Watermelon Cucumber Salad: Your Ultimate Summer Weight Loss Refresh

Why You’ll Love This Watermelon Cucumber Salad

When the summer sun is high and your appetite is low, nothing hits the spot quite like a cold, crunchy, sweet-and-savory salad. That’s where this watermelon cucumber salad comes in, it’s not only refreshing, it’s ridiculously simple to toss together and downright beautiful on the plate.

You’re getting hydration from two of the most water-rich ingredients on the planet, watermelon and cucumber. That makes this salad perfect for hot days, post-hike recovery, or as a side dish that actually helps you cool down. And because it’s a vegetarian summer salad that happens to be gluten-free, it fits seamlessly into almost any eating style.

Plus, it requires zero cooking. Yep, this is one of those easy no-cook summer recipes you’ll come back to again and again. The kind that earns compliments at potlucks and is equally at home next to grilled chicken or veggie burgers.

Want more light, feel-good salad ideas like this? Check out our refreshing cucumber chickpea salad recipe to keep your plate crisp and colorful all season..

In the next section, you’ll learn exactly how to pick the right watermelon, prep your cucumbers, and build flavor with herbs and cheese for the ultimate watermelon salad with feta.

How to Make Watermelon Cucumber Salad at Home

This watermelon cucumber salad is more than just pretty, it’s a feast of textures and flavors that come together in minutes. Inspired by the fresh and colorful recipe from The Modern Proper, here’s how you can build this bright, summer-perfect salad in five easy steps.

Watermelon Cucumber Salad Recipe

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• Author: Jake Hollander
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4–6 1x
• Category: Salad
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American, Mediterranean
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 cups cubed watermelon (seedless if possible)
• 1 large English cucumber (sliced into half-moons)
• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
• ¼ cup fresh mint leaves (torn)
• ¼ cup fresh basil or arugula (optional)
• For the Lime Dressing:

– 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

– 1 tablespoon olive oil

– 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup

– Pinch of sea salt

• Optional Poppyseed Dressing:

– 1 tablespoon white balsamic vinegar

– 1 tablespoon olive oil

– ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard

– ½ teaspoon honey

– ½ teaspoon poppy seeds

– Salt to taste

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Instructions

1. Prep Ingredients: Cube the watermelon and slice the cucumber. Crumble the feta and tear the mint.
2. Make the Dressing: Whisk all dressing ingredients in a small bowl or shake in a jar.
3. Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, gently combine the watermelon, cucumber, mint, basil/arugula, and feta.
4. Dress and Toss: Add the dressing just before serving. Toss gently to coat.
5. Serve Cold: Enjoy immediately for best texture and flavor.

Nutrition

• Calories: ~130
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 250mg
• Fat: 6g
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 4g

Step 1: Choose and Cut Your Watermelon

A great watermelon cucumber salad starts with, you guessed it, the perfect watermelon. Look for one that’s heavy for its size, with a yellow spot (that’s where it rested on the ground) and a hollow sound when tapped both signs of ripeness.

To prep it, cut the watermelon in half, then slice into manageable chunks. Cube the flesh or use a melon baller if you want a more decorative look. Keep the pieces bite-sized, around 1-inch, for the best salad texture.

Pro tip: Save the watermelon rind to pickle or compost, no waste here!

Step 2: Prep the Cucumber

Cucumber brings coolness and crunch to your watermelon cucumber salad. Go with English or Persian cucumbers for their thin, edible skin and fewer seeds. Just rinse and slice, no peeling needed.

Cut into thin half-moons or small chunks, depending on your salad vibe. Both hold up well and soak in the dressing nicely.

Try pairing this with our chickpea salad lunch ideas for a no-cook summer combo that travels well.

Step 3: Add Herbs and Feta Cheese

This is where the flavor magic happens. Fresh herbs like mint, basil, and even peppery arugula elevate your watermelon cucumber salad with bright, aromatic notes.

Tear the mint or chiffonade the basil, don’t chop too finely, or you’ll bruise the leaves.

Then, crumble in some creamy, salty feta cheese. It adds contrast to the sweet watermelon and balances the light cucumber crunch. For a peppery bite, toss in a handful of baby arugula or microgreens.

Step 4: Mix Your Dressing

You’ve got options. The traditional favorite for a watermelon cucumber salad is a lime dressing fresh lime juice, a drizzle of honey or maple syrup, and a pinch of salt. Whisk in a little olive oil for body.

Or go bold with a poppyseed dressing like the one in The Modern Proper’s version: white balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, olive oil, and poppy seeds. Shake it all up in a jar and drizzle generously.

For more dressing inspiration, don’t miss our favorite gluten-free salad dressings that complement any fresh bowl.

Step 5: Toss and Serve

Right before serving, gently combine the watermelon, cucumber, herbs, and cheese in a large bowl. Drizzle with dressing and toss just enough to coat. Add arugula or microgreens last to keep them from wilting.

Serve your watermelon cucumber salad chilled, either on a platter or in individual bowls. It’s a showstopper whether you’re at a BBQ, potluck, or enjoying a breezy dinner on the porch.

Variations & Flavor Twists

One of the best things about a watermelon cucumber salad is how easy it is to make it your own. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters, going for a Mediterranean vibe, or just want to use what you have on hand, these twists will keep your salad rotation fresh all summer long.

