I find this watermelon, cucumber and feta salad irresistible. The sweetness of cubed watermelon pairs beautifully with the crispness of diced cucumber and the tang of crumbled feta, enhanced by chopped mint and olive oil. It is among my favorite fresh eating recipes, perfect for a light and refreshing summer meal.

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I’ve been playing around with fresh summer ingredients recently and this SIMPLE Watermelon + Cucumber + Feta Salad quickly became one of my go-to recipes. I love how you can use just a handful of ingredients like 4 cups of seeded, cubed watermelon, a diced medium cucumber (you can peel it if you want), 8 oz of crumbled feta cheese, and 1/4 cup of roughly chopped fresh mint leaves, all drizzled with 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil.

It’s perfect for those days when you feel like treating yourself to something light and refreshing without a lot of fuss. I was really excited about this salad because it reminds me of some of my favorite healthy, farm-to-table recipes.

I think it works great as a fancy cheese lunch, an easy yummy lunch option, or even for a small dinner party. Give it a try, you might just love the burst of flavors!

Why I Like this Recipe

I really love how refreshing and sweet the watermelon tastes with the cool crunch of the cucumber.

I enjoy the tangy kick from the feta cheese mixed with those bits of mint which add a burst of flavor every bite.

The recipe is super easy to throw together even when I’m in a rush, and that makes it perfect for a quick summer meal.

I also like that the extra virgin olive oil ties everything together, giving the salad a light richness without overpowering the fresh ingredients.

Ingredients

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This salad is a simple and fresh treat.

Its ingredients combine nutritious benefits and lively flavors that brighten the day.

Each component plays a role in the salad’s overall taste and healthy vibe.

Watermelon is hydrating, naturally sweet, high in vitamins, and a source of carbohydrates.
Cucumber is crunchy, low in calories, offers fiber, and boosts hydration.
Feta cheese adds tangy saltiness, contains protein, and enriches the overall flavor.
Mint leaves provide refreshing notes, support digestion, and deliver antioxidants.
Extra virgin olive oil offers healthy fats, smooth texture, and helps blend the ingredients.

Ingredient Quantities

4 cups watermelon, seeded and cubed

1 medium cucumber, diced (peel it if you like)

8 oz feta cheese, crumbled

1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, roughly chopped

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

How to Make this

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1. Cube the watermelon after removing any seeds, then put them in a big salad bowl.

2. Dice the cucumber into bite-size pieces. You can leave the peel on if you like but feel free to peel it for a softer taste.

3. Crumble the feta cheese into small bits and add it to the bowl with the fruits.

4. Roughly chop the fresh mint leaves and sprinkle them on top.

5. Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil evenly over all the ingredients.

6. Gently mix everything together so all the flavors blend nicely.

7. Taste the salad and add a pinch of salt or extra mint if needed.

8. Let the salad sit for about 10-15 minutes to let the flavors mingle before serving.

Equipment Needed

1. Large salad bowl
2. Cutting board
3. Sharp knife
4. Mixing spoon or spatula
5. Measuring spoon

This list covers all the basic things youll need to prep and mix your watermelon, cucumber, feta, and mint together.

FAQ

Q: Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?

A: Yeah, you can prep it ahead, but its best if you mix in the feta and mint just before serving so the flavors stay fresh.

Q: How long does the salad stay fresh?

A: It stays good in the fridge for about a day, but the watermelon might start releasing juice if left too long.

Q: Can I substitute the feta with another cheese?

A: Sure, you can try goat cheese which gives a similar tangy flavor, although it might change the texture a bit.

Q: What are some good pairings with this salad?

A: It goes great as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish, or even on its own for a light meal.

Q: Should I add any extra seasonings?

A: Normally the flavors are well balanced, but if you like a bit more zing you can sprinkle some salt and pepper to taste.

SIMPLE Watermelon + Cucumber + Feta Salad Recipe Substitutions and Variations

If you can’t get watermelon, try using cantaloupe or honeydew. They’ll give a similar sweet kick.
No cucumber? Zucchini can work just as fine, giving you that crisp texture.
If feta cheese isn’t your jam, you could use goat cheese or even ricotta salata.
Not a fan of mint? Fresh basil is a good alternative and adds a unique twist.
If you are out of extra virgin olive oil, avocado oil can be a nice substitute.

Pro Tips

1. Chill the watermelon and cucumber in the fridge about an hour before you mix everything so your salad stays super refreshing when served.
2. Instead of just chopping the mint, try hand tearing it into little bits to add a more rustic, authentic touch and to avoid breaking up the leaves too much.
3. Give your feta a rough crumble instead of a fine one so you get a cool mix of creamy and chunky textures in each bite.
4. Drizzle the olive oil slowly and taste as you go – too much can overpower the fruit flavors, so adding it gradually helps keep the balance just right.