Watermelon Salad With Feta Cheese
There’s a moment every summer when the heat becomes unbearable, and all we crave is something cool, refreshing, and bursting with flavor. That’s when our beloved watermelon salad with feta cheese makes its grand appearance. We discovered this magical combination during a particularly sweltering July picnic, and it’s been our go-to summer dish ever since.
What makes this watermelon salad recipe so special isn’t just its incredible taste – it’s how it brings people together. Whether we’re hosting a backyard BBQ or need a quick side dish for weeknight dinners, this salad never fails to impress. And while we love our comforting Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole, sometimes you just need something light that celebrates summer’s bounty.
Why You’ll Keep Making This Watermelon Feta Salad
After years of perfecting this dish, we’ve learned exactly what makes our watermelon salad with feta cheese stand out:
The perfect balance – Sweet watermelon meets salty feta in a harmony of flavors
Textural delight – Crisp cucumber, creamy avocado, and juicy melon create an irresistible combination
Quick and easy – Ready in just 15 minutes, perfect for last-minute gatherings
Versatile star – Works as a side, appetizer, or light main course
We recently served this at a family reunion alongside Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole, and the salad disappeared before the main course!
Choosing the Right Ingredients for Maximum Flavor
We’ve made this watermelon salad recipe countless times, and here’s what we’ve learned about selecting the best ingredients:
The Essential Components
5 cups ripe watermelon (look for deep red flesh with a sweet aroma)
1 English cucumber (thin-skinned and seedless for perfect crunch)
¼ red onion (chilled in ice water to soften its sharpness)
The Flavor Enhancers
⅓ cup quality feta cheese (we prefer Bulgarian feta for its creaminess)
1 ripe avocado (added at the last moment to prevent browning)
Fresh mint leaves (the herb that ties everything together)
Optional chili flakes (for those who enjoy a subtle heat)
The Zesty Dressing
Fresh lime juice (never bottled – the brightness makes all the difference)
Extra virgin olive oil (a fruity, high-quality variety)
Microplaned garlic (just enough to add depth without overpowering)
Our Little Secret: When serving this with rich dishes like Sausage Hashbrown Casserole, we add a pinch of sumac to the dressing for extra zing.
Our Foolproof Method for the Best Watermelon Salad
After many summers of refinement, here’s our perfected approach to this watermelon salad with feta cheese:
Prepare the onion – Thinly slice and soak in ice water while prepping other ingredients
Cube the watermelon – We aim for bite-sized pieces that are easy to spear
Make the dressing – Whisk together lime juice, olive oil, and garlic
Assemble thoughtfully – We layer rather than toss to preserve textures
Finish with herbs – Gently tearing mint releases its aromatic oils
Pro Tip from Our Kitchen: We sometimes chill the serving bowl beforehand for an extra refreshing experience.
Creative Variations We Love
One of the best things about this watermelon salad recipe is its adaptability:
For Brunch Entertaining
Add toasted almonds and serve with Breakfast Sausage Casserole
Swap lime for blood orange in the dressing
As a Heartier Meal
Top with grilled shrimp or chicken skewers
Mix in cooked quinoa or farro for substance
Special Occasion Version
Serve in a hollowed watermelon bowl
Garnish with edible flowers for visual appeal
Perfect Pairings for Your Watermelon Feta Salad
This versatile watermelon salad with feta cheese complements many dishes beautifully:
Grilled Favorites
Herb-marinated chicken thighs
Cedar-plank salmon
Spiced lamb burgers
Comforting Sides
Grilled corn with chili lime butter
Warm pita bread
Refreshing Drinks
Watermelon mint lemonade
Cucumber gin fizz
Iced green tea
More Seasonal Salads We Adore
If you love this watermelon salad recipe, try these other summer favorites:
Tomato Peach Burrata Salad – With basil and balsamic glaze
Grilled Corn and Avocado Salad – With lime crema
Asian Cucumber Salad – With sesame and rice vinegar
For cooler weather, our Sausage Hashbrown Casserole makes a wonderful hearty alternative.
Our Final Thoughts on This Summer Essential
What began as a simple picnic dish has become our most requested summer recipe. This watermelon salad with feta cheese embodies everything we love about warm-weather cooking – fresh ingredients, minimal fuss, and maximum flavor.
The ultimate compliment came when our neighbor’s kids asked for it instead of ice cream at their birthday party!
We’d love to hear – how do you make watermelon salads your own? Share your creations with us!
Watermelon Salad With Feta Cheese
Ingredients
- 5 cups cubed watermelon 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup diced English cucumber
- ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion soaked in ice water
- ⅓ cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 avocado cubed
- ⅓ cup fresh mint leaves torn
- ½ serrano pepper thinly sliced (optional)
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tbsp fresh lime juice
- ½ garlic clove minced
- ¼ tsp sea salt
Instructions
- Soak sliced red onion in ice water for 10 minutes to mellow the flavor, then drain
- In small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, garlic and salt to make dressing
- Arrange watermelon, cucumber and drained red onion on serving platter
- Drizzle with half the dressing
- Top with feta, avocado, mint leaves, and serrano pepper (if using)
- Drizzle remaining dressing over top
- Serve immediately for best texture
Notes
- Use block feta (not pre-crumbled) for creamier texture
- Add avocado just before serving
- Leftovers keep 1 day (without avocado)
- Try with toasted walnuts for extra crunch!
Looking for more family-friendly recipes? Our Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole is another crowd-pleaser!
