Description
A refreshing and easy-to-make watermelon salad featuring sweet watermelon, crisp cucumber, salty feta cheese, fresh mint, and a zesty lime-garlic dressing. Perfect as a light summer side dish to beat the heat.
Ingredients
Dressing
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- ½ garlic clove, minced
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
Salad
- 5 cups cubed watermelon
- Heaping 1 cup diced English cucumber
- ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion
- ⅓ cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 avocado, cubed
- ⅓ cup torn fresh mint or basil leaves
- ½ jalapeño or serrano pepper, thinly sliced (optional)
- Sea salt, to taste
Instructions
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, fresh lime juice, minced garlic, and ¼ teaspoon sea salt until well combined and emulsified.
- Arrange the salad base: Spread the cubed watermelon, diced English cucumber, and thinly sliced red onions evenly on a large plate or platter to create the salad base.
- Dress the salad: Drizzle half of the prepared dressing over the watermelon, cucumber, and red onions to start layering the flavors.
- Add toppings: Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese, cubed avocado, torn fresh mint (or basil) leaves, and thinly sliced jalapeño or serrano pepper (if using) evenly over the salad.
- Final dressing and seasoning: Drizzle the remaining dressing over the entire salad. Taste and season with additional sea salt if desired. Serve immediately for the freshest taste.
Notes
- For the best flavor, use ripe, sweet watermelon and fresh herbs.
- Avocado can be optional or substituted with another creamy element if preferred.
- If you prefer less heat, omit the jalapeño or serrano pepper.
- Serve immediately to prevent the avocado from browning and to keep the watermelon juicy and fresh.
- This salad is naturally gluten-free and vegetarian-friendly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
