There’s something magical about the fresh, juicy burst of watermelon combined with the creamy tang of feta and the refreshing zing of mint—this Watermelon Salad with Feta and Mint Recipe really sings in the summertime. It’s light, colorful, and absolutely perfect when you want a salad that feels like a party in your mouth.

The image shows a white bowl filled with a fresh salad consisting of bright red watermelon cubes and dark green cucumber pieces, scattered with small white crumbles of feta cheese and fresh green mint leaves on top. A silver spoon inside the bowl scoops some of the salad, held by a woman's hand, suggesting serving. In the background, there is a smaller white plate with more of the same salad, some fresh mint leaves on the white marbled surface, a black and white checkered cloth near the bowl, and two lime halves placed nearby. The overall look is fresh, colorful, and inviting. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Watermelon Salad with Feta and Mint Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Watermelon Salad with Feta and Mint Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Watermelon Salad with Feta and Mint Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I keep coming back to this Watermelon Salad with Feta and Mint Recipe because it’s just so simple yet packed with vibrant flavors. It’s effortlessly elegant and can easily elevate any casual meal or backyard BBQ.

Fresh and Refreshing: The juicy watermelon and cool cucumber make this salad incredibly hydrating and perfect for hot days.
Flavor Harmony: The salty feta cheese and bright lime dressing balance the sweetness of the watermelon beautifully.
Quick and Easy: Ready in just 15 minutes, it's perfect for last-minute gatherings or to whip up in no time.
Customizable: You can easily tweak herbs or add extras to match your mood or what’s in your fridge.

The image shows a close-up of a fresh watermelon salad held on a spoon above a white bowl on a white marbled surface. The salad has three main layers: bright red watermelon cubes with a juicy texture form the base, medium green cucumber slices with a smooth surface add a fresh look, and small white crumbles of cheese are scattered on top adding contrast. Light green mint leaves are mixed in for extra color. The background is softly blurred with another white bowl filled with more of the same salad visible. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Watermelon Salad with Feta and Mint Recipe relies on a handful of fresh ingredients that complement each other in taste and texture. Each component plays a unique role in creating that perfect balance of sweet, salty, refreshing, and tangy.

Flat lay of bright red cubed seedless watermelon, pale green cubed seedless English cucumber, fresh torn green mint leaves, crumbled white feta cheese, small glass bowl of golden extra virgin olive oil, and a halved fresh lime with vibrant green flesh, all beautifully arranged on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Watermelon: Choose a ripe, seedless watermelon that’s firm and juicy—this is the star of the show and needs to be sweet, not grainy.
English cucumber: Seedless and mild, it adds a cool crunch without overpowering the salad.
Feta cheese: Crumbled feta lends a salty and creamy contrast that makes each bite exciting.
Fresh mint leaves: Mint offers a bright, aromatic lift that complements the sweetness of the watermelon.
Extra virgin olive oil: Adds richness and helps marry the salad’s flavors in the dressing.
Fresh lime juice: Provides zing and acidity that balance the sweetness and saltiness beautifully.

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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.

Make It Your Way

One of the things I adore about this Watermelon Salad with Feta and Mint Recipe is how flexible it is. Feel free to experiment—and I promise it still tastes delicious every time.

Add a kick: I sometimes sprinkle in a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for subtle heat, which pairs surprisingly well with the sweet and salty notes.
Herb swap: If mint isn’t your thing, try torn basil leaves for a slightly different herbal twist that’s just as fresh.
Texture twist: For crunch, toasted pepitas or sliced almonds work beautifully when sprinkled on top just before serving.
Extra zing: I’ve added a little honey to the dressing when my watermelon isn’t as sweet to bring all the flavors together.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Watermelon Salad with Feta and Mint Recipe

Step 1: Whisk Together the Dressing

Start by mixing the olive oil and fresh lime juice in a small bowl until well combined. This simple dressing is key—it brightens the salad without overpowering the fresh ingredients. I like to set this aside while I prep the rest.

