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Fresh Watermelon Feta Cucumber Salad

fresh watermelon feta cucumber salad - featured image

A refreshing and easy summer salad combining juicy watermelon, crisp cucumber, creamy feta, and a spicy chilli oil dressing with fresh mint.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups fresh watermelon, cubed (seedless if possible)
  • 2 medium cucumbers, peeled and sliced thinly (English or Persian cucumbers)
  • 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, roughly chopped
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin)
  • 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1 small garlic clove, minced (optional)
  • Pinch of smoked paprika (optional)
  • Salt to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chilli oil: In a small saucepan over low heat, combine olive oil, crushed red pepper flakes, minced garlic, smoked paprika, and salt. Warm gently for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  2. Chop watermelon into 1-inch cubes and peel and slice cucumbers thinly. Place both in a medium mixing bowl.
  3. Crumble feta cheese over the watermelon and cucumber. Roughly chop fresh mint leaves and sprinkle on top.
  4. Drizzle the slightly cooled chilli oil over the salad. Gently toss everything together with a large spoon or salad tongs, being careful not to break up the feta too much. Taste and adjust salt if needed.
  5. Optional: Let the salad sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Notes

If watermelon is very juicy, drain excess liquid before tossing to avoid a watery salad. Use fresh mint for best flavor; basil can be a substitute. Crumble feta by hand for better texture. The salad can be made a few hours ahead and refrigerated; toss gently before serving. For a dairy-free version, substitute feta with vegan cheese or crumbled tofu.

Nutrition

Keywords: watermelon salad, feta salad, cucumber salad, summer salad, healthy side dish, chilli oil, mint, easy salad