Watermelon Salad with Feta and Arugula
This refreshing Watermelon Salad is an irresistible combination of sweet and savory. Serve it at your next summer BBQ and it will be the hit of the party!
This watermelon salad took me by surprise. I suspected that it was going to be good, but I did not anticipate just how much we would love it! If you have yet to try a watermelon feta salad, it’s a summer salad worth adding to your recipe rotation. In this recipe, I’ve added in crisp cucumber, ripe tomatoes and baby arugula. The combination of flavors and textures will keep you going back for more! A light honey-lime dressing ties it all together and keeps the salad fresh and healthy.
Watermelon Salad Recipe Ingredients
The epitome of summer salads, this watermelon salad features ripe produce, tangy feta cheese and a simple dressing. Here’s what you’ll need to make this easy recipe:
- Watermelon: Of course! The better the watermelon, the better the salad. Luckily, there are a few ways to pick a good one.
- English Cucumber: This cool veggie adds a refreshing crunch to the salad. I love using English cucumbers in salads because their thin skin does not require peeling.
- Red Onion: Adds the perfect amount of sharpness to balance out the sweet watermelon. Slice it thinly so that it doesn’t overpower the other ingredients.
- Grape or Cherry Tomatoes: Since their flavor is both sweet and savory, ripe tomatoes are a perfect addition.
- Baby Arugula: Its peppery bite is a nice counterpart to the sweet salad components. Be sure to buy baby arugula, since its flavor is much milder than mature arugula. The arugula also provides a beautiful color contrast to the ripe watermelon.
- Feta Cheese: Salty, tangy and creamy, feta cheese crumbles enhance all of the flavors in this watermelon salad.
- Watermelon Salad Dressing: For the dressing you’ll need lime juice and zest, olive oil, honey, Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
How to Make Watermelon Salad
This watermelon salad is easy to make. All that’s involved is a bit of chopping, mixing up the simple dressing and then tossing it all together!
- Make the dressing by whisking the ingredients together in a small bowl.
- Combine the salad ingredients, except for the feta and dressing, in a large salad bowl.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Add the feta cheese last and stir the salad gently to mix it in. Then serve and enjoy!
Recipe Tips
- Chill the watermelon in the refrigerator before making the salad. You can either chill the whole watermelon before cutting it, or cut the watermelon a few hours ahead and chill the cubed melon.
- I usually cut watermelon into cubes for this salad, but you can also use a melon baller to scoop round balls of melon.
- Add the feta cheese to the salad last and just give a quick gentle stir after adding it so that it doesn’t soak up too much watermelon juice.
- The salad is best served right after making it. Over time, the watermelon will release some of its juices and the arugula will wilt since this salad is high in moisture.
Recipe Variations
You can switch up the ingredients in this salad to suit your tastes. Here are a few suggestions:
- Add 2 cups chopped pineapple or 1 cup fresh blueberries for another pop of color and more sweetness.
- Add diced avocado for creaminess.
- Add some finely chopped jalapeño to the dressing for spice. Remove the ribs and seeds from the jalapeño before chopping or it may be too spicy.
- Stir in chopped fresh mint or basil for herby flavor.
- Try drizzling a bit of Balsamic Glaze over your serving of salad.
Serving Suggestions
This watermelon salad is a versatile side dish that goes well with just about any summer meal. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Kabobs: Serve it as a side dish with Steak Kabobs or Chicken Kabobs.
- Grilled Chicken: It’s fantastic with Grilled Chicken Thighs or Honey Mustard Grilled Chicken.
- Steak: Learn How to Grill Steak perfectly, or try Air Fryer Steak.
More Summer Salad Recipes
If you enjoyed this watermelon salad recipe, try one of these easy salad recipes next:
Serve this watermelon salad at your next summer cookout and you’ll be winning your summer salad game. Be sure to let me know in the comments below how you liked it!
Watermelon Salad
Ingredients
For the Dressing
- zest of 2 limes
- 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons honey
- ¼ teaspoon Kosher salt
- freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Salad
- 6 cups cubed watermelon*, ¾-inch cubes
- ½ English cucumber, quartered lengthwise and sliced ¼-inch thick
- ½ cup thinly sliced red onion
- 1 ½ cups cherry or grape tomatoes, halved, 6-8 ounces
- 4 cups baby arugula, about 3 ounces
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
Instructions
- Make the dressing by combining the lime zest, lime juice, olive oil, honey, Kosher salt and black pepper in a small bowl. Whisk until well mixed.
- To make the salad, place the cubed watermelon, chopped cucumber, sliced red onion, halved tomatoes and baby arugula in a large bowl.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Add the feta cheese and toss gently to incorporate. Serve immediately.
Notes
- This salad is best if the watermelon is chilled in the refrigerator before making and serving the salad.
This watermelon salad is so delicious. Thank you for the recipe.
Delicious and refreshing on a hot summer day! I added mint, as well as toasted sliced almonds for a nice crunch.
So glad you enjoyed it! Your additions sound delicious.