This delicious Watermelon Basil Salad is filled with refreshing flavors and crisp textures for a perfect accompaniment to any summer meal.
This Watermelon Basil Salad recipe is always on repeat all summer long in my house. Watermelon is my favorite summer fruit and this easy summer salad is the perfect way to compliment the flavor of the watermelon without overpowering it. Since this summer fruit salad doesn't involve any actual cooking, it's the perfect summer side dish that won't have you slaving over a stove. It's a great use of fresh summer produce and offers the perfect balance of sweet, sour and salty flavors. This watermelon salad is gluten-free, grain-free and vegetarian as is and can easily be made vegan or dairy-free by following the variations below.
Serve Watermelon and Basil Salad with Southern Baked Chicken Thighs, American Cole Slaw and Gluten-Free Mac and Cheese for a quintessential summer meal.
Jump to:
Ingredients
Here's what you need to make Watermelon Basil Salad:
- cubed seedless watermelon
- diced English cucumber
- feta juice
- fresh lime juice
- fresh basil leaves
- salt
- ground black pepper
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Here's how to make Watermelon Basil Salad:
In a large salad bowl, whisk together the lime juice, salt and black pepper.
Add the cubed watermelon and diced cucumber to the bowl.
Give everything a good stir until the watermelon and cucumber are coated with the dressing.
Sprinkle the feta and basil over the salad, then serve immediately.
Hint: Need help cutting the watermelon into cubes? Watch this how to cut a watermelon video.
Substitutions
Want to substitute an ingredient in Watermelon Feta Salad? Here's how:
- Watermelon - use an equal amount of a different fruit in place of the watermelon such as peaches, grapefruit or strawberries.
- Cucumber - use a few handfuls of torn kale or arugula in place of the cucumber.
- Fresh lime juice - use an equal amount of balsamic vinegar in place of the lime juice.
- Basil - use an equal amount of fresh mint in place of the basil.
- Feta cheese - use an equal amount of a similar textured cheese such as cotija, ricotta salata or goat cheese in place of the feta.
Variations
Try one of these variations of Watermelon Feta Basil Salad:
- Spicy - add 1 thinly sliced jalapeno to the salad.
- Deluxe - add some thinly sliced red onion, some chopped pistachios and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil to the salad.
- Vegan - omit the feta cheese or substitute an equal amount of vegan cheese.
Equipment
This equipment comes in handy when making Watermelon Basil Salad:
Storage
This Salad is best when eaten within 1-2 hours of preparing it. Leftovers can technically be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for a day or two, but the watermelon will release its juices the longer it sits, making the salad less desirable over time.
Top tip
Fruit flies can at times lay eggs on the surface of a watermelon which can hatch and fill your kitchen if the watermelon sits on your counter for days. To prevent this, rinse the outside of your watermelon with cool water when you bring it home from the store.
FAQ
To keep watermelon salad from getting soggy, serve the salad within one hour of preparing it.
I do not recommend freezing watermelon salad as the texture changes when freezing and thawing making the salad less desirable.
Watermelon salad pairs nicely with a variety of meals, particularly grilled meats such as burgers, chicken or steak.
Watermelon pairs well with a variety of fresh herbs, vegetables and fruit. It is particularly delicious when paired with crunchy cucumber, salty feta cheese and/or some tangy balsamic vinegar.
Related
Looking for other easy salad recipes like this Watermelon Basil Feta Salad? Try these:
Pairing
Serve this Watermelon Basil Salad with one of these dinner recipes for a balanced meal the whole family will love:
Recipe
Watermelon Basil Salad
Equipment
- 1 knife
Ingredients
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1 teasoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 small seedless watermelon, cubed
- 1 English cucumber, diced
- ¼ cup feta cheese
- fresh basil leaves, sliced into thin ribbons
Instructions
- In a large salad bowl, whisk together the lime juice, salt and black pepper.
- Add the cubed watermelon and diced cucumber to the bowl. Give everything a good stir until the watermelon and cucumber are coated with the dressing.
- Sprinkle the feta and basil over the salad, then serve immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
Food safety
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
Shannon
My absolute favorite summer salad!