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The watermelon salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish that captures the essence of summer. With its sweet, juicy watermelon, crisp cucumber, and fragrant herbs, it’s a perfect harmony of flavors. The creamy feta adds a savory contrast, while the honey-lime dressing ties everything together with a tangy, sweet finish. Whether for casual barbecues or elegant gatherings, this salad is a delightful addition to any menu.

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Ingredients Overview

Juicy watermelon forms the heart of this salad, offering natural sweetness and a hydrating, refreshing bite. The English cucumber, with its mild flavor and crisp texture, complements the watermelon beautifully, adding balance and crunch. Fresh mint and basil contribute a fragrant burst of herbal aroma, enhancing the dish’s freshness. The crumbled feta cheese introduces a creamy, salty element that contrasts the sweetness of the watermelon and dressing.

The honey-lime dressing elevates the dish by blending tangy lime juice with the natural sweetness of honey, creating a perfectly balanced drizzle. High-quality olive oil, like Greek Early Harvest, adds richness and depth, ensuring every bite is smooth and flavorful.

Step-by-Step Preparation

Crafting the dressing begins by whisking honey, lime juice, and olive oil until smooth. Using a high-quality olive oil ensures a silky consistency and enhances the overall flavor. Adjust the sweetness and tanginess to suit your palate by varying the amount of honey or lime juice.

Preparing the salad base starts with cutting the watermelon and cucumber into uniform cubes, ensuring consistent bites and a visually appealing presentation. The fresh mint and basil should be finely chopped to release their flavors without overpowering the salad. Arrange these vibrant ingredients in a spacious bowl or serving platter, creating a colorful and appetizing display.

Assembling the salad involves drizzling the honey-lime dressing evenly over the watermelon and cucumber. Gently toss the salad to ensure the dressing coats every piece, combining all the flavors harmoniously. Finally, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the top, allowing its creamy texture to complement the crisp, fresh elements of the salad.

Recipe Tips

How to choose the best watermelon:
Look for one that feels heavy for its size and emits a deep, hollow sound when tapped.

Customizing the dressing:
Adjust the sweetness with more honey or add extra lime juice for a tangier profile.

Serving ideas for different occasions:
Serve in a large platter for sharing or in individual bowls for a more elegant presentation.

What to Serve With This Recipe

Pair this salad with grilled chicken, shrimp, or steak for a complete, satisfying meal. It also works beautifully alongside light appetizers like bruschetta or creamy dips at summer parties. To complement the flavors, serve with a chilled glass of white wine or sparkling water infused with lemon or mint.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one day. To prevent the salad from becoming soggy, keep the dressing separate and drizzle it just before serving. For a time-saving approach, prepare the dressing and chop the ingredients in advance, assembling the salad shortly before your event.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other types of cheese instead of feta?
Goat cheese or ricotta salata work wonderfully as substitutes.

How do I substitute fresh herbs if unavailable?
Use dried mint or basil sparingly, as they have a more concentrated flavor.

What’s the best way to scale this recipe for larger gatherings?
Double or triple the ingredients and prepare in batches to ensure even distribution of dressing and toppings.

This watermelon salad is a celebration of light, refreshing flavors, making it an ideal choice for warm-weather meals. Its simple yet sophisticated combination of sweet, tangy, and savory elements is sure to impress. Experiment with seasonal fruits, herbs, or cheese variations to make it your own and enjoy this delightful dish as a staple for any summer occasion.

Ingredients

For the Honey-Lime Dressing

2 tablespoons lime juice
2 tablespoons honey
1 to 2 tablespoons quality extra virgin olive oil (such as Greek Early Harvest)
Pinch of salt

For the Watermelon Salad

1/2 watermelon, peeled and diced into cubes
1 English cucumber (or Hot House cucumber), diced into cubes (approximately 2 cups)
15 fresh basil leaves, finely chopped
15 fresh mint leaves, finely chopped
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (adjust to taste)

Instructions

Make the Dressing

In a small mixing bowl, combine the honey, lime juice, olive oil, and a small pinch of salt. Whisk the ingredients together briskly until the mixture is smooth and well-blended. Set aside.

Prepare the Salad

In a spacious bowl or a serving dish with raised edges, arrange the cubed watermelon and cucumber. Add the chopped mint and basil, ensuring an even distribution of fresh, aromatic herbs throughout the salad.

Finish and Serve

Drizzle the honey-lime dressing generously over the watermelon and cucumber mixture. Using a gentle motion, toss everything together to ensure the dressing coats the ingredients evenly. Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the top for a creamy, tangy finish. Serve immediately and enjoy this refreshing summer salad.