When the temperatures rise and you’re searching for a light, healthy, and cooling dish, there’s nothing quite like a Cucumber and Watermelon Salad to satisfy your cravings. Bursting with juicy sweetness from ripe watermelon and crispness from fresh cucumber, this vibrant salad offers the perfect combination of flavors and textures for summer meals.
This dish isn’t just easy to prepare—it’s also stunning to present, full of hydrating ingredients, and adaptable to suit any palate. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue, attending a picnic, or looking for a quick weekday lunch that won’t weigh you down, Cucumber and Watermelon Salad is the answer.
What makes this salad a real star is its ability to be both simple and sophisticated. With a handful of ingredients, it manages to deliver freshness, sweetness, tang, and a hint of saltiness. It’s no wonder this dish has become a favorite during the warmest months of the year.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are dozens of salads you could make, but this one is bound to win your heart. Here’s why this Cucumber and Watermelon Salad will become a staple in your kitchen:
- Exceptionally refreshing – Thanks to the high water content in watermelon and cucumber, every bite cools you down from the inside out.
- No cooking required – Perfect for days when turning on the stove is unthinkable.
- Visually stunning – The mix of red, green, white, and purple makes it Instagram-worthy.
- Customizable to your taste – Swap in different herbs, cheeses, or add a protein to suit your dietary needs.
- Nutrient-rich and low in calories – It supports hydration and wellness while keeping you full and satisfied.
- Quick to prepare – In just 10 minutes, you can have this delicious salad on the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you need to create this cooling, crunchy, and satisfying salad:
- 4 cups seedless watermelon, cubed or balled
- 2 cups cucumber, sliced thin (use English or Persian cucumbers for best results)
- ¼ cup fresh mint leaves, finely chopped
- ¼ cup fresh basil, torn
- ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional Add-ins:
- Balsamic glaze, for a sweet and tangy drizzle
- Toasted nuts (almonds, pistachios, or pine nuts), for crunch
- Sliced avocado, for creaminess
- Thin slices of jalapeño or chili flakes, if you love heat
How to Make Cucumber and Watermelon Salad
Making Cucumber and Watermelon Salad is as easy as it gets. Here’s how to do it:
- Prep your ingredients
Cut the watermelon into cubes or use a melon baller for round shapes. Thinly slice the cucumbers and red onion. Chop the herbs and crumble the feta. - Assemble the salad
In a large serving bowl, combine the watermelon, cucumber, red onion, mint, and basil. - Make the dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, salt, and pepper. - Dress the salad
Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently to coat without breaking the watermelon cubes. - Top and garnish
Sprinkle the crumbled feta on top. Add nuts or avocado if using. Finish with a drizzle of balsamic glaze, if desired. - Chill and serve
Serve immediately for best flavor, or refrigerate for up to 30 minutes before serving.
Tips for Customizing the Recipe
The beauty of this Cucumber and Watermelon Salad lies in its flexibility. Here are some creative ways to adapt it to your preferences:
- Make it vegan: Simply skip the feta cheese or use a vegan feta alternative. Nutritional yeast can also add a cheesy flavor.
- Try different cheeses: Goat cheese, ricotta salata, or mozzarella pearls can substitute feta for different textures and tastes.
- Switch up the herbs: Fresh cilantro, parsley, or dill can give the salad a different character.
- Add grains: Cooked quinoa, farro, or couscous can bulk it up for a more filling meal.
- Protein punch: Add grilled shrimp, tofu cubes, or chickpeas for a protein-rich version.
- Heat it up: Sliced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper add a spicy contrast to the sweet melon.
Don’t be afraid to make this salad your own—it’s a great canvas for flavors!
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Can you store Cucumber and Watermelon Salad?
Yes—but with a few caveats. Watermelon tends to release liquid over time, which can make the salad soggy if stored too long.
- Storage time: Best eaten fresh, but can be stored for up to 1 day in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Prevent sogginess: Store the dressing separately if you plan to prep ahead. Combine just before serving.
- Refreshing leftovers: Drain excess liquid before serving leftovers. You can revive the flavors with a bit more fresh lime juice and herbs.
Reheating?
This salad is meant to be enjoyed cold. Reheating isn’t recommended, but adding fresh crunchy elements can help revitalize it after a night in the fridge.
Cucumber and Watermelon Salad Serving Ideas
This salad shines on its own but also pairs beautifully with:
- Grilled chicken or shrimp for a protein-packed summer dinner.
- Grilled halloumi for a vegetarian twist with a savory edge.
- Crusty bread or pita to soak up the juices.
- Lemonade or iced herbal teas for an ultra-refreshing combo.
- Other summer salads like tabbouleh or chickpea salad.
Need more summer recipe inspiration?
You might also like our Savory Sam Choy Lomi Lomi Salmon Recipe on the site to start your day the right way.
If you’re curious about picking the best watermelon, read 9 Expert Tips for Picking the Perfect Watermelon.
Health Benefits of Cucumber and Watermelon Salad
This salad is more than just a pretty face. The ingredients are packed with nutrients that support hydration, digestion, and overall well-being:
1. Watermelon
- Contains over 90% water, making it a hydrating fruit.
- Rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that supports heart health and may protect against certain cancers.
- Contains vitamin C and vitamin A to boost immunity and skin health.
2. Cucumber
- High water content supports hydration and skin health.
- Contains anti-inflammatory compounds that aid digestion.
- Low in calories but high in fiber and vitamin K.
3. Feta Cheese
- Provides calcium and protein.
- Offers a savory balance to the sweet fruit.
4. Fresh Herbs
- Mint and basil promote digestion and add essential micronutrients.
- Mint is also known for its calming properties and fresh aroma.
5. Olive Oil and Lime Juice
- Healthy fats in olive oil support heart and brain health.
- Lime juice provides vitamin C and helps with iron absorption.
This salad not only tastes amazing—it also supports your health in every bite.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use frozen watermelon?
Frozen watermelon tends to become mushy once thawed, so it’s not ideal for this fresh salad. Use fresh, seedless watermelon for the best results.
Can I prepare it a day in advance?
You can prep the components a day ahead and store them separately. Combine and dress the salad just before serving to preserve texture.
Is it possible to use lemon instead of lime?
Yes! Lemon juice works just as well and offers a similar acidity and brightness.
What other fruits go well with cucumber?
Try cantaloupe, honeydew, or strawberries for an equally refreshing salad with new flavor notes.
What kind of cucumber is best?
English or Persian cucumbers are best because they have thin skins and minimal seeds, which means less bitterness and more crunch.
