CHRISTINE LOERTSCHER - FOOD PHOTOGRAPHY SERVICES
EASTERN TOWNSHIPS - MONTREAL - INTERNATIONAL
About the Recipe
When the weather heats up, I find myself craving meals that are light, refreshing, and honestly — require minimal effort. This watermelon salad is one of my favorite ways to use up all that gorgeous summer produce. It’s sweet, savory, hydrating, and a little unexpected in the best way.
The combo might sound a little wild at first — watermelon, strawberries, pineapple, cucumber, mint, and feta — but trust me, it works. The juicy fruit and crisp veg play so well together, and the creamy feta with a simple lime-honey dressing ties it all up with a bright, citrusy bow. It’s the kind of dish you’ll keep sneaking bites of straight from the bowl.
If you’ve made my Herby Cucumber Salad or my refreshing Celery Remoulade, you already know I love a crisp, chilled side dish with a little contrast. This one’s perfect for BBQs, sunny lunches, or those days when you don’t want to turn on the stove but still want something that feels a little special.
Let’s make it!
Fresh, vibrant flavors – Sweet watermelon, juicy strawberries, crisp cucumber, and tangy pineapple come together in a colorful medley that screams summer.
Sweet and savory balance – The saltiness of the feta, the touch of honey in the dressing, and the pop of lime juice create a perfectly balanced bite.
Easy to prep, easy to love – This salad looks impressive but comes together in minutes — ideal for barbecues, brunches, or a refreshing side on a hot day.
Customizable and flexible – Don’t have strawberries? Add blueberries. Not into feta? Try goat cheese or leave it out. This salad adapts easily.
Hydrating and light – Water-rich fruits and cooling cucumber make this feel more like a treat than a side dish. It’s the kind of thing you’ll go back for twice.
What You'll Love
Can I make this salad ahead of time? Yes — you can prep the fruit and cucumber a few hours ahead and store them in the fridge. For best texture, add the dressing, feta, and mint just before serving.
Will the salad get watery? Because watermelon and cucumber release liquid over time, this salad is best served fresh. If making ahead, drain off any excess liquid before adding the dressing.
Can I use a different cheese? Absolutely. Feta is classic here, but crumbled goat cheese, mozzarella pearls, or even a sprinkle of parmesan shavings can work beautifully.
What can I substitute for pineapple or strawberries? Try mango, nectarines, blueberries, or even grapes. Just aim for a mix of juicy, sweet, and slightly tangy fruits.
Is there a vegan version? Yes — just skip the feta or use a plant-based cheese alternative. You can also swap honey for maple syrup or agave in the dressing.
What goes well with this salad? It pairs perfectly with grilled chicken, shrimp skewers, quinoa dishes, or even a sparkling citrus mocktail. Light, fresh, and ready for the patio.
Frequently asked Questions
Ingredients
600 g watermelon, cubed (4 cups)
1 English cucumber, halved and sliced (about 300–350 g)
300 g strawberries, sliced (2 cups)
165 g pineapple, in chunks (1 cup)
75 g feta cheese, crumbled (½ cup)
Juice of 1 lime (about 2 tbsp)
45 g olive oil (3 tbsp)
20 g honey (1 tbsp)
10 g fresh mint, roughly chopped (¼ cup)
Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation
Not only is this salad a feast for your taste buds, but it is also a feast for the eyes with its beautiful bursts of color.
Super simple to make, the longest part is chopping and prepparing the ingredients.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced watermelon, cucumber, strawberries, pineapple, and chopped mint leaves.
In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice and honey to make the dressing.
Drizzle the lime and honey dressing over the watermelon salad mixture. Gently toss the salad to ensure all the ingredients are coated with the dressing. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese on top of the salad.
Allow the salad to sit for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Once ready to serve, give the salad a gentle toss again to ensure the dressing is evenly distributed.
Serve the watermelon salad in individual bowls or on a platter, garnished with a few extra mint leaves if desired.
Enjoy this refreshing and vibrant watermelon salad as a light and healthy summer dish or as a delightful side for any occasion. The combination of flavors will surely impress your taste buds and leave you wanting more!