- Vitamin C: 25.7 mg
- Calcium: 32.4 mg
- Iron: 0.9 mg
FAQs
How far ahead should I make watermelon salad?
It is best to make this salad no more than two hours in advance. Keep the dressing separate until just before serving to maintain the texture.
How do you keep watermelon salad from getting soggy?
The key is timing. Do not add the dressing or salt too early. Prep the ingredients ahead, but wait to combine them until right before serving.
What is the best kind of cheese to pair with watermelon?
Block feta packed in brine works best. It is creamy, slightly tangy, and holds up well next to juicy fruit.
How do you pick a ripe watermelon?
Look for a yellow field spot where the melon sat on the ground. Tap it and listen for a hollow sound. A firm outer rind and a dried stem are also good signs.
Do watermelon and cucumber go well together?
Yes, they do. Cucumber adds a crisp, cooling bite that complements the sweetness of watermelon.
What other flavors and ingredients pair well with watermelon?
Fresh herbs like mint and basil, citrus juices, mild peppers, salty cheeses, and even a splash of vinegar all work beautifully with watermelon.