Watermelon Salad Recipe
This watermelon salad is the perfect combination of refreshing, fruity, and easy-to-make flavors, ready in just 20 minutes!
Watermelon Salad Ingredients
Heres what youll need for this simple yet delicious watermelon salad:
- Red onion: Adds bright color and a bold flavor.
- Lime juice: Enhances the flavor with a zesty touch.
- Watermelon: A must-have ingredient for this refreshing salad.
- Cucumber: English cucumbers provide a crisp and cool taste.
- Feta cheese: Crumbled feta gives the salad a creamy, tangy element.
- Herbs: Fresh cilantro or mint brings a fresh, herbaceous finish.
How to Make Watermelon Salad
Follow these simple steps for a quick, refreshing salad:
- Step 1: Slice the red onion and place it in a small bowl. Pour lime juice over the onion slices and let them marinate while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, gently combine the cubed watermelon, cucumber, crumbled feta, and fresh cilantro (or mint). Add cracked black pepper to taste.
- Step 3: Once the onions have marinated, add them to the salad and toss everything gently to combine.
- Step 4: Just before serving, season with sea salt to taste and give the salad one final toss.
- Step 5: Serve and enjoy the fresh, vibrant flavors of this watermelon salad!
Can You Make Watermelon Salad Ahead of Time?
You can prepare this salad up to a day in advance. However, to keep the feta cheese fresh and not soggy, add it just before serving.
How to Store Watermelon Salad
Store any leftover watermelon salad in an airtight in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For best results, consume within a day or two of making.
Perfect Pairings
This summery salad pairs wonderfully with grilled dishes. Here are a few ideas:
- Grilled Rosemary Chicken Breasts
- Grilled Sea Bass
- Sirloin Steak with Garlic Butter
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrition | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 94 |
| Total Fat | 4g (4%) |
| Saturated Fat | 2g (12%) |
| Cholesterol | 14mg (5%) |
| Sodium | 182mg (8%) |
| Total Carbohydrate | 14g (5%) |
| Dietary Fiber | 1g (4%) |
| Total Sugars | 11g |
| Protein | 3g (7%) |
| Vitamin C | 15mg (17%) |
| Calcium | 93mg (7%) |
| Iron | 1mg (3%) |
| Potassium | 243mg (5%) |
Community Tips
marieb: "Delicious and refreshing! I followed the recipe exactly and it turned out amazing. The lime-marinated onions are a key step, and I will definitely be making this again."
Kathy Saav: "This was the perfect light side to BBQ burgers. I used fresh basil instead of cilantro, and it was fantastic. Ill try cilantro next time."
Patty: "Ive made this salad several times for summer gatherings, and its always a hit. Try cutting the watermelon into triangular sections and topping with the other ingredients, then drizzling with balsamic glaze. So good!"

Comments
laughingmagpie
10/06/2025 01:52:54 PM
I wish I had taken a picture because this was such a pretty dish, but I made it at the cottage and had forgotten my camera. I used mint instead of cilantro since by majority my family doesn't care for the cilantro. I was surprised that even the kids enjoyed this dish since they don't often try anything with feta in it.
Patty
08/02/2020 02:25:55 PM
I've made this recipe a few times now and it is a perfect salad during summer gatherings! I substituted the cilantro for mint leaves, omitted the salt and pepper, and used a Mediterranean feta (my favorite). I figured the seasonings in the feta would suffice. Another suggestion is to cut the watermelon in triangular sections and serve individually topped with the remaining ingredients and drizzled with a balsamic glaze.
TNGirl
07/10/2019 01:00:13 AM
Dee-licious! Can substitute mint for all or part of the cilantro if you want. Can also substitute lemon juice for the lime juice to soak the onions. Be sure to soak the onions! I like to cube the feta in little pieces which makes it a little prettier because there's not so many tiny crumbles. Also, don't forget to drain off the juice that gathers at the bottom of the bowl so the watermelon won't get soggy. Don't throw out the juice though; drink it! It's delicious! Best served within a few hours of preparing. ;)
apjuice
07/21/2013 06:12:52 PM
Scaled this down: mix together 1/2 a med watermelon, 1/4 onion finely chopped, 1/2 cucumber, 1/4 c cashews chopped in half, black pepper, and feta then pour over 1/4 cup olive oil and a couple tbs fresh lemon juice. Let sit in the fridge to let flavors blend for 30 min. Wait to add salt just before serving since water from the melon will release. Add cilantro or mint... Or neither :) yum. Def the best watermelon salad recipe I've tried.... And I've tried a bunch.
