Watermelon Feta Salad with Mint

Watermelon Feta Salad with mint wins over a crowd of any size — and if you’re looking to dress up fresh watermelon in a fun, unexpected way, this recipe is your new go-to. It’s bright, refreshing, and seriously satisfying with that sweet-salty-herby combo that just screams summer. Whether you’re headed to a backyard BBQ or want a light, vibrant side dish for dinner, this salad delivers big flavor with minimal effort.

I first made this salad on a whim when I had half a watermelon sitting in the fridge and a bundle of fresh mint from the farmer’s market. The result? A dish that disappeared faster than anything else on the table. It’s the kind of salad that people keep talking about, asking for the recipe, and then recreating themselves.

this Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Key Benefits

• No-Cook: This is a zero-heat recipe that comes together in just 10 minutes
• Crowd-Pleaser: The flavor combo surprises people—in the best way
• Make-Ahead Friendly: The marinated onions can be prepared in advance for quick assembly later
• Fresh & Affordable: Especially budget-friendly when watermelon is in season

Taste & Texture

Every bite is juicy and crisp with chunks of sweet watermelon and cucumber, paired with creamy, salty feta. The herbs add a fresh, earthy note while the marinated red onions give it a little tangy zip. It’s a vibrant mix of textures—cool, crunchy, soft, and satisfying.

Dietary Attributes

This salad checks a lot of boxes for different dietary needs:

• Vegetarian
• Gluten-free
• Low-carb
• Easily adaptable for dairy-free or vegan diets with a plant-based feta

Ingredients & Substitutions

Ingredient List

Watermelon Feta Salad

• 3 cups watermelon, cubed
• 1 cup cucumber, cubed
• 8 ounces feta cheese, cubed
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, roughly chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh mint, roughly chopped
• Flaky sea salt, to taste

Marinated Red Onions

• 1/4 cup light olive oil
• 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 of a small red onion, thinly sliced

Notes on Quality

Go for a juicy, seedless watermelon if you can find one. English cucumbers work beautifully because they’re less watery and have fewer seeds. As for feta, I recommend using a block and cubing it yourself—it’s creamier and more flavorful than the pre-crumbled kind.

Possible Substitutions

• Swap feta for a plant-based version to make it dairy-free
• Use dill or parsley instead of basil or mint if that’s what you have on hand
• Try pickled onions in place of marinated ones for a punchier flavor
• Add arugula or baby spinach for more greens and extra volume

Step-by-Step Instructions

• In a small bowl, whisk together red wine vinegar, olive oil, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Add the thinly sliced red onions and stir to coat. Let them marinate while you prep the rest of the ingredients.

• Cube the watermelon, cucumber, and feta, and chop the herbs.
• In a large mixing bowl, gently toss together the watermelon, cucumber, feta, basil, mint, and marinated onions (without their excess liquid).
• Sprinkle flaky sea salt over the top and garnish with extra fresh herbs if you like.
• For even more flavor, drizzle with extra virgin olive oil or a splash of balsamic vinegar right before serving.

Expert Tips & Tricks

Best Practices

• Chill all your ingredients before assembling for the most refreshing result
• Use a serrated knife to cut watermelon more easily and cleanly
• Gently fold ingredients together to keep the feta from crumbling too much

Common Mistakes

• Don’t over-marinate the onions or they’ll become mushy
• Avoid overmixing the salad—it can get watery
• Salting too early will draw moisture from the watermelon, so wait until just before serving

Time-Saving Tips

• Marinate the onions up to a day in advance
• Pre-cube the watermelon and cucumber and store them in the fridge
• Buy pre-cut watermelon if you’re in a rush

Serving Suggestions

Pairings

This salad is the perfect sidekick for grilled chicken, fish, or shrimp. It also pairs beautifully with Mediterranean dishes like hummus and pita or falafel wraps. Want to keep it plant-based? Serve it alongside roasted chickpeas or a grain bowl.

Looking for more salads with bold, summer flavors? Try the Tomato Feta Salad or the bright and tangy Beet Garden Salad with Goat Cheese.

Presentation Ideas

Serve it in a large white salad bowl for a beautiful contrast, or layer it on a long platter for a more elegant, composed look. Garnish with a few small basil or mint leaves for a pop of color.

Beverage Pairings

• A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio
• Sparkling water with lime
• Cucumber-mint lemonade or iced green tea

Storage & Reheating

Leftover Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that the watermelon will release moisture over time, so the texture will change a bit.

Reheating Methods

This salad is best served cold and isn’t meant to be reheated. If you’re making it ahead, assemble everything except the herbs and feta, and toss those in just before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Substitutions & Adjustments

Can I use balsamic glaze instead of vinegar?
Absolutely! A light drizzle of balsamic glaze over the top adds delicious depth.

Can I double this recipe for a party?
Yes! It scales beautifully. Just don’t add salt until serving time so it stays fresh.

Troubleshooting

Why is my salad watery?
Watermelon releases juice when it sits too long. Serve it shortly after assembling or use a slotted spoon to remove excess liquid.

Can I make this without onions?
Of course! Just skip the marinated onions or add something else for tang, like a splash of lemon juice.

Variations & Customizations

Dietary Adaptations

To make this vegan, swap in your favorite dairy-free feta. There are great almond- and coconut-based options out there.

Flavor Twists

• Add thinly sliced radishes for extra crunch
• Sprinkle with toasted pine nuts or sunflower seeds for texture
• Toss in some kalamata olives for a salty punch

Seasonal/Holiday Versions

In fall, try this with roasted butternut squash instead of watermelon. During the holidays, a few pomegranate seeds make it sparkle.

Conclusion

This Watermelon Feta Salad with mint is the perfect combination of flavor, texture, and summer magic. It’s one of those recipes that’s easy to make, wildly satisfying, and bound to be requested again and again. Whether you’re serving two or twenty, this is a guaranteed hit. I’d love to hear how it turned out for you—drop a comment below or tag your creation on Pinterest at Cooking With Callie. Let’s keep sharing good food together!

More Recipes to Try

If you loved this salad, you’ll definitely enjoy these:

• Beet Garden Salad with Goat Cheese
• Tomato Feta Salad

Happy cooking, friends!

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