Watermelon, Cucumber & Feta Salad with Lemon-Lime Vinaigrette
If summer had a signature salad, this would be it. Sweet watermelon, crisp cucumber, creamy feta, red onion, fresh mint, and basil are tossed in a bright lemon-lime vinaigrette made with Finch + Fennel Lemon Balsamic.
It is fresh, colorful, and just a little unexpected, with the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, creamy, and crisp. Serve it as a refreshing side dish for a summer supper, bring it to a backyard gathering, or enjoy it on its own as a light lunch.
Why You’ll Love This Watermelon Feta Salad
Watermelon and feta are one of those combinations that simply work. The watermelon is cool and naturally sweet, while the feta adds a creamy, salty bite. Cucumber brings extra crunch, red onion gives the salad a little zip, and the fresh mint and basil make every bite taste like summer.
The finishing touch is the homemade lemon-lime vinaigrette. Instead of honey, I use Finch + Fennel Lemon Balsamic for a bright citrus flavor and subtle sweetness. It makes this simple salad feel just special enough for company.
Watermelon, Cucumber & Feta Salad Recipe
Serves: 6
Prep time: 15 minutes
Ingredients
For the salad
● 4 cups seedless watermelon, cut into bite-size cubes
● 1 large cucumber, chopped
● 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
● 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
● 1 tablespoon fresh mint, torn or chopped
● 1 tablespoon fresh basil, torn or chopped
● Flaky salt, to taste
● Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the lemon-lime vinaigrette
● Zest of 1 lime
● Juice of 2 limes, about 2 to 3 tablespoons
● 1 tablespoon Finch + Fennel Lemon Balsamic
● 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
● Pinch of red pepper flakes
● Generous pinch of kosher salt
Directions
1. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the lime zest, lime juice, Finch + Fennel Lemon Balsamic, olive oil, red pepper flakes, and kosher salt.
2. Place the watermelon, cucumber, feta, red onion, mint, and basil in a large serving bowl.
3. Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently, being careful not to break up the watermelon and feta too much.
4. Finish with flaky salt and freshly ground black pepper. Serve immediately.
A Few Helpful Tips
● Use cold watermelon. It makes the salad especially refreshing.
● Wait to dress it. For the best texture, add the vinaigrette just before serving.
● Slice the onion thinly. This gives you plenty of flavor without overpowering the fruit.
● Make the dressing ahead. The vinaigrette can be mixed a day in advance and refrigerated. Shake or whisk it again before using.
This is the kind of recipe I love most: easy to prepare, beautiful on the table, and memorable enough that everyone asks for the recipe. Save it for your next summer supper—you may find yourself making it on repeat.