FrankieRayureBlanc
12/05/2022 06:05:22 AM
Super refreshing! - I skipped the Feta altogether, (though about using Gorgonzola) … shaved the red onions super thin, used half Lime and half Lemon juice, ...and for SURE a large drizzle of Olive Oil! (Makes it more of a 'proper' salad in my opinion) …and, having the watermelon well-chilled prior to assembling will be beneficial.
Lisa Wagner
06/20/2024 10:26:12 PM
This is always a crowd favorite. I omit the onion & use chopped, fresh mint in place of the cilantro. Very refreshing.
BLUEGIRL5
06/22/2024 01:02:35 AM
Lovely summer salad! Plated the salads individually. Did not use cilantro as nobody cares for it. Garnished with parsley instead. Added a few homemade croutons and a couple of squirts of balsamic glaze. Really good!
missdrea
04/11/2015 06:00:13 PM
This was fantastic. I didn't have any lime and it was still very good. Ive made another version with dried mint instead of cilantro. Both are good. I added some crushed red pepper. Next time try cantaloupe or honeydew if they are less expensive? Next time add lime zest with the lime juice. The quality of feta could really take this over the top. I used a very nice feta from a specialty market. Served with baked buffalo chicken thighs and roasted veggies.
Lisa Covington
08/21/2023 06:05:47 PM
Wonderful summer salad but needs to be eaten within 24 hours. If cilantro isn't your thing, you could switch out with basil or mint. Maybe try adding a little bit of cayenne if you feel daring. :-)
Joanne the Lola
09/06/2021 09:15:07 PM
Refreshing. Go easy on the onions. It overpowered the watermelon.
LovesCooking
04/06/2024 03:30:44 PM
What a great way to serve a little taste of summer. The cucumbers, the feta and of course, the watermelon come together to have such a refreshing salad. It’s the kind of salad where you feel like you could eat the whole bowl, it’s that light. I personally went for a fatty feta cheese and I think it gave the salad a nice mouthfeel. The onions also add a nice crunch for some textural variety.
QuaintWhisk7480
06/09/2025 06:25:16 PM
This is a very good salsa with great flavor
Joyce Thompson
07/15/2024 08:15:09 PM
Made it tonight — everyone loved it!
LovesCooking
04/06/2024 03:30:44 PM
What a great way to serve a little taste of summer. The cucumbers, the feta and of course, the watermelon come together to have such a refreshing salad. It’s the kind of salad where you feel like you could eat the whole bowl, it’s that light. I personally went for a fatty feta cheese and I think it gave the salad a nice mouthfeel. The onions also add a nice crunch for some textural variety.
TwistySage4384
06/12/2023 04:34:16 PM
I made this salad for an event I had planned. The members raved about it and they all wanted the recipe. Very tasty and refreshing!
Lourdes Ferrer Engel
08/23/2022 05:57:54 PM
Delicious!!!! Made it for a dear friend's birthday party and it was a hit. Used key lime juice.
Bobbie Russie
06/12/2022 12:05:04 AM
Not sure lime juice did anything. Maybe vinegar would be better. But still a good recipe. Had to downsize to 3 servings, due to watermelon available, and we’re only two. REALLY ODD measurements, hubby winged it!
Lorraine Kennedy Winterink
07/11/2021 10:11:23 PM
Dinner’s Ready!
marieb
09/13/2020 05:41:25 PM
Delicious and refreshing! I followed this recipe exactly as written and it turned out great. Wonderful variety of flavors that compliment each other. NOTE: Marinating the onions in the lime juice is an important step. I will definitely be making this again.
Kathy Saav
09/08/2020 03:09:39 AM
Yum! This made a refreshing and light side to BBQ burgers. I used fresh basil instead of cilantro because a friend gave me a bag full from her garden. I will definitely make again and try it with the cilantro.