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This crisp watermelon cucumber mix is my favorite summertime fix when I need something super chill and packed with sweet and salty crunch. You can whip it up so fast and it goes great with anything grilled. Perfect for those blazing afternoons. Toss in some fresh herbs and feta and watch everyone gather around the table for seconds.
My friends keep asking for how I make this one. Every time I share it at a BBQ, plates are wiped clean. The flavors are just simple and pop so much.
Tasty Ingredients
- Olive oil: Pour to taste for extra flavor and to help everything mix perfectly. Extra virgin is best if you've got it.
- Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper: Sprinkle on as much as you like. These classic seasonings wake up all the flavors. Flaky kosher salt is the way to go.
- Lime: Juice a plump lime for a tangy kick. Grab one that looks glossy and feels heavy.
- Chopped basil: A tablespoon of fresh green basil for that classic summer smell. Slice right before adding.
- Chopped mint: Same—just one tablespoon for a cooling punch. Fresh, bright green mint works best.
- Feta cheese: Three ounces in cubes. Salty and creamy! Go for a block in brine if possible.
- Persian cucumbers: Slice up about a cup. Nearly seedless and super crunchy, perfect here.
- Mini watermelon: Four cups, cut into cubes. Pick one that sounds hollow with a firm, heavy feel for extra sweetness.
Simple Steps
- Toss and Finish:
- Give the whole thing a gentle mix so the feta stays nice and chunky. Taste—add more salt, pepper, or lime if needed. Eat right away or stick it in the fridge for ten minutes to serve ultra cold.
- Add the Lime and Oil:
- Squeeze lime juice all over then pour in a bit of olive oil. Toss in salt and crank in a lot of fresh pepper. Taste as you go so it doesn't get too salty.
- Herbs Go In:
- Chop up that mint and basil just before using. Sprinkle right on top so everything tastes super fresh.
- Main Mix:
- Grab a big bowl and drop in all the watermelon, cucumber, and feta cubes. Make sure feta gets in there evenly for the perfect creamy bite every time.
- Prep Time:
- Chop the watermelon into bite sized cubes and slice cucumbers thinly. Try to keep pieces around the same size so the whole salad looks good and scoops easy.
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I get excited for every juicy bite of watermelon in this. My kids are always grabbing pieces before I even serve it up. It’s a family favorite we keep making all July.
Leftovers and Storage
Pop any leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge and eat within a day. Watermelon lets out lots of juice, so just pour it off before digging in again. For extra zing, toss in new herbs or a squeeze of lime before finishing.
Switch-Ups
If you can’t grab Persian cucumbers, English ones crunch almost the same. You can swap feta for goat cheese if you want a creamier bite. Or try dill or cilantro in place of the herbs for a fun twist.
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Fun Ways to Serve
Load up plates next to grilled steak, shrimp, or chicken for easy dinners. Or go all in by making it your star veggie side at picnics and potlucks. Enjoy it super chilled, especially on sunny days.
Quick Salad Background
The mix of melon and salty cheese comes from Mediterranean kitchens. Lots of places around the world love this pairing and toss in herbs or a splash of olive oil. No wonder it’s a summer staple that travels from table to table.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Is there another cheese I can use if I don't want feta?
Totally! Swap in some goat cheese or ricotta salata for a new flavor and smooth bite.
- → What's the trick to making sure it doesn't get too wet?
Hold off on adding your dressing until you’re about to eat. Use cold and drained watermelon so everything stays snappy.
- → Which fresh herbs go nicely with watermelon and cucumber?
Mint and basil are awesome, but cilantro or dill can mix things up with new flavors.
- → Can I prep this ahead?
It's super good right after you mix it. You can chop everything before, just toss together at the last minute.
- → What kinds of protein taste good with this?
Grilled shrimp, chicken, or fish taste great with the sweet and salty flavors here.