Name: Watermelon Feta Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 8 pounds whole seedless watermelon, chilled (about 12 cups of cubed fruit); 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil; 3 whole limes, juiced; 1 1/2 teaspoons salt; 3/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped; 1 1/2 cups crumbled feta cheese (sheep’s milk feta preferred)

Watermelon Feta Salad is the ultimate summer refresher—a vibrant, juicy blend of sweet watermelon, salty feta, and cool mint that comes together in just minutes. With an irresistible medley of textures and flavors, this crowd-pleaser is as easy as it is unforgettable. If you’ve never tried this combination before, you’re in for a happy surprise.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Incredibly Refreshing: Each bite is a burst of juicy watermelon, mint, and tangy lime that tastes like sunshine in a bowl.
Simple Yet Impressive: The ingredients are easy to find, but together they make a salad that feels gourmet.
Quick to Make: You can have this Watermelon Feta Salad ready in 15 minutes, perfect for last-minute gatherings or weekday treats.
Vibrant and Colorful: This salad steals the spotlight on any summer table with its bold reds, greens, and creamy whites.

Watermelon Feta Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a few standout ingredients, this salad proves that less really can be more. Every item plays a big part, from the watermelon’s sweetness to the feta’s creamy crumble, creating a harmony of flavor and texture that’s pure summer magic.

Seedless Watermelon (about 8 pounds): The star of the show—look for a ripe, chilled melon for maximum flavor and easy preparation.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Adds richness and ties together the juicy fruit and savory elements.
Fresh Lime Juice: Brightens the salad and balances the sweetness with a tart zing—fresh squeezed is best!
Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning, enhancing the natural flavors without overpowering them.
Fresh Mint Leaves: Chopped mint gives this Watermelon Feta Salad its signature cooling burst of herbal freshness.
Crumbled Feta Cheese: Creamy, briny feta (try sheep’s milk if you can) brings a contrast that makes every bite pop.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One of the joys of Watermelon Feta Salad is how easy it is to adapt it to your cravings or what you have on hand. Whether you want more crunch, extra herbs, or a vegan take, the possibilities are almost endless.

Add Cucumber: Toss in thinly sliced cucumber for an extra cooling crunch.
Try Basil or Cilantro: Swap or mix the mint with fresh basil or cilantro for a new flavor twist.
Balsamic Glaze: A drizzle of balsamic reduction adds a touch of rich sweetness and a sophisticated look.
Vegan Version: Omit the feta or use a plant-based feta alternative to make this salad totally dairy-free.

How to Make Watermelon Feta Salad

Step 1: Cut and Drain the Watermelon

The secret to perfectly textured Watermelon Feta Salad is all in the prep! Slice off the watermelon rind, then chop the juicy flesh into 1-inch cubes. Let the chunks rest in a colander as you work—this helps drain excess liquid, so your salad won’t get watery.

Step 2: Whisk the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, freshly squeezed lime juice, salt, and black pepper. This simple dressing will bring brightness and depth to every bite, without weighing down the juicy fruit.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

Transfer your watermelon cubes to a large serving bowl. Pour the dressing over the top, add the chopped fresh mint, and gently toss to coat. Next, sprinkle the crumbled feta over the salad and stir ever-so-softly to keep some feta intact for creamy bites.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!

This salad is at its very best when enjoyed fresh—plan to serve it within an hour. Pile it onto a large platter or individual bowls and watch it disappear as quickly as you made it.

Pro Tips for Making Watermelon Feta Salad

Choose the Chilled Melon: Starting with a fully chilled watermelon gives the whole salad irresistible crispness and cooling power.
Drain for Best Texture: Letting cut watermelon cubes drain in a colander for several minutes before assembling keeps things delightfully crisp, never soggy.
Gentle Tossing: Use a soft hand when mixing—this helps the feta stay in delectable chunks and prevents the watermelon from breaking down.
Mint at the Last Minute: For the most fragrant flavor, chop and add the fresh mint right before serving!

How to Serve Watermelon Feta Salad

Garnishes

To make your Watermelon Feta Salad extra eye-catching, finish with a flourish of whole mint leaves or a scatter of extra feta on top. A little lime zest adds even more sparkle for special occasions!

Side Dishes

This salad is a natural alongside grilled meats, seafood, or picnic fare—think skewers, lemony chicken, or even veggie burgers. It also shines as a vibrant starter on its own or tucked into lunchboxes for a refreshing mid-day treat.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party-perfect twist, thread cubes of watermelon, feta, and mint onto skewers for easy finger food. Or, scoop out mini melon balls and serve in hollowed watermelon shells for a stunning edible centerpiece everyone will talk about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with some leftover Watermelon Feta Salad (lucky you!), transfer it to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It will keep for up to a day, though the texture is freshest when enjoyed soon after making.

Freezing

This isn’t a salad that likes the freezer—frozen watermelon thaws out mushy and weepy, so it’s best to only make what you’ll enjoy within a day or so.

Reheating

No reheating needed! Watermelon Feta Salad is served chilled, so simply stir any leftovers, freshen them with a little extra mint or lime if needed, and dig in.

FAQs

Can I make Watermelon Feta Salad ahead of time?

It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can prep the watermelon and dressing a few hours ahead—just keep them separate and toss with the feta and mint right before serving for the best flavor and texture.
What type of feta works best for this salad?

Sheep’s milk feta is traditional and extra creamy, but any good-quality feta (even cow’s milk) will work beautifully. Just crumble it yourself for chunkier texture.
Can I use pre-cut or store-bought watermelon?

Absolutely! Pre-cut watermelon makes this recipe even speedier. Just be sure to drain any extra juice so your salad doesn’t get watery.
Is there a way to make Watermelon Feta Salad vegan?

Definitely—simply swap in a plant-based feta cheese or leave out the cheese entirely for a vegan version that’s still bursting with flavor and color.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a dish that screams summer and delivers maximum wow with minimal effort, Watermelon Feta Salad is it! Give it a try at your next gathering or picnic—you’ll be amazed by the happy faces around your table. I can’t wait for you to fall in love with this fresh and fabulous favorite.