Refreshing Watermelon Salad With Cucumber And Mint

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Beat the heat with a refreshing watermelon salad bursting with sweet watermelon, crisp cucumbers, fresh mint, and a tangy dressing.

NOTE: This post has been updated since it was originally published on August 11, 2022.

Enjoy the ultimate summer salad! A refreshing, vibrant watermelon salad that offers a delicious balance of sweet watermelon, crisp cucumbers, and a zesty lime dressing.

Whether you prefer it with crumbly feta or without, this salad is a must-try for those hot summer days and gatherings with friends.

This easy watermelon salad recipe is the perfect way to incorporate the season’s fruits. It only takes minutes to make and it is deliciously refreshing and healthy.

I added blueberries to this flavorful salad because blueberry picking on the Cape is abundant, and after a successful outing, I found myself with an abundance of fresh blueberries to enjoy!

Handy Kitchen Tools Needed

Large glass mixing bowl. Or any large bowl to hold this beautiful watermelon salad.
Wooden spoon or spatula. I prefer spatulas because it does not break up the fruit as I am stirring.
Measuring cups and spoons. A must in every kitchen.
Cutting board. Again, I prefer wood over plastic cutting boards.
Sharp knife. Another must in every kitchen. 

Watermelon Salad Recipe Ingredients

• Watermelon. If you can find a mini-seedless watermelon, that is ideal. Otherwise, you can use one-half of a large watermelon. Remove the rind, cubed into bite-size pieces.
• English cucumbers. You will need 3-4 mini-cucumbers, thinly sliced. If you cannot find English cucumbers, you can use Persian cucumbers or a hot house cucumber but you may want to peel the skin because hot house cucumbers have a slightly thicker skin than English cucumbers.
• Fresh blueberries. I like to add quite a few blueberries, approximately two cups, but you can be your own judge. If you do not have blueberries or would prefer to keep them out, that is perfectly fine too.
• Red onion. Just about one-quarter to one-half of red onion, thinly sliced, adds the perfect zest to this crisp watermelon salad.
• Fresh mint. You will want a good amount of mint leaves for this salad. I use approximately one-half cup loosely packed, roughly chopped, or torn.
• Extra virgin olive oil. About one to two tablespoonfuls
• Lime juice. Fresh lime juice is best and I use about two tablespoons.
• Lime zest. Whenever possible, adding a touch of zest to your dressings is a great idea! Incorporating lemon or lime zest enhances the depth of flavor.
• Kosher salt. Just a pinch is all you need. This brings out the wonderful watermelon and cucumber juices.
• Cracker red pepper (optional). Only if you want to add a little more zip.

Optional ingredients you may want to consider

For those who are not vegan and prefer a touch of cheese, consider these variations.

• Feta cheese. This is a classic pairing in watermelon salads and adds a salty contrast to the sweet watermelon.
• Goat cheese or Blue cheese. You can crumble these creamy cheeses over the watermelon salad for a tangy twist that complements the fresh mint and watermelon flavors.
• Avocado. Adding a diced creamy avocado to this delicious salad is always a wonderful idea and a great way to add some healthy fat to your diet.
• Fresh basil. If you are not a mint fan, swap out the fresh mint for basil. This is also a delicious combo.

How To Make Watermelon Salad

STEP 1. PREPARE THE DRESSING
In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, lime zest, olive oil, salt, and cracked red pepper if using. Set aside.

STEP 2. ASSEMBLE THE SALAD
Wash the outside of the watermelon and remove its rind. Cut the watermelon into bite-size pieces, and place them in a large glass mixing bowl.

Wash the outside of the cucumber, peel if desired, and dice them into bite-size pieces. Place the cucumber slices in the large glass mixing bowl with the watermelon.

Wash the fresh blueberries and place them in the mixing bowl with the other fruit.

Dice the red onion and place it in the mixing bowl with the other fruit.

Wash and chop the fresh mint and place it in the mixing bowl with the other fruit.

Gently stir all of the fruit and herbs in the mixing bowl until combined thoroughly.

STEP 3. ADD THE DRESSING
Add the dressing to the fruit bowl. Stir to combine well.

STEP 4. CHILL
Place the watermelon salad in the fridge to chill, and for flavors to blend all together.

STEP 5. SERVE AND ENJOY
Once the watermelon salad has chilled, serve as a light side dish or a refreshing starter on a warm day.

Or, if you’d like to make it more of a meal, add the watermelon salad on top of a bed of greens such as fresh arugula or baby kale.

Garnish with additional mint leaves for an extra burst of freshness.

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How To Store

This nutrient-dense, watermelon salad will last in the fridge for about 4-5 days or so, depending on where you live and your humidity level.

Make sure to store your fruit salad in a glass dish, with a secure top that seals properly. Then you will be good to go!

Tips For Success

This recipe is pretty straightforward forward but if I had to give you one recommendation, that would be to definitely chill this summer watermelon salad in the fridge to make it wonderfully cold.

Feel free to add a different berry if you prefer, such as raspberries, blackberries, or strawberries.

Play with the ratios of fruit according to your taste. As an example, you may like more red onion or mint – or less – let your taste buds be your guide.

If you use feta cheese, aim to find the best organic feta you can find, either in blocks to cube yourself or as crumbles for convenience.

Health Benefits Of Watermelon Salad

Watermelon is such a delicious and hydrating fruit. Did you know that 92% of watermelon consists of water? This fruit totally lives up to its name. And watermelon has more lycopene than any other fresh fruit or vegetable.

Lycopene is an antioxidant, and watermelon is unique in that it has a readily available source of lycopene called cis-isomeric lycopene. Antioxidants help fight disease, and the consumption of watermelon has shown to be effective in reducing cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and age-related eye conditions, such as macular degeneration.

Blueberries are also rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber. These nutrient-dense berries have a lot going on for their tiny size.

Blueberries are high in vitamin C, which helps keep our immune system strong, as well as they are high in vitamin K, which helps our blood clot.

Blueberries also contain soluble fiber, which helps to reduce cholesterol and heart disease.

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Let’s Connect

I hope you enjoy this wonderful Watermelon Salad with Cucumber and Mint recipe.

If you make this delicious watermelon salad, I would love it if you left a recipe rating and review below.

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VIDEO: Step-By-Step Directions On How To Make This Delicious Refreshing Watermelon Salad Recipe

Printable Recipe Card To Enjoy

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