I have to admit something before I share this recipe. I could not imagine ever making a watermelon mint salad with feta. The idea of watermelon and feta together just did not sit right with me for a long time.
Growing up, I watched people in my homeland eat slices of watermelon with a chunk of feta on the side. I never got it. It just seemed like an odd pairing, and I was not ready to try it.
Until one day I decided to just go for it. And I was completely blown away. I love watermelon. I love feta. So I thought, how bad could this actually be? Turns out, it could not be better.
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Why Watermelon and Feta Salad Works So Well
This easy watermelon salad is one of those recipes that will surprise you, in a good way. The sweetness and juiciness of the watermelon, the saltiness of the feta, the freshness of the mint, and a squeeze of lime all come together in a way that just bursts in your mouth. By the time you process what you just ate, you are already reaching for another bite.
What You’ll Need For This Watermelon And Feta Salad
Large seedless watermelon – Seedless watermelon makes it easier. No chasing seeds around your plate, and the cubes come out clean and neat.
Fresh mint leaves – Pull the leaves off the stems, wash them, dry them well, and either chop them or leave them whole. They add a burst of freshness that you absolutely cannot skip in a watermelon mint salad.
Feta cheese – Just crumble it and sprinkle on top. The saltiness balances the sweetness of the watermelon so well.
Fresh lime – Both the juice and the zest. This is what ties the whole salad together. The lime wakes everything up, adds brightness, and makes the watermelon and feta salad taste even more vibrant.
Extra virgin olive oil (optional) – A light drizzle works beautifully if you want a more Mediterranean feel. That said, I recommend trying it without the first time so you can taste all the flavours on their own.
Fresh Watermelon Mint Salad With Feta
Course: SaladsCuisine: MediterraneanDifficulty: Easy4
servings5
minutes45
kcal5
minutesA refreshing watermelon mint salad with feta and lime that takes 5 minutes to make. The easy watermelon salad you'll make all summer long.
Ingredients
2 cups watermelon cubes
½ cup feta crumbles
1 lime, juice and zest
1 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped or whole
How to Make Watermelon Mint Salad
- Wash the watermelon. On a large cutting board, carefully cut it into thick circles, about 1 inch each.
- Lay each circle flat and cut into long strips, then turn and cut across to get even cubes.
- Transfer the cubes into a salad bowl gently. Try not to pour in too much of the juice so the salad does not get watery.
- Sprinkle the feta crumbles over the watermelon.
- Add the mint leaves. For a gentler mint flavour, chop them into smaller pieces. For a bolder hit, leave them whole.
- Squeeze fresh lime juice over everything.
- Grate lime zest from the same lime and sprinkle on top.
- If you want that extra Mediterranean touch, drizzle a little olive oil on top. This step is optional but lovely.
Notes
- For a gentler mint flavour, chop the mint leaves before adding into the salad.
How to Serve The Watermelon Mint Salad
This watermelon and feta salad is perfect on its own. All the flavours are already so well balanced that it does not need much else. Serve it cold as a side at a summer BBQ, bring it to a potluck, or enjoy it as a light afternoon snack.
How to Store Leftovers Watermelon And Feta Salad
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. That said, watermelon releases a lot of juice once it sits, so the salad can get watery fast. My honest recommendation: cut and store the watermelon cubes separately and assemble the easy watermelon salad fresh when you are ready to eat. It takes less than five minutes, and the result is so much better.
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Watermelon Mint Salad FAQ
Do I have to use seedless watermelon?
No, but it makes the prep much easier. If you only have a regular watermelon, just remove the seeds as you cut the cubes.
Can I make this watermelon and feta salad ahead of time?
It is best made fresh. If you want to prep ahead, cut the watermelon and store it separately. Assemble right before serving.
What can I use instead of feta?
Goat cheese is a great swap. It has a similar creamy, tangy quality that works really well with the sweetness of the watermelon.
Can I skip the lime zest?
You can, but I would not. The zest adds an extra punch of citrus that makes a real difference in this easy watermelon salad. It is worth the 30 extra seconds.
Is the olive oil necessary?
Not at all. Try it without first. If you want a richer, more Mediterranean flavour on your second try, add a light drizzle then.
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Hi, I’m Biba, the creator of Chick in Apron! As a busy mom and food blogger, I am passionate about making cooking fun and stress-free. I share simple, delicious recipes that are quick and easy to prepare, along with helpful kitchen hacks to save you time.
So, let’s turn cooking into something you enjoy with tasty meals and handy tips to make kitchen tasks a breeze! ✨
