Watermelon Cucumber Feta Salad

My watermelon salad recipe marinates in a dressing made with lime juice for maximum freshness! Adding the feta cheese and a touch of salt just before serving also helps prevent sogginess.

Watermelon Cucumber Salad is the Perfect Summer Side

I’ve always been a huge fan of watermelon cucumber feta salad — but there’s nothing worse than a soggy watermelon cucumber salad. 

It makes sense as watermelons and cucumbers are chock full of water, so you need to carefully prepare them to keep things fresh.

That’s exactly why I let the salad marinate in the fridge with a lime juice dressing. The acidity in the citrus acts like a natural preservative, meaning the fruit and veggies stay crisper longer. 

I also hold off on adding the feta cheese until just before serving for the same reason. It’s all to keep things firm, fresh, and flavorful. You’ll notice the difference as soon as you try my version.

Along with my cucumber onion salad, caprese salad, simple egg salad, and BLT pasta salad, this is one of the best sides for your summer parties!

Watermelon Salad Recipe Ingredients

• Watermelon
• English Cucumber
• Feta – crumbled
• Red Onion
• Mint – fresh
• Basil – fresh
• Olive Oil
• Lime Juice – fresh
• Salt

How to Choose a Watermelon for This Watermelon Feta Salad Recipe

When choosing a watermelon, look for one that feels heavy for its size. That means it’s full of water, which tells you that it’s ripe and ready to be sliced into! 

It should make a deep, hollow sound when you tap it, and the underside of the melon should have a light yellow spot. 

Steer clear of ones that are bruised or have soft spots!

How to Make Watermelon Salad with Feta

A full printable version of this recipe with ingredient measurements is available at the bottom of this post.

STEP ONE: If you haven’t already, prep the fruit and vegetables. Cube the watermelon, dice the cucumber, slice the red onion, and chop the herbs. Place all of the prepared ingredients into a large bowl.

STEP TWO: Combine the olive oil and fresh lime juice in a small bowl and drizzle your watermelon salad with the dressing.

STEP THREE: Place the salad in the refrigerator to marinate for at least an hour or up to overnight.

STEP FOUR: Top the salad with the feta just before serving. If you want to add some salt to taste, add it at the very end as it will draw out the water in the watermelon. Enjoy!

Watermelon Feta Salad Recipe Tips

• Try your best to cube, dice, and chop the fruit and vegetables so that they’re all the same size. Not only will the watermelon salad look better in the serving dish, but you’ll also guarantee that every bite has all of the flavors!
• Marinate your watermelon cucumber salad in the fridge for at least an hour, but if you have the time, leave it overnight. The extra chill time lets the flavors meld together and develop — plus the lime juice keeps the fruit extra fresh.
• Don’t add the feta until just before serving. This prevents the cheese from going soggy. There’s nothing worse than a mushy watermelon salad with feta, and I find that this helps it maintain its texture and taste. 
• Same goes for the salt! Add it to taste just before serving as well. Salt draws out the moisture in the watermelon, which can make the salad watery if you add it too early.

What to Serve with Watermelon Salad with Feta

I like to serve my watermelon cucumber feta salad at barbecues, picnics, and backyard parties best because it pairs well with classic cookout food! Burgers, hot dogs, grilled shrimp or chicken, and quinoa salad complement the fresh flavors really nicely.

Or, enjoy a larger portion with a side of crusty garlic bread for a light lunch!

How to Store Watermelon Cucumber Feta Salad

Store leftover watermelon cucumber salad in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep for 3-4 days. That said, this dish is best enjoyed fresh since it will get watery the longer it sits.

Cucumber Watermelon Salad FAQs

What are the health benefits of watermelon cucumber salad?

Both watermelon and cucumber are hydrating, low in calories, and rich in vitamins A and C, all of which can support immune function and skin health. Cucumbers also contain antioxidants, and watermelon may improve heart health.

Why do people eat watermelon with feta?

People eat watermelon with feta because the sweetness of watermelon pairs perfectly with the salty tang of feta cheese.

Plus, the creamy texture of feta plays up the juiciness of the watermelon, while the richness of the cheese balances out all of that natural sweetness.

Do I have to peel the cucumbers?

You don’t have to peel the cucumbers for watermelon cucumber feta salad if you use English cucumbers.

If you decide to use another type of cucumber, like a Kirby or slicing cucumber, you’re better off peeling them. Their skin tends to be thicker and on the bumpy side.

Can I substitute the feta cheese with a different type of cheese?

Feta is traditionally used in cucumber watermelon salad, but I know that some people just don’t like it! You can substitute it with goat cheese or mozzarella if you’re not a fan.

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?

Fresh herbs will provide the best texture and flavor for my watermelon salad recipe, but you can use dried herbs if you don’t have any on hand. 

Keep in mind that dried herbs are more concentrated so you’ll need less. Start with half the amount indicated on the recipe card, taste, and adjust accordingly.