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To make a refreshing Cucumber Watermelon Feta Salad, gather these simple ingredients: - 2 cups of seedless watermelon, diced - 1 large cucumber, peeled and diced - 1 cup of feta cheese, crumbled - 1/4 cup of red onion, thinly sliced - 1/4 cup of fresh mint leaves, chopped - 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil - 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar - Salt and black pepper to taste Each ingredient brings its own flavor. The watermelon adds sweetness, while the cucumber adds crunch. Feta cheese gives a salty kick. The mint leaves add freshness to the dish. Olive oil and balsamic vinegar create a tangy dressing that ties everything together. Using fresh ingredients makes your salad shine. Always pick ripe watermelon and firm cucumbers. Fresh mint leaves will enhance the taste. Enjoy selecting your ingredients for this tasty treat! {{ingredient_image_1}} - Dicing Watermelon and Cucumber First, grab your seedless watermelon. Cut it into small, bite-sized cubes. Next, take a large cucumber. Peel it, then slice it into half-moon shapes. Add both the diced watermelon and cucumber to a large mixing bowl. - Slicing Red Onion Now, take 1/4 cup of red onion. Use a sharp knife to slice it thinly. The onion adds a nice crunch and flavor to the salad. Toss the sliced onion into the bowl with your watermelon and cucumber. - Combining Watermelon, Cucumber, Onion, and Feta Take 1 cup of crumbled feta cheese and add it to the bowl. The feta brings a creamy texture and salty taste. Gently mix everything together. Be careful not to break the feta too much while stirring. - Whisking Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinegar In a small bowl, pour 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil and 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar. Use a whisk to mix them well. This dressing is key for flavor. - Seasoning with Salt and Pepper Add salt and black pepper to taste. Start with a pinch of each. You can always add more later. Whisk until everything is combined and smooth. - Tossing the Salad Drizzle the dressing over the salad mixture. Gently toss everything together again. Make sure all the ingredients are coated with the dressing. - Allowing the Salad to Marinate Let the salad sit for about 10 minutes. This helps the flavors blend together. It’s a simple step, but it makes a big difference in taste. Now, your salad is ready to serve! Selecting Ripe Watermelon Choose a watermelon that feels heavy for its size. Look for a uniform shape and a creamy spot on the bottom. This spot shows it ripened on the ground. When you thump it, it should sound hollow. Sweet and juicy watermelon makes this salad shine. Picking Fresh Cucumbers Look for cucumbers that are firm and dark green. Avoid those with soft spots or wrinkles. Fresh cucumbers add a nice crunch to the salad. If you can, pick organic cucumbers for better taste and health benefits. Ideal Pairings for the Salad This salad pairs well with grilled meats like chicken or fish. It also works great alongside sandwiches or wraps. The fresh flavors complement rich dishes nicely. For a lighter meal, serve it with a side of crusty bread. Garnishing Ideas Add extra mint leaves on top for a pop of color. You can also sprinkle some toasted nuts for crunch. A few slices of lime or lemon can brighten the flavors. These small touches make your salad look even more inviting. Tips to Adjust the Dressing If you want a tangier taste, add more balsamic vinegar. You can also try different oils, like lemon-infused olive oil. For a creamier dressing, mix in a little Greek yogurt. Experiment until you find your perfect balance. Adding Heat or Sweet For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. If you prefer sweetness, drizzle some honey over the salad. Both options can elevate the flavor and make it your own. Enjoy the creative process and have fun with it! Pro Tips Choose Ripe Watermelon: Look for a watermelon that is symmetrical and has a uniform shape. A yellow spot on one side indicates ripeness. Fresh Mint Matters: Use fresh mint leaves for the best flavor. If possible, avoid dried mint as it lacks the bright taste. Chill Before Serving: For an extra refreshing salad, chill the watermelon and cucumber before mixing them with the other ingredients. Adjust Feta to Taste: You can increase or decrease the amount of feta cheese based on your preference for saltiness and creaminess. {{image_2}} Using other melons can change the taste of your salad. Try cantaloupe or honeydew. These melons add their own sweet twist. You can also use berries for a juicy burst. They will bring a lovely color to the dish. Adding different herbs can change your flavor profile too. Basil works great and gives a fresh zing. Cilantro can also add a unique taste. Experimenting with herbs keeps things fresh and fun. Incorporating grilled chicken or shrimp makes this salad more filling. The grilled meats add a nice smoky flavor. Simply slice the cooked meat and add it to your salad. This makes it a complete meal. Adding quinoa is a great vegetarian option. Cooked quinoa adds protein and a nutty taste. Mix it in after cooking to keep it fluffy. This way, all eaters can enjoy a healthy meal. Creamy dressings can give your salad a different vibe. Try a yogurt-based dressing for a rich taste. It pairs well with the fruit and cheese. Using citrus-based dressings brings a bright flavor. Lemon or lime juice adds zest. Mix it with olive oil for a simple yet tasty option. Citrus works well with the sweet and salty mix. To keep your Cucumber Watermelon Feta Salad fresh, follow these steps: - Refrigeration Guidelines: Always store the salad in the fridge. The cool air keeps it crisp and tasty. - Container Recommendations: Use a glass or plastic container with a lid. This helps keep air out and moisture in. - Shelf Life in the Fridge: The salad stays good for about 2 to 3 days. After that, it may lose flavor and texture. - Signs of Spoilage: Look for wilting mint leaves or mushy cucumber. If it smells sour, it’s best to toss it. By following these tips, you can enjoy your salad longer and waste less food! Yes, you can make this salad ahead of time. Just keep the dressing separate until you are ready to serve. If you mix it all ahead, the salad may get soggy. Assemble the salad and dress it about 30 minutes before serving for the best taste. Yes, this salad is gluten-free. All the ingredients are naturally free from gluten. You can enjoy it worry-free if you have gluten sensitivities. Absolutely! You can use goat cheese for a tangy taste or even cottage cheese for a lighter option. Just remember that different cheeses will change the flavor a bit. This salad pairs well with grilled meats like chicken or shrimp. You could also serve it with pita bread or a light soup. It’s a great side dish for summer barbecues. To store the leftover salad, place it in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for up to two days. If the salad has dressing, it may not be as fresh after a day. This Cucumber Watermelon Feta Salad is refreshing and easy to make. We explored key ingredients, preparation steps, and tips for selection and storage. Remember, you can personalize this dish with different fruits or proteins. Adjust the dressing to match your taste or try other cheeses if you prefer. This salad is great for gatherings or a quick side. Enjoy making it and sharing it with others. It’s a fun way to stay healthy and delighted in your meals.

Cucumber Watermelon Feta Salad

A refreshing salad combining sweet watermelon, crisp cucumber, and tangy feta cheese, perfect for summer.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Salad
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 4
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups seedless watermelon, diced
  • 1 large cucumber, peeled and diced
  • 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • 0.25 cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • 0.25 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • to taste salt
  • to taste black pepper

Instructions
 

  • Start by preparing the watermelon and cucumber. Dice the watermelon into bite-sized pieces and the cucumber into half-moon shapes. Place them in a large mixing bowl.
  • Add the thinly sliced red onion and crumbled feta cheese to the bowl with watermelon and cucumber.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
  • Drizzle the dressing over the salad mixture and gently toss everything together to combine, ensuring not to break the feta too much.
  • Finally, sprinkle the chopped mint leaves over the salad and give it a gentle toss again to distribute the mint throughout.
  • Allow the salad to sit for about 10 minutes to let the flavors meld together before serving.

Notes

Let the salad sit for a few minutes to enhance the flavors.
Keyword cucumber, feta, refreshing, salad, summer, watermelon