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Fresh Watermelon and Feta Salad with Zesty Lime Vinaigrette

watermelon and feta salad - featured image

A refreshing summer salad combining juicy watermelon cubes, crumbly feta cheese, fresh mint, and a tangy lime vinaigrette. Perfect as a light side dish or snack that balances sweet, salty, and zesty flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups watermelon, cubed (seedless or seeds removed)
  • 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • 1/4 cup fresh mint, roughly chopped (optional)
  • 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (about 1 large lime)
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon honey or agave syrup
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Cut about 4 cups (600 grams) of watermelon into bite-sized cubes by slicing off the rind first, then cutting into thick slabs before dicing. Place in a large mixing bowl.
  2. Thinly slice 1/4 of a small red onion. If desired, soak the slices in cold water for 5 minutes, then drain to soften the bite.
  3. Roughly chop 1/4 cup (about 10 grams) of fresh mint leaves.
  4. In a small bowl or jar, combine 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice, 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil, 1 teaspoon honey or agave syrup, 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin, and salt and pepper to taste. Whisk or shake vigorously until emulsified.
  5. Pour the vinaigrette over the watermelon cubes, red onion, and mint in the large bowl. Add 1 cup crumbled feta cheese. Gently toss everything together using tongs or two large spoons, being careful not to break the watermelon cubes.
  6. Taste the salad and adjust seasoning with extra salt, pepper, or lime juice if desired. Serve immediately or chill for up to 30 minutes to let flavors meld.

Notes

For best texture, toss watermelon and onion with vinaigrette first, then add feta just before serving to prevent sogginess. Soaking onion slices reduces sharpness. Use fresh lime juice for brighter flavor. Vegan option: substitute feta with vegan cheese or omit and add nuts.

Nutrition

Keywords: watermelon salad, feta salad, summer salad, lime vinaigrette, fresh salad, easy salad recipe, healthy salad, vegetarian salad, gluten-free salad