Refreshing Feta, Watermelon & Cucumber Salad
Aug 15, 2025
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This refreshing feta, watermelon & cucumber salad is the perfect blend of sweet, salty, and crisp flavours. Juicy watermelon, crispy cucumber, and creamy feta are tossed together with a simple olive oil, honey and lime dressing for a light and summery salad. Ready in just 10 minutes, it’s ideal for warm days, picnics, or adding a burst of freshness to any meal.
Love a salad? Check out my tomato and burrata salad and my potato salad.
I still remember the first time I tried watermelon in a salad. I was a teenager and one of my mum’s friends brought it to a summer lunch. It completely blew my mind and I could not believe fruit in a salad could taste this good!
This version is a light and vibrant mix of juicy watermelon, cool cucumber, creamy feta, fresh mint and bursts of pomegranate all tied together with a zesty lime and olive oil dressing. It is cooling, hydrating and irresistibly refreshing with the option of adding a little chili for a gentle kick.
This feta, watermelon and cucumber salad is perfect for warm days, picnics or any time you are craving something bright and full of flavour. Imagine yourself sitting by the pool, with a crisp glass of wine in hand while enjoying this salad... summer perfection!
Recipe Variations
- Herb swap – replace mint with fresh basil for a more Italian twist
- Cheese change – try goat cheese or bocconcini instead of feta for a creamier, milder flavour
- Citrus upgrade – swap lime juice for lemon or even orange juice for a different kind of zing
- Extra crunch – replace the pomegranate with toasted almonds, pistachios or pine nuts for that crunch
- Leafy addition – toss through rocket or baby spinach for extra greens
- Berry burst – add fresh strawberries or blueberries alongside the watermelon for even more fruitiness
- Spice it up – add thinly sliced red chili or a sprinkle of chili flakes for gentle heat
Ingredients for fETA, wATERMELON & cUCUMBER sALAD
When making such a simple salad, using the freshest ingredients makes all the difference.
- Watermelon – go for a seedless, ripe watermelon with deep red flesh and a natural sweetness. A heavy melon with a creamy yellow spot is usually a good sign it is perfectly ripe and juicy.
- Cucumber – I like to use Lebanese or Persian cucumbers as they are crisp, tender and have a thin skin that does not need peeling. Their mild flavour complements the sweetness of the watermelon beautifully.
- Feta – choose a good quality, creamy feta that crumbles easily. A Greek-style feta made from sheep’s milk will give a rich, tangy depth that pairs perfectly with the fruit.
- Mint – Tear the mint leaves gently rather than chopping to keep their flavour and aroma intact.
- Pomegranate seeds – these add little pops of sweetness and colour. Fresh is best but you can also use pre-packaged arils if you are short on time.
A full list of ingredients can be found in the recipe card below.
How To Make
This salad comes together in minutes with just a little chopping, tossing and shaking.
Step 1: For the dressing, combine all ingredients into a jar. Shake until well combined and you have a creamy and smooth consistency.
Step 2: For the salad, add all ingredients into a large bowl.
Step 3: Drizzle the dressing all over and gently mix through.
Step 4: Serve immediately as the salad will get soggy if it sits for too long.
faq's
It’s best enjoyed fresh, as the watermelon and cucumber release water once cut. You can make the dressing a few days before. The day of or day before, you could chop the ingredients (except the feta) a few hours in advance, keep them in separate containers in the fridge, and toss everything together just before serving.
A creamy, tangy Greek-style feta made from sheep’s milk works beautifully. It crumbles easily and balances the sweetness of the watermelon perfectly.
Yes. Lemon juice will still give a lovely citrus brightness, although lime adds a slightly sweeter, tropical note that pairs especially well with watermelon.
Look for a melon that feels heavy for its size, has a creamy yellow field spot (where it sat on the ground), and produces a deep, hollow sound when tapped.
Absolutely. While pomegranate adds colour and sweetness, you can leave it out or swap it for other fruits like strawberries or blueberries.
How To Serve
Serve this salad chilled for the most refreshing flavour. It makes a beautiful side dish for grilled steak, grilled scallops with garlic butter, or Mediterranean-style mains such as a tomato pasta. It's also perfect for picnics, barbecues, or casual lunches. Pile it onto a large platter for a colourful centrepiece, or portion into individual bowls for easy serving. A sprinkle of extra mint, pomegranate seeds, and a drizzle of olive oil just before serving will make it look and taste even more vibrant.
How to Store
This salad is best enjoyed fresh, as the watermelon and cucumber release water once cut, which can make it soggy. If you need to store leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day and drain the water that is released. For the best texture, keep the dressing separate and toss through just before serving.
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Have questions or want to leave a review about this Feta, Watermelon and cucumber salad? Please do so below the recipe card! I always love answering your questions and hearing your feedback. If you make this recipe, please follow me and tag me on Instagram, Tik Tok, or Pinterest so I can see your wonderful creations!
Feta, Watermelon & Cucumber Salad
Ingredients
Dressing
- 1 lime
- 1 tablespoon honey
- ½ cup olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
Salad
- 1 cucumber, smashed and sliced
- ½ watermelon, peeled and cut into cubes
- ¼ cup mint leaves, chopped
- ¼ cup feta, crumbled
- ½ red onion, finely sliced
- 1 pomegranate , seeds
- 1 teaspoon chilli flakes, optional
Instructions
Dressing
- Dressing: Combine all ingredients into a jar. Shake until well combined and you have a creamy and smooth consistency.
Salad
- Salad: Add all ingredients into a large bowl. Drizzle the dressing all over and gently toss through the salad until well combined.
- Serve: Serve immediately as the salad will get soggy if it sits for too long.
Notes
- Serve fresh – the salad is best enjoyed as soon as it is made because watermelon and cucumber release water, which can make everything soggy if it sits too long
- Smash the cucumber – lightly smashing the cucumber before chopping helps it absorb more of the lime and olive oil dressing, giving extra flavour and texture
- Use cold ingredients – chilling the watermelon, cucumber, and feta before making the salad keeps it crisp and extra refreshing
- Dress just before serving – adding the dressing too early will draw out moisture from the fruit and vegetables
- Freshly squeezed lime – use fresh lime juice rather than bottled for the brightest flavour
- Tear mint leaves – tearing rather than chopping helps preserve their aroma and prevents bruising
- Adjust the spice – add as much or as little chili as you like, or leave it out entirely for a milder salad
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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