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Judy John

Watermelon Salad

A refreshing watermelon salad combining juicy watermelon, crisp cucumber, salty feta, fresh mint, and a bright lime dressing for an easy summer side.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salad, Side Dish, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 155
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Salad
  • 6 cups (900 g) seedless watermelon — cut into 2.5 cm cubes
  • 1 1/2 cups (225 g) English cucumber — sliced or halved
  • 3/4 cup (110 g) feta cheese — crumbled
  • 1/4 cup (15 g) fresh mint leaves — roughly chopped
  • 1/4 cup (35 g) red onion — thinly sliced
Dressing
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) fresh lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml) honey
  • 1/4 teaspoon (1.5 g) salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon (0.5 g) black pepper
Optional Additions
  • 1/2 small jalapeño (7 g) — finely sliced, optional for heat
  • 1/2 avocado (75 g) — diced, optional and added just before serving

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • Cutting Board
  • Chef's Knife
  • Measuring Cups
  • Measuring Spoons
  • Citrus Juicer
  • Small Bowl
  • Serving Bowl
  • Refrigerator

Method
 

  1. Cut the watermelon into even cubes and place them in a colander for 5 minutes. Let excess juice drain so the finished salad stays crisp.
  2. Slice the cucumber and red onion. Pat them dry with a clean towel to remove excess moisture.
  3. Whisk olive oil, lime juice, honey, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl until the dressing looks smooth and lightly emulsified.
  4. Combine watermelon, cucumber, red onion, and mint in a large mixing bowl. Add jalapeño if you want gentle heat.
  5. Pour the dressing over the fruit and vegetables. Fold gently with a spatula so the watermelon keeps its shape instead of becoming mushy.
  6. Add the crumbled feta and fold once or twice. If using avocado, add it last and handle it gently to keep the cubes intact.
  7. Chill the assembled salad for 15 to 20 minutes. Serve cold while the watermelon remains juicy and the cucumber stays crisp.
  8. Transfer to a serving bowl and garnish with extra mint and feta. Serve immediately for the freshest texture.

Notes

For the crispest salad, use cold seedless watermelon and drain excess juice before assembly. Mix gently because watermelon bruises easily and can release too much liquid. Serve soon after dressing for the best texture. For a firmer, less juicy salad, keep the watermelon and cucumber refrigerated separately until assembly. Customize the flavor with jalapeño, avocado, basil, toasted pumpkin seeds, fresh lime zest, or a little balsamic glaze. Add avocado immediately before serving because it can soften and discolor. For make-ahead preparation, chop the ingredients and whisk the dressing separately for up to 24 hours. Assemble shortly before serving. Do not freeze the finished salad because watermelon and cucumber become watery and lose their fresh texture. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and use within 1 day.