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This Watermelon Feta Salad with cucumber and blueberries is a fresh, colorful, no-cook summer side dish that comes together in about 15 minutes. Juicy watermelon, crisp cucumber, sweet blueberries, salty feta, fresh basil, and a quick honey apple cider vinaigrette make this easy watermelon cucumber salad perfect for BBQs, potlucks, picnics, and hot summer dinners.
Table of Contents
- Kellie’s Note Eat the Rainbow
- Ingredients for Watermelon Salad
- How To Make Watermelon Feta Salad
- Kellie’s Tips for the Best Watermelon Feta Salad
- Best Cucumber for Watermelon Cucumber Salad
- What to Serve With Watermelon Salad
- How to Store Watermelon Feta Salad
- Can You Make Watermelon Feta Salad Ahead of Time?
- Watermelon Feta Salad Variations
- Watermelon Feta Salad Recipe
- More Easy Summer Salad Recipes
Kellie’s Note
Eat the Rainbow
This easy Watermelon Feta Salad is loaded with cucumbers and blueberries for a big bowl of summer flavor you can enjoy all year.
I love how quickly it comes together with easy to find ingredients and the salad dressing whips up in a matter of seconds.
I make this salad all summer long because it’s one of those simple recipes that looks beautiful on the table but takes almost no effort. The blueberries are my favorite twist because they add a sweet-tart pop that balances the salty feta, while the cucumber keeps every bite cool and crisp.
Ingredients for Watermelon Salad
This Watermelon Feta Salad recipe is made with a handful of fresh, easy-to-find ingredients.
- Watermelon – Use ripe, seedless watermelon and cut it into bite-sized cubes. Cold watermelon works best because it keeps the salad extra refreshing.
- English cucumber – Crisp, mild, and easy to prep. The thin skin does not need to be peeled, and the seeds are tender enough to leave in.
- Blueberries – Fresh blueberries add a sweet-tart pop and make the salad extra colorful for summer parties, potlucks, and patriotic holidays.
- Feta cheese – Cubed feta or block feta works best because it holds its shape better than very fine crumbles.
- Fresh basil – Adds a sweet, summery flavor. You can also use fresh mint for a more classic watermelon feta salad flavor.
- Apple cider vinegar – Gives the dressing a bright, tangy flavor.
- Honey – Balances the vinegar and brings out the natural sweetness of the fruit.
- Olive oil – Helps the dressing lightly coat the salad.
- Salt and pepper – Just enough to make the sweet and salty flavors pop.
The dressing is optional, but I love how it pulls everything together. For the freshest texture, add the dressing shortly before serving so the watermelon and cucumber stay crisp instead of watery. all on it’s own but it definitely pulls all the flavors together into one cohesive dish!
How To Make Watermelon Feta Salad
This easy watermelon feta salad is ready in about 15 minutes. Most of the prep time is chopping, and there’s no cooking required.
- Cut the watermelon into bite-sized cubes or scoop it with a melon baller. Add it to a large serving bowl.
- Dice the cucumber into similar-sized pieces so the salad is easy to scoop and every bite is balanced.
- Add the blueberries to the bowl with the watermelon and cucumber.
- Add the feta gently so it keeps its shape. Cubed feta works especially well here.
- Whisk the dressing in a small bowl with apple cider vinegar, honey, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the salad shortly before serving.
- Add the basil and gently toss everything together.
- Chill briefly, if desired, then serve cold.
For the prettiest salad, toss gently and avoid overmixing. Watermelon and feta are delicate, so a light hand keeps the salad fresh, colorful, and party-ready.
Kellie’s Tips for the Best Watermelon Feta Salad
- Use cold watermelon. The salad tastes best when the fruit is chilled before mixing.
- Cut everything evenly. Bite-sized pieces make the salad easier to serve and eat.
- Use English cucumber if possible. It has thin skin, tender seeds, and a crisp texture.
- Add the feta gently. Fold it in instead of aggressively tossing so it does not break down.
- Dress close to serving. Watermelon releases juice as it sits, so add the vinaigrette shortly before serving.
- Do not overmix. A gentle toss keeps the blueberries, feta, and watermelon looking fresh.
Best Cucumber for Watermelon Cucumber Salad
English cucumber is my favorite cucumber for this watermelon cucumber salad because it is crisp, mild, and easy to prep. You’ll usually find it wrapped in plastic at the grocery store.
English cucumbers have thin skin, so there’s no need to peel them. They also have smaller, softer seeds, which means you do not have to scoop them out before adding them to the salad.
Regular cucumbers can still work, but they usually have tougher skin and more noticeable seeds. If you use a regular cucumber, peel it first, slice it in half lengthwise, and scoop out the seeds before chopping.
For the best texture, use English cucumber whenever possible.
What to Serve With Watermelon Salad
This Watermelon Feta Salad is the perfect cold side dish for summer dinners, BBQs, cookouts, and potlucks. It is especially good with grilled or smoky main dishes because the juicy watermelon and crisp cucumber keep everything light and refreshing.
