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Fresh Watermelon Salad Recipe with Cucumber Feta and Chili Lime Dressing

fresh watermelon salad - featured image

A quick and refreshing summer salad combining sweet watermelon, crisp cucumber, salty feta, and a zesty chili-lime dressing for a perfect balance of flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups watermelon, cubed (seedless if possible)
  • 1 large English cucumber, thinly sliced or cubed
  • 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • A handful fresh mint leaves, roughly chopped
  • 1 small red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
  • Juice of 2 limes
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon honey or agave nectar
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cut about 4 cups of watermelon into bite-sized cubes (around 1-inch). Remove seeds if needed.
  2. Thinly slice or cube one large English cucumber, partially peeled if desired.
  3. Thinly slice 1 small red onion and soak in cold water for 5 minutes to mellow sharpness, then drain well (optional).
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, honey (or agave), chili powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, gently toss watermelon, cucumber, red onion (if using), crumbled feta, and chopped mint leaves.
  6. Pour the chili-lime dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat evenly without mashing the watermelon.
  7. Chill the salad in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld before serving. Adjust seasoning if needed.

Notes

Use seedless watermelon for ease. Adjust chili powder to taste for desired spice level. Toss gently to avoid mashing watermelon. Add dressing just before serving to keep salad fresh. Can substitute cotija cheese for feta or toasted pepitas for dairy-free option. Chilling the salad before serving enhances flavor melding.

Nutrition

Keywords: watermelon salad, cucumber salad, feta cheese, chili lime dressing, summer salad, refreshing salad, easy salad recipe