Step 2: Prep the Watermelon, Cucumber, and Mint

Grab about 4 cups of cubed seedless watermelon—fresh and chilled works best! Add in 1½ cups of cubed seedless English cucumber and about a third cup of chopped or torn fresh mint leaves. I find tearing the mint instead of chopping preserves its vibrant flavor better.

Step 3: Gently Toss with Dressing

Drizzle the dressing over your salad and toss carefully. The watermelon and cucumber will release some juice, so be gentle—too much shaking and you’ll end up with more liquid than salad! I usually toss just enough to coat everything evenly.

Step 4: Finish with Feta and Serve

Sprinkle a generous half cup of crumbled feta cheese over the top and serve immediately. Waiting too long causes the cheese to soften and the salad to get watery, so I like to plate it right away for maximum freshness.

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned a few little tricks that make this Watermelon Salad with Feta and Mint Recipe truly shine at parties or family dinners.

Keep it Chilled: Use chilled watermelon and cucumber for that crisp, refreshing bite—freshly cut fruit straight from the fridge is a game changer.
Don't Make Too Early: Because the watermelon and cucumber release juice, prepare this salad shortly before serving to avoid dilution.
Presentation Counts: Use a melon baller to scoop out watermelon spheres instead of cubes for a fancy look that always impresses guests.
Salt Carefully: The feta and lime juice usually provide enough salt, but if needed, add flaky sea salt just before serving—you don’t want it sitting too long.

How to Serve Watermelon Salad with Feta and Mint Recipe

Garnishes

I love adding a little extra chopped fresh mint or basil on top just before serving for added color and aroma. Sometimes, a light sprinkle of toasted nuts or seeds brings a satisfying crunch and extra texture contrast.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs perfectly with grilled chicken breasts, juicy steaks, or even your favorite summer burgers. It’s my go-to side when hosting cookouts because it balances heavier grilled dishes with a fresh, fruity punch.

Creative Ways to Present

For an impressive twist, I’ve served this salad in individual mason jars layered like a parfait, which makes it great for picnics or outdoor parties. You could also build a vibrant salad platter with watermelon slices, cucumber ribbons, heaps of feta, mint sprigs, and lime wedges for a stunning visual.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight glass container and refrigerate for up to one night—after that, the salad starts to get watery. Before serving, give it a gentle toss, but it tastes best fresh.

Freezing

I don’t recommend freezing this salad since watermelon and cucumber’s high water content will turn mushy. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a day or two refrigerated.

Reheating

This salad is best served cold, so it doesn’t require reheating. If you want slightly less chill, just let it sit out for a few minutes before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I prepare Watermelon Salad with Feta and Mint Recipe a day ahead?

It’s best to prepare this salad right before serving because the watermelon and cucumber release a lot of juice, which can make the salad soggy if left overnight. If necessary, prepare the dressing and chop ingredients separately, then toss just before eating.

What type of feta cheese works best in this salad?

A good-quality crumbly feta works wonderfully in this salad since it adds a pleasant creaminess and a salty kick. You can use traditional sheep’s milk feta or a cow’s milk variety depending on your preference, but avoid overly brined or watery feta to keep the salad fresh.

Can I substitute another herb for mint in the Watermelon Salad with Feta and Mint Recipe?

Yes! While mint is classic, other herbs like fresh basil, cilantro, or even finely chopped parsley can make great substitutions to change the flavor profile. Each will bring its own unique freshness to the salad.

Should I add salt to the Watermelon Salad with Feta and Mint Recipe?

The feta cheese and lime juice usually provide sufficient saltiness for the salad. However, if you feel it needs a bit more seasoning, a small sprinkle of kosher or flaky sea salt can be added just before serving. Be careful not to oversalt since the feta is already salty.

Final Thoughts

This Watermelon Salad with Feta and Mint Recipe always reminds me of warm summer afternoons with friends, sharing simple, delicious food and good conversation. It’s easy to make but feels special enough to impress anyone. I encourage you to give it a try—it’s a beautiful, fresh recipe that I think you’ll keep coming back to, just like I do.