Description
A refreshing and easy-to-make summer watermelon salad featuring sweet, juicy watermelon complemented by salty feta cheese, crisp cucumber, fresh mint, and a zesty lime garlic dressing. Perfect as a light side dish on hot days.
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 sea salt until fully combined into a smooth dressing.
- Assemble the salad: Arrange the cubed watermelon, diced English cucumber, and thinly sliced red onions evenly on a large plate or serving platter.
- Add dressing and toppings: Drizzle half of the prepared dressing over the arranged watermelon, cucumber, and red onions. Then, evenly sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese, cubed avocado, and torn fresh mint or basil leaves on top. Add the thinly sliced jalapeño or serrano pepper if using for a spicy kick.
- Finish and serve: Drizzle the remaining dressing evenly over the salad. Season with additional sea salt to taste and serve immediately for the freshest flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute basil for mint if preferred.
- The salad is best served fresh and consumed the same day to preserve the crispness of ingredients.
- Adjust the amount of jalapeño or serrano pepper according to your preferred spice level or omit if sensitive to heat.
- For a vegan version, omit the feta cheese or substitute with a plant-based cheese alternative.
- This salad pairs well with grilled meats or seafood as a light, refreshing side.