Watermelon Salad with Feta & Mint

This is the most classic version and for good reason. Mint’s cooling aroma and feta’s salty crumble create a perfect trio with juicy watermelon. Want to up the flavor? Add a handful of sliced red onions or a sprinkle of toasted sunflower seeds for crunch.

Watermelon Cucumber Feta Salad with Arugula or Basil

Bring in a peppery or herbaceous layer by mixing in arugula or torn basil leaves. This version leans into the Mediterranean salad territory, especially if you finish it with a drizzle of olive oil and a splash of red wine vinegar or balsamic glaze.

This combo turns your watermelon cucumber salad into a sophisticated starter that pairs well with grilled meats, chickpea wraps, or lemony couscous.

The Ultimate Watermelon Cucumber Salad with a Kick

If you like bold flavors, consider adding a little heat and crunch. Diced jalapeño (seeded if you prefer mild), crushed pistachios, or a handful of sliced radishes give your salad some serious personality.

This spin, inspired by Kalejunkie’s punchy style, makes your watermelon cucumber salad feel like a main dish. You can even top it with grilled shrimp or tofu for a full meal.

Or serve it alongside our hearty chickpea chicken salad recipe for a satisfying summer plate.

Try this: Sprinkle Tajín seasoning or a pinch of chili powder on the watermelon chunks before assembling unexpected, but addictive.

Sweet Meets Savory Combos

Get creative with fruit: try tossing in blueberries, blackberries, or thinly sliced strawberries. These fruits echo the watermelon’s sweetness while adding new textures. For a savory twist, crumble in some goat cheese or add a few kalamata olives sounds wild, but the salty-sweet combo works beautifully.

Nutrition & Health Benefits

Watermelon cucumber salad isn’t just a treat for your taste buds, it’s a nutrient-packed powerhouse that hydrates, supports digestion, and fits perfectly into a healthy summer salad routine. Here’s why your body will love it as much as your palate does.

Hydration Powerhouse

Watermelon is about 92% water. Cucumber? Roughly 95%. Together, they form one of the most refreshing summer salads you can eat. On hot days or after physical activity, this salad helps you naturally rehydrate and replenish key electrolytes like potassium and magnesium.

Antioxidants and Vitamins

Watermelon brings the antioxidant punch with lycopene, which helps protect your skin and cells from sun damage and oxidative stress. It also provides vitamin A and C, two nutrients that support immune function and healthy skin.

Cucumbers add vitamin K (great for bone health) and B vitamins for energy metabolism. And if you add arugula or basil, you’re also getting compounds that may reduce inflammation and support cardiovascular health.

Feta cheese, aside from adding creaminess, contributes calcium, protein, and gut-friendly probiotics (when made from raw or fermented milk).

Supports Digestion and Gut Health

This salad is naturally high in water and fiber, making it gentle on the gut and great for keeping things moving. Cucumber has long been used to support digestion and reduce bloating, while mint and basil help calm the stomach and enhance nutrient absorption.

Weight-Loss Friendly and Low in Calories

Looking for a gluten-free summer salad that won’t weigh you down? Watermelon cucumber salad is naturally low in calories and high in volume, making it ideal for those managing weight without sacrificing flavor.

The combo of high water, fiber, and natural sweetness helps you feel full longer, while keeping your sugar and calorie intake in check.

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

Watermelon cucumber salad is a quick mix-and-serve dish, but with a few smart tips, you can prep parts of it in advance without sacrificing taste or texture. Here’s how to keep it crisp, flavorful, and picnic-ready.

Can You Make Watermelon Cucumber Salad Ahead of Time?

Yes, but with a twist. While this salad is best assembled just before serving, you can absolutely prep the components ahead of time:

• Cut the watermelon and cucumber up to one day in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge.
• Make the dressing 3–5 days ahead. Store it in a sealed jar and shake well before using.
• Chop herbs and crumble feta the day before, but keep them separate until serving.

By keeping everything apart until just before eating, you’ll preserve the bright, crisp texture that makes this salad so refreshing.

How to Store Leftovers

If you do have leftovers, they’ll still taste great the next day a bit softer. Here’s how to store them right:

• Transfer to an airtight container.
• Eat within 24 hours for best taste.
• Drain any excess liquid before serving again.

If you’re prepping ahead for the week, our chickpea chicken salad also holds up beautifully in the fridge.

Tip: Use leftover watermelon cucumber salad as a topping for mixed greens or grain bowls to avoid waste and add freshness.

Frequently Asked Questions about Watermelon Cucumber Salad

Conclusion

Watermelon cucumber salad is the kind of dish that makes summer feel like summer. It’s crisp, colorful, hydrating, and hits that sweet-savory balance just right. With simple, wholesome ingredients like juicy watermelon, cool cucumber, fresh herbs, and creamy feta you get a flavorful, no-cook option that satisfies and impresses every time.

Whether you’re bringing it to a barbecue, serving it with grilled chicken, or just craving something light and energizing, this watermelon cucumber salad checks all the boxes. It’s vegetarian, gluten-free, endlessly customizable, and one of the easiest summer salad recipes you can whip up in under 15 minutes.

Now that you’ve got everything you need to make the ultimate watermelon cucumber salad from prep tips to flavor twists, get chopping and create your own refreshing masterpiece.

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