Minty Watermelon Salad is the ultimate summer side dish, light, refreshing, and bursting with juicy sweetness. Combining the crisp, hydrating bite of ripe watermelon with the cool, aromatic notes of fresh mint, this salad is a perfect way to beat the heat and elevate any warm-weather meal.
The base of this salad is, of course, cubed watermelon. Choose a seedless variety with deep red flesh for maximum sweetness and color. Toss in a generous handful of finely chopped fresh mint leaves, which bring a clean, herbaceous twist that pairs beautifully with the fruit’s natural sugars.
To take the salad up a notch, many versions include crumbled feta cheese for a creamy, salty contrast, and a drizzle of lime juice or balsamic glaze for added zing. You can even add thin slices of cucumber or a sprinkle of chili flakes for a more complex flavor profile.
This salad is quick to prepare and best served chilled. It’s ideal for picnics, BBQs, potlucks, or as a refreshing starter before a heavier main course. Not only is it visually appealing with its vibrant colors, but it also offers a healthy dose of hydration, vitamins, and antioxidants.
Whether you serve it as a simple two-ingredient combo or jazz it up with gourmet add-ins, Minty Watermelon Salad delivers pure summer on a plate, bright, breezy, and wonderfully satisfying.
Ingredients
- 4 cups watermelon cubed
- 1/2 cup feta cheese crumbled
- 1/4 cup mint leaves torn, fresh
- 1/4 cup red onion chopped
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the watermelon, feta cheese, mint leaves, and red onion.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the watermelon mixture and toss gently to combine.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Nutrition
I don’t know about mint and watermelon together. Sounds weird. I might skip it.
Why do people put onion in salad? It ruins the taste. No thanks.
I tried this recipe but didn’t have feta, so I used cheddar. It wasn’t bad, but I think it needed the feta. Still a nice mix.
This salad is so refreshing! The mint really makes it pop. Perfect for summer!
Ok so like, I made this for my mom’s birthday and it was a hit! Everyone loved it!
Yum! I added some chopped jalapeños for a kick. This is my new go-to dish for BBQs!
Adding jalapeños sounds like a fun twist! I might try that next time. This salad is so refreshing, especially in summer!
Too much work for a salad. Just cut fruit and eat it, right?
But it’s not just a salad, it’s a flavor explosion! The feta with the watermelon is so good! Give it a try!
Can I use canned watermelon? Asking for a friend. LOL.
Canned watermelon? That’s a bit weird, but I guess it’s worth a try! Just drain it well, or it might get soggy! 😂
Yum, yum! My kids ate it all up! They don’t usually like salad, but this one was a winner!
I dunno, salad with watermelon sounds weird… Are kids even supposed to eat salad? 🤔
That’s awesome! My kids are picky too, but I’m definitely trying this. Thanks for sharing!
Just tried this and I think I put in too much lime. Careful with the dressing!
Mint is a herb, not a salad. Why do people add stuff like this to fruit?
Good salad but way too salty for my taste in the dressing. Less salt next time.
I agree, the dressing was a bit overwhelming. I’ll try it with half the salt next time!
I thought it was fine. Salt makes it taste good! You just gotta balance it out right.
I added a little extra feta and it was still really balanced. Would definitely make again.
salad=healthy, but onion?? why???? 🤷♂️
Onion adds a nice crunch and flavor! It balances the sweetness of the watermelon. Trust me, you gotta try it! 🍉
This was good, but I wish the dressing had more lime juice. I felt like it needed a bit more zing.
This salad is so refreshing! Perfect for summer BBQs. Can’t wait to make it again!
delicious! 😍
What if I don’t have feta? Can I use cheddar or sumthin?
Yum! Only a few ingredients and so easy to make. I’ll definitely make it again.
I tried this and it blew my mind! So fresh and tasty! Thanks for sharing!
Watermelon with cheese? That sounds weird. I dunno if I will try it.
Seems too simple to be good. I might not try it. Watermelon and cheese? Really?
Super easy to make! I didn’t have red onion so I used green onions instead, came out great still!
Meh. My kids didn’t like it. They only eat watermelons with sugar! Why you add all these other stuff?
Really? Watermelon with feta? Sounds weird. Not sure if I’m down for this combo.
Salad = good. Instructions = easy. My rating = 5! Yummy!
This salad was alright, but watermelon is too watery for me. I prefer my salads crunchier. 2/5.
I understand where you’re coming from! Watermelon can be too mushy for some. Maybe try adding some nuts for extra crunch next time? 4/5.
I just dont get it. Watermelon with feta? I mean seriously? No offense, but its not for me.
This salad is sooo refreshing! Perfect for summer BBQs.
I agree! This salad is a great twist for summer. I never thought about adding feta to watermelon, but it makes such a difference. Can’t wait to try it at my next BBQ!
I wasn’t sure about putting feta in my watermelon, but it surprisingly works! I’ll make this again.
Made this for a potluck and it was gone in seconds! The lime juice really makes it!
That’s awesome! I love how refreshing lime makes everything. I’d never thought of adding feta to watermelon. Gonna try this at my next BBQ!
Tasted kinda bland… I think it needs more salt or something. 3 stars.
This salad is sooo refreshing! Perfect for summer. I added some chopped cucumber too. Yum!
Too many mint leaves! I think it ruined the taste for me. I like mint in tea not in fruit salad.
I think the mint actually adds a refreshing touch! But, I get it – everyone has different tastes. Maybe less mint next time? 🤔
Quick and easy—took like 10 minutes. I served it with grilled chicken and it was a hit.
Totally agree—10 minutes sounds right. The mint + lime combo with feta is such a good pairing, and grilled chicken makes it feel like a real meal.
Not my favorite. The watermelon got kind of watery and the feta felt too sharp against it. Maybe drain the watermelon next time?
Totally get it—watermelon can release a lot of juice. Next time I’d salt the cubes lightly and let them drain in a colander for 10–15 min, then pat dry before tossing.
Too much onion for my taste. I would cut it down to a tablespoon next time. Otherwise, good!
Yum! I added some jalapeños for a kick. It turned out amazing!
I don’t like mint, can I use parsley instead? Will it still taste good?
You can definitely use parsley instead! It might change the flavor a bit, but it could still taste good. Give it a try!
Can u use different cheese? I don’t like feta. Help!
This salad is so refreshing! I made it for a summer BBQ and it was a hit! Everyone loved the minty flavor.
I don’t really get the point of putting cheese on watermelon. Seems weird.
I thought the same at first! But it really works. The salty cheese with juicy watermelon is surprisingly good!