Watermelon, Feta & Mint Salad
Juicy sweet watermelon cubes tossed with salty crumbled feta and fresh mint, finished with a squeeze of lime. This refreshing summer salad takes under 10 minutes and is the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and tangy.
For 4 servings
- prep · ~5 min
Cube the watermelon.
Slice the watermelon into 1-inch cubes. Discard the rind. You should have about 4 cups.
- prep · ~2 min
Crumble the feta and tear the mint.
Crumble the feta cheese into small chunks with your fingers. Roughly tear the mint leaves, discarding the stems.
TIPTearing mint instead of chopping prevents bruising and keeps the leaves vibrant. - mix · ~1 min
Toss the watermelon, feta, and mint together.
In a large bowl, gently combine the watermelon cubes, crumbled feta, and torn mint leaves. Toss with a light hand to avoid breaking the watermelon.
- mix · ~1 min
Dress the salad.
Drizzle the olive oil and lime juice over the salad. Add a pinch of salt and a pinch of freshly cracked black pepper. Toss once more gently to coat.
TIPAdd the dressing just before serving so the watermelon stays crisp and doesn't release too much water. - serve
Serve immediately.
Transfer to a serving platter or individual bowls. Serve right away while fresh and chilled.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use chilled watermelon straight from the fridge for the best refreshing texture.
- 2Pat the watermelon cubes dry with paper towels to prevent a watery salad.
- 3Add salt sparingly — feta is already salty and will season the salad as it sits.
- 4Dress just before serving so the lime and oil don't draw moisture out of the melon.
- 5For a prettier presentation, arrange the salad on a platter instead of tossing in a bowl.
- 6Store leftover salad without dressing; keep watermelon and feta separately in the fridge.
Adapt it for your goals.
Add cucumber
Toss in 1 cup of thinly sliced English cucumber for extra crunch and hydration — ideal for a more substantial side salad.
balsamic twistBalsamic twist
Swap the lime juice for a tablespoon of aged balsamic vinegar and add a few basil leaves for an Italian-tinged version.
spicy kickSpicy kick
Add a finely diced red chili or a pinch of Aleppo pepper flakes for heat that plays off the sweet watermelon.
vegan optionVegan option
Replace feta with crumbled firm tofu marinated in lemon juice, salt, and nutritional yeast for a dairy-free, salty-tangy replacement.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Hydration Powerhouse
Watermelon is over 90% water, making this salad an excellent choice for staying hydrated on hot days without added sugars.
Good Source of Calcium
Feta cheese provides a modest amount of calcium, which supports bone health, while the olive oil adds heart-friendly monounsaturated fats.
Rich in Lycopene
Watermelon is one of the best natural sources of lycopene, an antioxidant linked to reduced inflammation and cardiovascular support.
Naturally Low-Calorie
This salad is light and low in calories, making it a smart option for a refreshing snack or side without compromising on flavor.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, cantaloupe or honeydew work well, but they are less juicy and slightly lower in sweetness, so adjust lime and salt to taste.