Serve it with:
- Carolina Gold BBQ Chicken Recipe
- The Best Way to Cook Corn on the Cob
- Juicy Lucy Burger
- Ultimate Crock Pot Pulled Pork
- Easy Oven Baked BBQ Ribs
- Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Sandwich
- Homemade Lemonade
It is best served cold, so keep it chilled until you’re ready to bring it to the table.
How to Store Watermelon Feta Salad
Watermelon Feta Salad is best served the same day it is made. Watermelon and cucumber naturally release liquid as they sit, so the salad will become juicier over time.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 days. Before serving leftovers, give the salad a gentle stir and drain off any excess liquid if needed.
- For the best texture, do not freeze this salad. Watermelon and cucumber become soft and watery after thawing.
Can You Make Watermelon Feta Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes, but it is best to prep the ingredients separately and assemble the salad shortly before serving.
To make it ahead:
- Chop the watermelon and store it in an airtight container.
- Dice the cucumber and store it separately.
- Wash and dry the blueberries.
- Cube the feta and keep it chilled.
- Whisk the dressing and store it in a jar.
- Slice or chop the basil right before serving, if possible.
When you’re ready to serve, combine the watermelon, cucumber, blueberries, feta, and basil in a large bowl. Add the dressing, toss gently, and serve cold.
This keeps the salad crisp and prevents it from becoming watery before it reaches the table.
Watermelon Feta Salad Variations
This salad is easy to customize with simple swaps and add-ins.
- Use mint instead of basil for a more classic watermelon feta salad flavor.
- Add jalapeño or serrano for a little heat.
- Swap the blueberries for strawberries, blackberries, or diced peaches.
- Add avocado for a creamier salad.
- Use balsamic glaze instead of the apple cider vinaigrette for a sweeter finish.
- Try goat cheese instead of feta for a softer, tangier flavor.
- Add arugula to turn it into a leafy summer salad.
- Leave out the dressing if your watermelon is extra sweet and juicy.
Watermelon Feta Salad Recipe
Equipment
- 1 serving bowl
- 1 sharp knife
- measuring cup
- measuring spoons
- spatula
Ingredients
- 2 cups large diced seedless watermelon
- 1 1/2 cups blueberries
- 1 English cucumber, cut into chunks
- 4 ounces block feta cheese, diced
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced fresh basil
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- kosher salt
- fresh ground pepper
Instructions
- In a large bowl, add the watermelon, blueberries, cucumber, feta, and basil. Gently toss to combine.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the vinegar, honey, and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Pour the dressing over the salad shortly before serving and gently toss to coat.
- Serve immediately or chill briefly before serving.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
More Easy Summer Salad Recipes
If you love this Watermelon Feta Salad, try these easy summer salad recipes next.
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Oh my goodness this is SO delicious. Made it exactly as the recipe says. Thank you
You’re welcome! I’m so happy you liked it!
I made this salad last week when we had hot weather. It’s very refreshing. My husband and I both liked it very much and the dressing really makes it. I did add just a little more honey to balance the vinegar, otherwise changed nothing. Thanks so much for this.
You’re very welcome! Thank you for your comment!
My family loves this recipe! This is a super easy Summer Salad that we look forward to each year.
We love it, too! Thank you for your comment!
I don’t see where my comment went thru so I’m writing another – sorry if it shows up twice Love love love this salad ! So delicious , fresh – perfect on a hot summer day !!! I will definitely be making this frequently in the near future . Now one of my all time favorites !!! Thx for the recipe kellie !
Thank you so much for your comment and I’m so glad you loved it! I moderate my comments lately because some people are extra cranky lately. 🙂 But I always appreciate feedback and happy comments are always welcome.
This is such an amazing salad !!!! Delicious ! Especially in the summer – so lite a fresh tasting !!! Now one of my new favorites !!!!
Thank you!
This was simply delicious. Cold, fresh, crisp and very tasty.
Perfect refreshing summer dish.
Cant wait to prepare it again ♡♡♡
I’m so glad you loved it! Thank you for your comment!
Great summer salad. Thanks to the comments of others, I assembled the salad early in the day, but left off the feta and the dressing. This worked out very well. Salad has delicious summer flavors. Served it as a side with grilled pork chops.
Thank you so much!
I made this but instead of watermelon i used cantaloupe and it was wonderful!
What a great idea!!! I’ll have to try that.
The recipe says make up to 8 hours ahead, and I put it together about 3 hours ahead. However, I would recommend NOT putting the dressing on if you make it ahead. It did get really watery and not nearly as attractive as when the dressing is first put on.
Thank you for your tip! You don’t have to make it in advance but a lot of people requested the details if they were to make ahead. Thanks again!
Loved this even without the feta. Best if eaten the same day. Didn’t find it to keep well in the fridge (became watery and lost flavor). Delicious way to use up over abundant cucumbers from the garden.
Thank you, Becky! It is best the same day but we did enjoy it just as much the next day.