This sweet and savory Easy Watermelon Summer Salad is perfect for summer—all the goodness without the guilt! You just need to cut out some fresh ingredients, toss, and enjoy. It’s done in 15 minutes.
Oriana’s Thoughts On The Recipe
Savory-sweet summer salads are the BEST!! Please, drum rolls…. Meet my Easy Watermelon Summer Salad.
This Easy Watermelon Summer Salad is so easy to make that I can barely call it a recipe. It’s just cutting out some fresh ingredients, tossing, and enjoying—all the goodness without the guilt. It’s done in 15 minutes.
I’m not always drawn to try unusual combinations, and to be honest, watermelon salad wasn’t something I was thrilled to taste. I am so glad I ventured out of my comfort zone. I loved this salad.
This surprising and refreshing summer salad It’s sweet and savory. Perfect for summer!
Watercress Salad with Raspberry Vinaigrette, Honey Chipotle Barbecue Chicken Salad, and Easy Fish and Mango Ceviche are some of my favorite summer recipes to try.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Please check the recipe card at the bottom of the post for exact quantities and detailed instructions (scroll down).
For the Salad:
- Watermelon
- Cherry tomatoes – I used mixed medley tomatoes.
- English cucumber
- Queso fresco
- Fresh basil and mint leaves
For the Dressing:
- Olive oil
- Honey
- Lemon or Lime juice
- Salt and black pepper
How to Make Watermelon Salad
Please check the recipe card at the bottom of the post for exact quantities and detailed instructions (scroll down).
- Cut
Cut the watermelon and cucumbers into small cubes. Then, half the tomatoes.
- Chop The Herbs
To amp up the flavor and freshness, I added both basil and mint leaves, but you can choose one or the other if you prefer.
- Mix
Mix the watermelon, cucumbers, tomatoes, and fresh herbs in a salad bowl or serving plate.
- Dress
Toss with dressing. Then top with feta and serve.
Recipe Tips
Watermelon: You can either use a melon baller to scoop the watermelon out into balls, or use a knife to cut the watermelon into squares.
Extras to add-in. Feel free to get creative with this salad. Try adding in diced red onion, sliced avocado, or some fresh arugula or baby spinach for more greens.
Seeds: I recommend buying a seedless watermelon and cucumber to save time.
Variations
- Mediterranean Watermelon Salad – Ingredients: Watermelon, Kalamata olives, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, feta cheese, fresh oregano, olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper.
- Spicy Watermelon Salad – Ingredients: Watermelon, jalapeño, fresh cilantro, avocado, red onion, lime juice, honey, salt, and pepper.
- Watermelon and Arugula Salad – Ingredients: Watermelon, baby arugula, goat cheese, toasted pine nuts, balsamic glaze, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Tropical Watermelon Salad – Ingredients: Watermelon, mango, pineapple, fresh basil, lime zest, honey, and sea salt.
- Asian-Inspired Watermelon Salad – Ingredients: Watermelon, cucumber, edamame, fresh mint, fresh cilantro, green onions, sesame seeds, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and honey.
Serving Ideas
I love to serve this salad with Easy Honey Chipotle Grilled Shrimp , Easy Sausage and Veggies Foil Packets with Grilled Chipotle Mangoes, or Easy Chipotle Steak Bites. Don’t forget the 3-Minute Instant Pot Corn on the Cob and a summer cocktail.
For a simpler, lovely meal, serve with a piece of crusty bread or as a side dish to practically any grilled meat or fish for a perfect summer bite.
Storing Instructions
Store: This salad tastes best if served the first day. Watermelon is a super watery fruit, so it won’t hold up too long in the refrigerator.
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- Roasted Tomato Caprese Salad
- Copycat Chick fil A Superfood Salad
- Couscous Tabbouleh Salad
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Recipe Card 📖
Easy Watermelon Summer Salad
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 cups watermelon, cut into cubes
- 24 oz cherry mixed medley tomatoes, halved
- 1 English cucumber, small diced
- 12 fresh mint leaves, chopped (optional)
- 12 fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)
- ½ cup Queso fresco, crumble (or more to taste)
For the Honey Citrus Dressing:
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) quality extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) lemon or lime juice
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Important
Don’t forget to check out the step-by-step photos above in the post—they’ll guide you through the process and make everything super clear!
Instructions
Make the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
Make the Salad:
- In a large salad bowl combine watermelon, tomatoes, cucumber, and fresh herbs; mix to combine.
- Gently toss with the dressing. Then, topped with crumbled feta and serve Extra Tip: I also like to drizzle the salad with balsamic glaze just before serving, but this is totally optional, but add a nice extra layer of flavor.
- Watermelon: You can either use a melon baller to scoop the watermelon out into balls, or use a knife to cut the watermelon into squares.
- Extras to add in: Feel free to get creative with this salad. Try adding in diced red onion, sliced avocado, or some bean sprouts, fresh arugula or baby spinach for more greens.
- Seeds: I recommend buying a seedless watermelon and cucumber to save time.
Nutrition
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
Originally posted in May 2019, the post content was edited to add more helpful information, with no change to the recipe in July 2022.
Very tasty, used regular mixed cherry toms – was dubious because of the previous comment about it being tasteless but thought that with ingredients listed, it should have at least some taste, so decided to give it a go. Not sure what the other person commenting did wrong but it was very tasty and will def make this again .
Hello AJ! So glad you enjoyed this recipe. I make this salad a lot during summer. Thanks so much for trying my recipe and taking the time to come back and let me know!
It looks pretty in the picture. I was excited to make it. It is pretty tasteless. It is expensive to make. Good luck finding “ cherry mixed medley tomatoes.” When making the dressing keep in mind the watermelon and English cucumber will release liquid.
Hello Mary! I am sorry this recipe didn’t work for you. Of course, you can use regular cherry tomatoes if you prefer. Also, the salad should be dressed to taste and the balsamic glaze is super tasty so maybe you did not season it enough. Thanks for trying my recipe though.