If you’re searching for the ultimate summertime refresher, my Watermelon Salad with Feta & Mint is absolute bliss in a bowl. Each bite delivers a burst of sweet, salty, tangy, and herbaceous flavor—a combination that’ll have you coming back for “just one more spoonful” every single time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect Balance of Flavors: Sweet watermelon, tangy feta, zippy lime, spicy pepper, and a burst of fresh herbs create the most crave-worthy salad you’ll taste all season.
Super Quick and Easy: This vibrant salad comes together in just 15 minutes with no special equipment or skills required—just a bit of chopping and tossing.
Beautiful & Crowd-Pleasing: The colors pop on any table, making it just as perfect for summer barbecues as it is for a quiet lunch on the patio.
Easily Customizable: Swap out ingredients to make it vegan, spicier, or use what you have on hand—Watermelon Salad with Feta & Mint is flexible!

Watermelon Salad with Feta & Mint Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about Watermelon Salad with Feta & Mint is its simplicity—every ingredient is carefully chosen and truly shines. Each component brings a unique splash of flavor and texture, resulting in a salad that’s both visually dazzling and absolutely delicious.

Watermelon: Sweet, juicy watermelon is the superstar here—choose one that’s ripe and deeply colored for the best flavor and juiciness.
English cucumber: Crisp and hydrating, cucumber adds a refreshing crunch and keeps every bite light.
Red onion: Thinly sliced, it lends just the right hint of sharpness to balance the sweetness.
Feta cheese: Creamy, tangy, and a touch salty, feta crumbles beautifully over the salad to tie all the flavors together.
Avocado: Its buttery, mellow richness is pure heaven paired with juicy melon and bright herbs.
Fresh mint (or basil): Torn herbs send the aroma and freshness over the top—mint is classic, but basil is a fantastic swap.
Jalapeño or serrano pepper (optional): For a gentle heat; slice thin and adjust to your spice comfort zone.
Extra-virgin olive oil: Use high-quality for the simple dressing—you’ll love its peppery finish.
Fresh lime juice: Zippy and bright, lime adds tang and awakens every flavor in the bowl.
Garlic & sea salt: Just a touch—it rounds out the dressing with wonderful savoriness.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One of my favorite things about Watermelon Salad with Feta & Mint is how easily it adapts to whatever’s in your fridge or pantry. Whether you want a twist for dietary needs or just to keep things interesting, try these simple variations!

Vegan Version: Swap in a plant-based feta or some cubes of marinated tofu for a satisfying dairy-free alternative.
Herb Swap: Use fresh basil, cilantro, or even dill—each herb brings a new personality to the salad.
Nuts and Crunch: Sprinkle on toasted pistachios, pine nuts, or sunflower seeds for a delightful crunch.
Fruit Fusion: Add other juicy summer fruits like strawberries or blueberries for extra color and sweetness.
No Onion, No Problem: Try thinly sliced radish, scallions, or even pickled onions if you prefer a milder bite.

How to Make Watermelon Salad with Feta & Mint

Step 1: Whisk the Zesty Dressing

Start by whisking together the extra-virgin olive oil, fresh lime juice, minced garlic, and sea salt in a small bowl. This super-simple dressing will infuse every bite with brightness and a gentle savory note—let it sit for a moment so the garlic mellows and flavors marry.

Step 2: Layer the Salad Base

Arrange your cubed watermelon, diced cucumber, and thinly sliced red onion on a serving platter or large salad bowl. I like to scatter everything in generous, colorful piles, making sure every spoonful will pick up a little bit of each element.

Step 3: Dress & Top Off

Drizzle half the dressing over your beautifully arranged base. Next, top everything with crumbled feta, avocado cubes, torn mint (or basil) leaves, and slivers of jalapeño or serrano if you’re feeling spicy. Pour on the rest of the dressing, sprinkle with a pinch of extra salt, and serve right away!

Pro Tips for Making Watermelon Salad with Feta & Mint

Choose the Sweetest Watermelon: Look for a melon with a creamy yellow “field spot” and a deep hollow sound when thumped—these usually have the juiciest, sweetest flesh for your salad.
Slice Onions Razor-Thin: To avoid overwhelming the other flavors, use a sharp knife or mandolin to get wafer-thin slices of red onion.
Add Avocado Last: Wait to cut and add the avocado until just before serving to keep it perfectly green and beautiful (no browning allowed!).
Serve Chilled: For maximum refreshment, chill your watermelon and cucumber before assembling—the contrast of the icy-cold fruit with creamy cheese is unbeatable.

How to Serve Watermelon Salad with Feta & Mint

Garnishes

For a final flourish, I love to scatter a few extra mint leaves—whole or torn—right before serving for intense aroma. A small drizzle of good olive oil and a sprinkle of flakey sea salt elevates every bite. If you like a hint of citrus, some freshly grated lime zest adds both color and zing.

Side Dishes

This Watermelon Salad with Feta & Mint is absolutely perfect alongside anything grilled—think chicken skewers, lemony fish, or veggie kebabs. It also holds its own as a light lunch with crusty bread or crisp pita chips for scooping.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the salad in hollowed-out watermelon halves for a festive centerpiece at summer parties! You can also build individual portions in mason jars for easy outdoor lunches, or layer everything in a glass trifle bowl to show off those gorgeous colors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep any extra Watermelon Salad with Feta & Mint tasting as fresh as possible, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. If possible, add the avocado and mint just before eating to preserve their vivid color and flavor.

Freezing

This salad is best enjoyed fresh and isn’t suitable for freezing, as the watermelon and avocado will lose their texture and become watery once thawed.

Reheating

There’s really no need to reheat Watermelon Salad with Feta & Mint! In fact, it’s at its crisp and cooling best when served straight from the fridge, making it a perfect hot-weather staple.

FAQs

Can I make Watermelon Salad with Feta & Mint in advance?

Yes! You can prep the dressing and chop your watermelon, cucumber, and onion several hours ahead. Wait to add the feta, avocado, and fresh herbs until right before serving for the brightest flavors and textures.
What kind of feta works best for this salad?

Use a block of feta in brine if you can find it—it crumbles beautifully and has the most pronounced creamy, tangy flavor. Pre-crumbled feta will work too, just make sure it’s fresh.
Can I omit the onions or use another type?

Absolutely! If you prefer milder flavor, skip the onions or try scallions, chives, or even very thinly sliced shallots for a gentler touch.
How do I keep the salad from getting watery?

For best texture, serve the salad right after assembling and draining excess liquid from the watermelon if needed. If making ahead, store dressing separately and toss just before serving.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never tried this combination before, trust me: Watermelon Salad with Feta & Mint is the game-changer your summer menu needs. Light, lively, and so lovely to look at, it’s a dish that truly tastes like sunshine in every bite. Give it a try and let yourself be wowed by just how deliciously simple fresh ingredients can be!

Watermelon Salad with Feta & Mint Recipe