Classic Watermelon & Feta Salad
Juicy, sweet watermelon paired with salty feta cheese and fresh mint — the ultimate hot-weather salad. A drizzle of lime and olive oil ties it together in minutes. Every bite is crisp, refreshing, and impossibly simple to throw together for barbecues or a light lunch.
For 4 servings
- prep · ~5 min
Cube the watermelon.
Slice the watermelon into bite-size cubes, about 2 cm each. Remove any visible seeds.
- prep · ~1 min
Crumble the feta cheese.
Using your hands or a fork, crumble the block of feta into small chunks and some fine crumbles.
- prep · ~1 min
Tear the mint leaves.
Rinse fresh mint leaves, pat dry, and roughly tear them into smaller pieces.
- assemble · ~1 min
Layer the salad.
Spread the watermelon cubes on a large platter or shallow bowl. Scatter the crumbled feta evenly over the top.
- mix · ~1 min
Drizzle with olive oil and lime juice.
1.Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil evenly across the salad.2.Squeeze fresh lime juice over everything, distributing it well.3.Sprinkle with a tiny pinch of salt and a crack of black pepper.TIPGo light on the salt — feta is naturally salty and you want the sweetness of the watermelon to shine. - garnish
Garnish with torn mint and serve immediately.
Scatter the torn mint leaves over the top. Serve right away while everything is cool and crisp.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Chill the watermelon and feta before assembling for the coldest, most refreshing salad.
- 2Cut watermelon into uniform 2 cm cubes so every bite balances fruit, cheese, and dressing.
- 3Use a block of feta and crumble it yourself — pre-crumbled feta is drier and less creamy.
- 4Tear mint leaves by hand instead of chopping to avoid bruising and keep them vibrant.
- 5Dress the salad just before serving to prevent the watermelon from releasing too much juice.
- 6Save any leftover dressing and mint to refresh the salad if it sits for more than 30 minutes.
Adapt it for your goals.
Add crunch
Toss in 1/4 cup of toasted pine nuts or chopped pistachios for nutty texture and extra protein.
savoury twistSavoury twist
Add thinly sliced red onion and a handful of Kalamata olives for a more robust, Greek-style salad.
spicy kickSpicy kick
Sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes or a thinly sliced jalapeño for a sweet-heat balance.
herb swapHerb swap
Replace mint with fresh basil or a mix of basil and chives for a different aromatic profile.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Hydration Hero
Watermelon is over 90% water, making this salad an excellent way to stay hydrated on hot days.
Rich in Lycopene
Watermelon provides lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to heart and skin health.
Calcium from Feta
Feta cheese contributes calcium for bone health, with a lower fat content than many aged cheeses.
Digestive Aid
Fresh mint can help soothe digestion and adds a refreshing, low-calorie flavor boost.
Frequently asked questions
It's best assembled just before serving. You can cube the watermelon and crumble the feta up to a day ahead, but dress and mint only at the last minute.
