This easy watermelon salad recipe is one of the most refreshing and colorful summer salads you can make — ready in just minutes and perfect for BBQs, picnics, or weeknight dinners. Juicy watermelon cubes are paired with crisp cucumber, fresh mint and basil, creamy feta, a splash of lime, and optional jalapeño for a bright, bold flavor.

This combination of sweet, salty, and citrusy ingredients makes it a fan-favorite summer side dish that will disappear fast!

After seeing the viral Watermelon Summer Salad all over my IG and TikTok last summer, I had to see what the hype was all about. I finally made it, and whoa … if you know, you know.

A Refreshing Watermelon Salad That Tastes Like Summer

If there’s one dish that truly captures the flavor of summer, it’s this refreshing watermelon salad. On a hot day, nothing hits quite like a bowl of chilled, juicy (preferably seedless) watermelon — and this recipe takes that simple pleasure to the next level.

Not only is it incredibly delicious, it’s also one of the most beautiful summer salads you can serve. Made with hydrating watermelon — naturally rich in antioxidants and essential nutrients — every bite delivers a sweet, vibrant burst of flavor and color.

Crisp cucumber adds a fresh crunch and another boost of hydration, which is especially welcome during those scorching summer months. It also provides fiber along with vitamins A and K, making this salad as nourishing as it is refreshing.

Then there’s the feta: salty, creamy, and perfectly crumbly. It balances the sweetness of the watermelon and the cool crunch of cucumber in the best possible way. The sweet-and-salty contrast is what makes this watermelon feta salad truly irresistible.

Finish it with fresh basil, mint, and a subtle kick of jalapeño, and you have a bold, sweet-spicy combination that feels gourmet but takes just minutes to make. It’s bright, refreshing, and guaranteed to become a summer staple — the kind of salad you’ll want to make on repeat all season long.

The Best Summer Side Dish

If you’re looking for an easy summer side dish that comes together in minutes and steals the show every time, this watermelon salad is it. It’s the kind of recipe that turns heads at BBQs, picnics, and backyard gatherings — bright, fresh, and bursting with flavor. One bite, and everyone agrees: it tastes like summer in a bowl.

The simple lime dressing is what ties it all together. Made with just three pantry staples — fresh lime juice, extra virgin olive oil, and sea salt — it enhances the natural sweetness of the watermelon without overpowering it. A good-quality extra virgin olive oil adds richness and depth, plus heart-healthy fats and antioxidants that make this salad as nourishing as it is delicious.

This refreshing summer salad truly goes with everything. Serve it alongside grilled chicken, charred vegetables, burgers, or sweet corn on the cob for the ultimate warm-weather meal. It’s the perfect BBQ side dish, but honestly? It’s just as good enjoyed straight from the bowl as a light, hydrating snack on a hot day.

• Side note: if you’re not feeling like a grill-master yet, I’ve got you covered. Check out my Summer Grill Guide, where I share a few tips and tricks I’ve picked up along the way.

Why You’ll Love This Watermelon Salad

• Quick & easy: Ready in about 10 minutes with simple ingredients.
• Perfect for summer: Juicy watermelon and refreshing herbs hit the spot on warm days.
• Vibrant & healthy: Hydrating watermelon, nutrient-rich cucumber, and fresh herbs make this a great light side.

This salad also makes a great addition to grilled chicken, fish, or your favorite summer mains.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

Dressing:

• Lime, to juice and zest
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Sea salt

Salad:

• Jalapeño (optional)
• Fresh basil
• Fresh mint
• Mini watermelon
• Persian cucumbers
• Crumbled feta

How to Make This Watermelon Salad

1. Whisk the dressing: In a large bowl, combine lime zest, lime juice, olive oil, and salt.
2. Add herbs & spice: Stir in basil, mint, and jalapeño (if using).
3. Mix salad: Add watermelon, cucumbers, and feta. Toss gently to combine.
4. Serve chilled: Enjoy immediately for best texture and flavor. Leftovers keep well in an airtight container up to 1 day

Tips for the Best Watermelon Salad

• Pick a ripe watermelon: Look for a deep green rind and a creamy yellow field spot — a sign of sweetness.
• Use fresh herbs: Mint and basil really elevate the salad’s flavor.
• Customize: Swap feta for goat cheese or add other summer fruits like strawberries for variation.

What to Serve With It

Pair this salad with:

• Grilled chicken or shrimp
• Corn on the cob
• Light pasta or couscous
• Your favorite summer BBQ mains

HOW TO PICK A GOOD WATERMELON?

What might be the best sign that a watermelon is ripe and sweet is if it has a yellow ground spot, as the coloring of watermelon helps indicate its ripeness. Also, look for one that has a strong and consistent stripe pattern. Meaning, the green stripes should be darker and deeper in color, and the pale stripes should be a lighter, creamier yellow.

ARE PERSIAN CUCUMBERS CRUNCHIER THAN REGULAR CUCUMBERS?

Yes—Persian cucumbers are known for their extra-crisp texture. They’re smaller, thinner-skinned, and have very minimal seeds, which gives them a firm bite and less watery interior compared to many standard American cucumbers.

Regular cucumbers are often larger with thicker skins and bigger seed pockets, which can make them softer and sometimes slightly bitter. Persian cucumbers, on the other hand, stay consistently crunchy and mild in flavor, making them great for snacking, salads, and quick pickles.

SHOP THIS RECIPE:

LOVE THIS WATERMELON SUMMER SALAD? HERE’S MORE SIDES AND SALADS YOU’LL LOVE:

Greek Feta Fries

Mango Pico de Gallo

White Bean Greek Salad

Dressed-Up Heirloom Tomatoes

Greek Chicken Salad With Feta Pesto

Crispy Hot Honey Chicken Caesar Salad

Click here to watch the reel I made of this recipe 🙂