If you’re craving a refreshing, vibrant dish that bursts with flavor and color, this Watermelon Salad with Feta, Cucumber, and Lime Dressing Recipe is an absolute must-try. It perfectly balances sweet, tangy, and savory elements while delivering a delightful crunch from fresh veggies and a creamy finish with tangy feta. Whether you’re looking for a show-stopping summer side or a light meal on its own, this salad hits all the right notes in the most satisfying way.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a key role: the juicy watermelon brings sweetness and hydration, cucumber adds cool crunch, and feta cheese offers a salty counterpart. The lime dressing ties everything together with a zesty brightness that makes the salad truly irresistible.
- 6 cups cubed watermelon: Choose ripe, seedless watermelon for the sweetest, juiciest bites.
- ½ English cucumber: Crisp and mild, it adds a refreshing crunch without overpowering the salad.
- ½ cup thinly sliced red onion: Just enough to infuse a hint of sharpness and color.
- 1½ cups cherry tomatoes: Halved for bursts of tangy sweetness and vibrant red hues.
- 4 cups baby arugula: Peppery greens that add depth and a slight bite.
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese: Creamy and salty, it beautifully complements the sweetness of the watermelon.
- Zest of 2 limes: Adds fresh citrus aroma and brightness.
- 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice: Provides the essential tang that lifts the whole salad.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil: Gives a smooth, silky texture while balancing acidity.
- 2 teaspoons honey: A touch of natural sweetness to balance the lime juice.
- ¼ teaspoon Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors without overwhelming.
- Freshly ground black pepper (to taste): Adds subtle warmth and complexity.
How to Make Watermelon Salad with Feta, Cucumber, and Lime Dressing Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Lime Dressing
Begin by whisking together the lime zest, fresh lime juice, olive oil, honey, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper in a small bowl. This simple dressing is the heart of the salad, delivering a perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and savory that will elevate every bite.
Step 2: Combine the Fresh Ingredients
Next, grab a large mixing bowl and gently combine the cubed watermelon, thinly sliced cucumber, red onion, halved cherry tomatoes, and baby arugula. Mixing these fresh components creates a colorful, textured base full of exciting contrasts.
Step 3: Dress and Toss the Salad
Pour the vibrant lime dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently. The goal is to coat every piece delicately without bruising the watermelon or wilting the arugula. This step ensures the dressing infuses each ingredient with its bright and zesty flavor.
Step 4: Add Feta and Final Toss
Finally, sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the salad and give it a light toss just before serving. The creamy, salty feta adds an irresistible richness that complements the sweet watermelon and crunchy veggies perfectly.
How to Serve Watermelon Salad with Feta, Cucumber, and Lime Dressing Recipe
Garnishes
To add extra flair, consider garnishing with chopped fresh mint or basil leaves. These herbs add a burst of freshness and brighten the salad’s flavor profile beautifully. A few extra cracks of black pepper or a sprinkle of toasted pepitas can also add texture and a bit of crunch.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, seafood, or even as a side to a spicy barbecue. It’s also a great companion to crusty bread or a light pasta dish, offering a refreshing contrast that balances richer foods effortlessly.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the salad in a large, shallow wooden bowl to showcase its gorgeous colors. Layer watermelon and cucumber slices artfully on a platter before tossing the rest in the center for an inviting, rustic look. Individual mason jars or small bowls also work perfectly for picnics or casual gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This watermelon salad is best enjoyed fresh for maximum crunch and flavor. However, if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one day. Keep the feta and dressing separate if you want to maintain the salad’s texture longer.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for this salad because watermelon and cucumbers have high water content and become mushy when thawed. To savor this refreshing recipe at its best, enjoy it fresh or chilled soon after preparation.
Reheating
Since this is a fresh salad, reheating is unnecessary and not advised. The crisp, cooling ingredients are meant to be served cold or at room temperature to preserve their delightful texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use regular cucumbers instead of English cucumber?
Absolutely! Regular cucumbers work just fine, though they have a slightly thicker skin and more seeds. Peeling and deseeding them before adding to the salad will keep the texture light and refreshing.
Is it okay to substitute feta cheese with another type of cheese?
You can experiment with cheeses like goat cheese or ricotta salata for different flavors. Just keep in mind that feta’s saltiness and crumbly texture are pretty central to the salad’s character.
How long does the dressing last if I make extra?
The lime dressing can be stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Just give it a good whisk before using, as the ingredients may separate over time.
Can I add other fruits to this salad?
Definitely! Adding fruits like strawberries, blueberries, or mango can add new layers of sweetness and color. Just adjust the lime juice and honey to balance the added flavors.
Is this salad suitable for a vegan diet?
To make this recipe vegan, simply omit the feta cheese or substitute it with a plant-based cheese alternative. The rest of the ingredients are naturally vegan-friendly.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the fresh, vibrant flavors packed into this Watermelon Salad with Feta, Cucumber, and Lime Dressing Recipe to brighten up any meal. It’s bursting with juicy sweetness, crisp textures, and zesty tang that makes every bite feel like a mini celebration of summer. So go ahead, whip up a batch and share this refreshing favorite with your loved ones—you’ll be glad you did!
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Watermelon Salad with Feta, Cucumber, and Lime Dressing Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and vibrant Watermelon Salad featuring juicy watermelon, crisp cucumber, tangy red onion, sweet cherry tomatoes, peppery arugula, and creamy feta cheese. Tossed with a zesty lime-honey dressing, this salad is perfect for warm weather and light meals.
Ingredients
Salad
- 6 cups cubed watermelon
- ½ English cucumber, sliced
- ½ cup thinly sliced red onion
- 1½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 4 cups baby arugula
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
Dressing
- Zest of 2 limes
- 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons honey
- ¼ teaspoon Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together lime zest, lime juice, olive oil, honey, Kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper until well combined to create a zesty and balanced dressing.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cubed watermelon, sliced cucumber, thinly sliced red onion, halved cherry tomatoes, and baby arugula. Gently toss them together to evenly distribute all components.
- Toss with Dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to ensure every bite is coated with the flavorful dressing without bruising the delicate ingredients.
- Add Feta Cheese: Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the top of the salad, then toss lightly again to mix the creamy, salty cheese throughout for an enhanced taste and texture before serving.
Notes
- For best flavor, chill the watermelon and dressing before assembling the salad.
- Adjust honey quantity in the dressing based on your preferred sweetness level.
- The salad is best served immediately to maintain freshness and crispness.
- Optional: Add fresh mint or basil leaves for an extra burst of herbal flavor.
- This salad pairs well with grilled meats or can be enjoyed as a light vegetarian main course.
