Craving something crisp, refreshing, and a little fancy-feeling in five minutes flat? My Watermelon Feta Salad with Mint and Lime is just the thing. It’s the kind of bright, juicy dish you whip up for a backyard barbecue or a simple Tuesday lunch and feel like you’re dining al fresco in the Mediterranean. And trust me—if your summer salad game needs a little elevating, this is the way to do it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This salad is sunshine in a bowl—just the kind of quick, crowd-pleasing bite that keeps things light but full of flavor. I’ve served it at playdates, date nights, and everything in between. Simple ingredients, unbeatable contrast, and a total flavor bomb of sweet, salty, and tangy.
- Ready in just 10 minutes—no cooking required!
- Perfect for hot days when you want something cool and hydrating
- The combo of mint and lime gives it that little “wow” factor
- Kids love the watermelon, adults love the feta—everyone wins
- Easily prepped in advance for stress-free hosting
Ingredients Breakdown
Essentials
- 4 cups seedless watermelon, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 3/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, torn or chopped
- 1 lime, zested and juiced
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- Pinch of flaky sea salt (or kosher salt)
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Pro Tips
- Use a cold, ripe watermelon for the best texture and flavor.
- Buy block feta and crumble it yourself for creamier texture and better taste.
- Fresh mint is a must—dried won’t give you that cool contrast.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Start by placing your cubed watermelon into a large mixing or serving bowl.
- Sprinkle the crumbled feta over the watermelon. Don’t mix too much—let it sit delicately on top for now.
- Add the torn mint leaves next (I like to tear mine instead of chopping for a rustic, fresh look).
- In a small bowl or directly over the salad, drizzle the olive oil, then squeeze the lime juice and zest right on top. Give it a gentle toss.
- Season with just a pinch of sea salt (remember, feta’s salty already!) and a little black pepper.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving if you want it extra chilly.
Chef’s Tips and Tricks
- If your watermelon has a lot of juice, drain a little off before mixing so the salad doesn’t get too watery.
- Layer ingredients instead of stirring aggressively—this keeps the feta from clumping and the watermelon from breaking down.
- Want it even more zesty? Add a small splash of red wine vinegar or balsamic glaze before serving.
Recipe Variations and Serving Suggestions
- Add sliced cucumber for more crunch and even more hydration.
- Toss in some thinly sliced red onion or pickled shallots for a tangy twist.
- Sprinkle with toasted pine nuts or pistachios for crunch.
- Serve this on a bed of arugula or mixed greens for a lovely side salad upgrade.
- Make it a meal by adding grilled shrimp or rotisserie chicken on top.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Just prep the watermelon and cheese ahead, and store them separately. Assemble with mint and dressing just before serving to keep things fresh.
What kind of feta works best?
Block feta in brine has the best flavor and texture. Skip the pre-crumbled kind if you can—it’s drier and less flavorful.
How long will leftovers keep?
This salad is best fresh, but it’ll still taste great for about 1 day in the fridge—just expect the watermelon to release more juice over time.
Recipe Card
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients
- 4 cups seedless watermelon, cubed
- 3/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, torn
- 1 lime, zested and juiced
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Pinch flaky salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Combine watermelon, feta, and mint in a large bowl.
- Drizzle with olive oil and lime juice, then sprinkle lime zest on top.
- Lightly season with salt and pepper.
- Gently toss and serve immediately or chill for up to 2 hours.
Made this refreshing summer salad? I’d love to see your creations! Snap a pic, tag me @thekitchensaid, and don’t forget to share this with your fellow foodies. Let’s bring a splash of flavor to every table—together!
