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Fresh Watermelon Cucumber Salad with Mint and Feta

fresh watermelon cucumber salad - featured image
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A light, refreshing summer side dish combining juicy watermelon, crisp cucumber, fresh mint, and salty feta cheese with a zesty lime dressing.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups seedless watermelon, cubed
  • 2 medium cucumbers, peeled and diced
  • 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
  • 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • 1 small red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 1 teaspoon honey or agave syrup
  • Salt to taste
  • Freshly cracked black pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup toasted pepitas or pine nuts (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cut about 4 cups (approximately 600 grams) of seedless watermelon into roughly 1-inch bite-sized cubes and place in a large mixing bowl.
  2. Peel 2 medium cucumbers and dice them into similar-sized cubes as the watermelon. Add to the bowl.
  3. Thinly slice 1 small red onion into half-moons. If desired, soak in cold water for 10 minutes to mellow the bite, then drain and add to the bowl.
  4. Roughly chop 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves and add to the bowl.
  5. In a small cup, whisk together 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, juice from 1 lime, 1 teaspoon honey or agave syrup, and a pinch of salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  6. Pour the dressing over the watermelon, cucumber, onion, and mint mixture. Gently toss to combine, being careful not to mush the watermelon.
  7. Crumble 1 cup (about 150 grams) of feta cheese over the top and give a light final toss, leaving some feta on top for presentation.
  8. Optionally, chill the salad in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before serving to let flavors meld.
  9. If using, sprinkle 1/4 cup toasted pepitas or pine nuts just before serving for added crunch.

Notes

To prevent sogginess, drain excess liquid before adding feta. Gently fold ingredients instead of stirring vigorously to maintain texture. For vegan option, omit feta or substitute with vegan cheese or marinated tofu. Add toasted nuts or seeds just before serving for crunch. Chill salad briefly to meld flavors but avoid leaving too long to prevent mushiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: watermelon salad, cucumber salad, summer salad, mint, feta, refreshing side dish, easy salad, healthy salad

Find it online: https://tastytuck.com/fresh-watermelon-cucumber-salad-recipe-with-mint-and-feta-easy-and-refreshing-summer-side-dish/