Watermelon Salad Recipe with Feta and Cucumber
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
15 mins
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Total Time
15 mins
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Servings
8
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Calories
1439 kcal
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Course
Salad
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Cuisine
Mediterranean
Watermelon Salad Recipe with Feta and Cucumber
Description
The salad uses peeled and cubed watermelon paired with cubed cucumber, chopped fresh mint, and basil leaves. The dressing is made by whisking honey, lime juice, extra virgin olive oil, and salt, which is then gently tossed with the salad to coat all ingredients. Finally, crumbled feta cheese is added on top, providing a salty and creamy counterpoint to the juicy fruit and fresh herbs.
The texture is varied with the juicy, crisp watermelon and cucumber contrasted by the crumbly feta and fragrant herbs that add brightness. The honey-lime dressing ties the flavors together with a subtle sweetness and citrus tang. This salad is served immediately to maintain freshness and crispness, making it a light side or starter during warm weather.
Variations include adding shallots, red onions, avocado, or hot peppers for additional layers of flavor and heat. Given its high moisture content, leftover salad is best consumed within a day or two, stored in a tight-lidded container in the refrigerator, to preserve texture and flavor.
Ingredients
For the Honey-Lime Dressing
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 to 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil I used Greek Early Harvest, quality
- pinch salt
For the Watermelon Salad
- 1/2 watermelon peeled, cut into cubes
- 1 English or Hot House cucumber, cubed (about 2 cupfuls of cubed cucumbers)
- 15 mint chopped, fresh leaves
- 15 basil leaves chopped, fresh
- 1/2 cup feta cheese more to your liking, crumbled
Instructions
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, lime juice, olive oil and pinch of salt. Set aside for a moment.
- Make the Salad: In a large bowl or serving platter with sides, combine the watermelon, cucumbers, and fresh herbs.
- Finish and Serve: Top the watermelon salad with the dressing and gently toss to combine. Top with the feta cheese and serve!
Notes
- Consider adding shallots, red onions, avocado cubes, or hot peppers for variation and extra flavor.
- A dash of Aleppo-style pepper flakes can be added to introduce a mild heat with sweet undertones.
- Due to its watery nature, consume leftovers the same day or store in a sealed container for up to two days.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 1439 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 143.9kcal | 7% |
| Carbohydrates | 28.2g | 9% |
| Protein | 4.1g | 8% |
| Fat | 3.4g | 5% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.4g | 2% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 1.4g | 7% |
| Cholesterol | 5mg | 2% |
| Sodium | 88.2mg | 4% |
| Potassium | 390.1mg | 8% |
| Fiber | 1.5g | 6% |
| Sugar | 22.8g | 46% |
| Vitamin A | 1760.8IU | 35% |
| Vitamin C | 25.7mg | 29% |
| Calcium | 32.4mg | 3% |
| Iron | 0.9mg | 5% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.