Watermelon Strawberry Feta Salad

Name: Watermelon Strawberry Feta Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 4 cups (600 g) watermelon, cut into 1-inch cubes, seeds removed; 1½ pounds (680 g) fresh strawberries, hulled and halved; 6 ounces (170 g) feta cheese, crumbled or cut into small cubes; ¼ medium (40 g) red onion, very thinly sliced; ¼ cup (15 g) fresh mint leaves, roughly torn; 2 tablespoons (30 ml) extra-virgin olive oil; 1 tablespoon (15 ml) fresh lime juice; ½ teaspoon (2½ g) honey; to taste sea salt; to taste freshly ground black pepper

From the MyKitchenBank Kitchen

A bright, refreshing no-cook salad that balances sweet watermelon and strawberries with tangy feta cheese, peppery red onion, and fresh mint. This Mediterranean-inspired dish is perfect for summer gatherings and takes just minutes to assemble.

Prep: 15 min
Cook: —
Total: 15 min
Makes: 4 servings

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Steps

Before you start

Choose a ripe, fragrant watermelon that feels heavy for its size
Have all ingredients prepped and ready to assemble just before serving to prevent the watermelon from releasing too much liquid
Chill serving bowls or plates for 10 minutes if you have time

1
Prepare the watermelon
- Cut the watermelon in half, then into quarters.
- Remove the rind and cut the flesh into 1-inch cubes, discarding any seeds as you go.
- You should have about 4 cups (600 g) of cubed watermelon.
- Set aside in a large shallow bowl or on your serving platter.
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Ready when: Watermelon is evenly cubed and all rind and seeds are removed
Tip: Keep the watermelon pieces uniform in size so they combine well with other ingredients
2
Prepare the strawberries
- Rinse the strawberries under cool water, then remove the green hulls.
- Cut each strawberry in half lengthwise, keeping them roughly uniform in size.
- Scatter the halved strawberries over the watermelon.
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Ready when: All strawberries are hulled and halved
Tip: Don't slice the strawberries too far in advance or they'll release excess juice and become mushy
3
Add the red onion and feta
- Distribute the thinly sliced red onion evenly over the fruit, then scatter the crumbled feta cheese across the top.
- The thin onion slices will pickle slightly from the fruit juices and add a pleasant sharp note.
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Ready when: Onion and feta are distributed evenly across the salad
Tip: Slice the red onion as thin as possible to prevent it from dominating the salad with a harsh bite
4
Make the dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lime juice, and honey.
- Season lightly with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- The dressing should be balanced between the acidity of the lime and the subtle sweetness of the honey.
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Ready when: Dressing is emulsified and well combined
Tip: Taste the dressing before adding it to the salad so you can adjust the balance of flavors
5
Dress and finish
- Drizzle the dressing evenly over the entire salad.
- Gently scatter the torn fresh mint leaves over the top.
- Toss lightly and carefully with two spoons or forks, mixing just enough to distribute the dressing and combine all ingredients without breaking up the watermelon or strawberries.
- Serve immediately on chilled plates.
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Ready when: Salad is gently combined and dressing is distributed throughout
Tip: Mix gently just before serving to prevent the watermelon from releasing excess liquid that will dilute the flavors

Good to know

Tips

Choose strawberries and watermelon at peak ripeness—they should smell fragrant and feel heavy. Underripe fruit will taste watery and disappointing.
If your red onion tastes too sharp, soak the sliced pieces in ice water for 5 minutes before adding to the salad to mellow the bite.
For a more substantial salad, add toasted pepitas or pistachios for crunch, or include a handful of arugula tossed with the dressing.
This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, fish, or as a light accompaniment to rich cheese or charcuterie boards.

Storage & reheating

This salad is best served immediately. If you must prepare ahead, cut and prep all ingredients separately, storing watermelon, strawberries, and feta in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 8 hours. Assemble the salad no more than 15 minutes before serving to prevent the watermelon from becoming soggy.

Substitutions

feta cheese → Goat cheese or ricotta salata. Use the same amount; goat cheese will be creamier, ricotta salata will be firmer and slightly saltier
fresh mint leaves → Fresh basil or a combination of basil and mint. Basil will add an herbaceous note that works well with the savory feta
fresh lime juice → Fresh lemon juice or red wine vinegar. Lemon is milder; red wine vinegar is more tangy and adds depth
honey → Agave nectar or a pinch of sugar. Agave is neutral; sugar works but won't add honey's subtle flavor