Name: Watermelon Cucumber Feta Salad with Honey-Lime Vinaigrette
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Ingredients: 4 cups cubed watermelon; 4 Persian cucumbers (sliced); 1/4 small red onion (thinly sliced); 6 oz block feta (crumbled); 1/3 cup fresh mint (chopped); 1/3 cup fresh basil (chopped); 1/4 cup fresh dill (chopped); flaky salt; black pepper; 3 tbsp olive oil; 2 tbsp fresh lime juice; 1 tbsp rice vinegar; 1 tbsp honey; 1 clove garlic (grated); salt

This watermelon cucumber feta salad is juicy, salty, herby and so refreshing. Sweet watermelon, crunchy Persian cucumbers and creamy chunks of feta get tossed with mint, basil, dill and a bright honey-lime vinaigrette. This watermelon feta salad takes just 10 minutes and zero cooking.

I spend all year waiting for watermelon to be perfectly ripe, so this is pretty much always in my fridge from May to August. Pair it with Cowboy Caviar for an easy summer spread.

Watermelon Cucumber Feta Salad with Honey-Lime Vinaigrette

Why You’ll Love This Watermelon Feta Salad

No cooking and ready in 10 minutes.
Sweet and salty with juicy watermelon and creamy feta.
Loaded with fresh herbs for big flavor.
Perfect for cookouts, pool days and potlucks.

Ingredients for Watermelon Cucumber Feta Salad

The Salad

Cubed watermelon, sliced Persian cucumbers, thinly sliced red onion and crumbled block feta.

The Herbs

Fresh mint, basil and dill, plus flaky salt and black pepper to finish.

The Honey-Lime Vinaigrette

Olive oil, fresh lime juice, rice vinegar, honey, grated garlic and salt.

Dietary note: This watermelon salad is naturally gluten free and vegetarian. Skip the feta or use a dairy-free feta for dairy free, and swap the honey for maple syrup to make it vegan.

How to Make Watermelon Feta Salad

Step 1: Soak the onion

Soak the sliced red onion in ice-cold water for 10 minutes to take the bite off, then drain and pat dry.

Step 2: Whisk the vinaigrette

Whisk the olive oil, lime juice, rice vinegar, honey, garlic and salt.

Step 3: Build the salad

Add the watermelon, cucumbers and red onion to a big bowl and break the feta over the top in big pieces.

Step 4: Add the herbs

Add the mint, basil and dill.

Step 5: Dress and serve

Pour over the dressing and toss gently. Finish with flaky salt, cracked pepper and extra herbs.

Carly’s Expert Tips

Use block feta. It is creamier and holds its shape better than pre-crumbled.
Chill the watermelon before cutting for the most refreshing salad.
Dress right before serving so the watermelon stays crisp and not watery.
Don’t skip the onion soak. It mellows the red onion so it does not overpower.

Make It Your Own

Add protein: Top with grilled shrimp or chicken for a meal.
Peachy: Add sliced ripe peaches or nectarines.
Spicy: Add thinly sliced jalapeño or a pinch of Tajín.
Crunch: Sprinkle with toasted pistachios or pepitas.

Make-Ahead and Meal Prep: Cube the watermelon, slice the cucumbers and whisk the dressing up to 1 day ahead and keep them separate in the fridge. Toss everything together right before serving.

What to Serve With Watermelon Feta Salad

This salad is perfect next to grilled chicken, burgers, Cajun Honey Butter Chicken Sliders with Tangy Coleslaw or Hot Honey Glazed Salmon.

Storing and Reheating

This salad is best the day it is made. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day and drain any extra liquid before serving.

Do not freeze.

What People Ask About Watermelon Feta Salad

Can I make watermelon feta salad ahead of time?

Prep the ingredients ahead, but toss with the dressing right before serving so it does not get watery.

What herbs go with watermelon and feta?

Mint is classic, and basil and dill add fresh, bright flavor.

What cucumber is best for watermelon salad?

Persian or English cucumbers are thin-skinned and nearly seedless, so they stay crunchy.

How do I keep watermelon salad from getting watery?

Chill the watermelon, dress at the last minute and drain any liquid before serving.