Refreshing Summer Watermelon and Cucumber Salad Recipe

Cool summer breezes whisper through this refreshing watermelon and cucumber salad that promises pure delight.

Mediterranean sunshine inspired my recent culinary adventure with these crisp ingredients.

Juicy watermelon chunks dance alongside crisp cucumber slices in a light, zesty composition.

Fresh herbs and tangy dressing create unexpected flavor harmonies that surprise and enchant.

Light, vibrant ingredients blend together to craft a dish perfect for lazy afternoon gatherings.

Salt crystals and mint leaves add sophisticated nuance to this simple yet stunning creation.

One bite transports you to a breezy coastal landscape where flavors sing with joyful abandon.

Watermelon Cucumber Salad That’s Light And Juicy

• Quick Summer Refresher: Light and zesty salad that brings cool comfort on hot days.
• Nutrition Packed Delight: Combines hydrating watermelon and crisp cucumber for a low-calorie, nutrient-rich side dish.
• Crowd-Pleasing Versatility: Perfect for picnics, barbecues, and potlucks with its vibrant colors and fresh flavor profile.

The Fresh Components Of Watermelon Cucumber Salad

• Watermelon: Sweet and juicy summer fruit that provides a refreshing base for the salad, best when ripe and deep red.
• Cucumber: Crisp vegetable that adds cool and light texture, choose firm and dark green cucumbers without blemishes.
• Red Onion: Sharp and tangy ingredient that brings a zesty bite, prefer fresh and firm onions with no soft spots.
• Fresh Mint: Bright herb that adds aromatic freshness and complements the salad's cool profile.

• Red Wine Vinegar, Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Acidic and rich liquid base that creates a balanced and smooth dressing, use high-quality vinegar and cold-pressed olive oil.
• Honey: Natural sweetener that softens the vinegar's sharpness and adds subtle depth.
• Kosher Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasoning agents that enhance and balance the overall flavor profile of the salad.

Watermelon And Cucumber Salad How-To

Step 1: Prep Fresh Ingredients

Grab a spacious mixing bowl.

Slice watermelon into bite-sized cubes.

Chop cucumbers into similar-sized pieces.

Finely dice red onion.

Pluck fresh mint leaves and tear them into smaller fragments.

Step 2: Create Zesty Dressing

Take a separate small bowl.

• Red wine vinegar
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Honey
• Kosher salt
• Ground black pepper

Whisk everything together until the mixture looks well combined and slightly glossy.

Step 3: Combine and Toss

Pour the dressing over the watermelon and cucumber mixture.

Use a gentle folding motion to ensure every piece gets coated with the tangy dressing.

Sprinkle torn mint leaves throughout the salad.

Step 4: Chill and Serve

You have two delightful options.

Serve the salad immediately for a crisp texture.

Alternatively, pop the bowl into the refrigerator for half an hour, allowing flavors to mingle and intensify.

The chilled version offers a more harmonious taste profile.

Step 5: Final Touch

Before serving, give the salad one last light toss.

Optional: Garnish with additional mint leaves for extra visual appeal and fresh aroma.

Pro Tips for Watermelon and Cucumber Salad

• Refrigerate the salad for 30 minutes before serving to let the ingredients marinate and intensify their taste.
• Adjust honey and vinegar quantities to suit your personal preference for sweetness and acidity.
• Prepare the salad just before serving to maintain the crisp texture of watermelon and cucumber.
• Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese or toasted pine nuts for added texture and protein.
• Replace red onion with green onions for a milder flavor if you find raw onions too strong.

Watermelon And Cucumber Salad Stays Crisp Like This

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The salad's texture may become slightly watery due to watermelon's high moisture content.
• Keep dressing and salad separate when storing to maintain the crisp texture of cucumbers and prevent sogginess.
• This salad is best enjoyed cold. Avoid microwaving, as heat will break down the delicate watermelon and cucumber structure.
• Before serving stored salad, gently toss ingredients and add a small splash of fresh vinaigrette to revive the flavors and brighten the dish.

Add These to Watermelon and Cucumber Salad

• Pair Crisp White Wine: Select a light, refreshing Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that complements the salad's bright, cool flavors and enhances the cucumber and watermelon's natural sweetness.
• Serve with Grilled Protein: Match the salad with herb-crusted grilled chicken or light fish like sea bass to provide a protein balance and create a complete, satisfying summer meal.
• Add Feta Cheese Topping: Sprinkle crumbled feta over the salad to introduce a tangy, salty contrast that elevates the dish's fresh ingredients and adds creamy texture.
• Pair with Sparkling Water: Choose a citrus-infused sparkling water with lemon or lime to mirror the salad's zesty dressing and provide a hydrating, effervescent accompaniment.

Watermelon Cucumber Salad Changes

• Vegan Zest: Replace honey with agave nectar or maple syrup for a completely plant-based version. Swap red wine vinegar with apple cider vinegar for added brightness.
• Protein Power: Add crumbled feta cheese or grilled chicken strips to transform the salad into a complete meal. Incorporate quinoa or chickpeas for extra protein and texture.
• Spicy Mediterranean: Sprinkle Aleppo pepper or za'atar seasoning for a Middle Eastern kick. Include kalamata olives and swap red onion with green onions for a more complex flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Fresh: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free. Use herb-infused olive oil and consider adding toasted pine nuts for a crunchy element that keeps the salad light and refreshing.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of vinegar?

Yes, you can substitute red wine vinegar with apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar for a similar tangy flavor profile.

• Is this salad healthy?

Absolutely! Watermelon and cucumber are low in calories, high in water content, and packed with vitamins and minerals that support hydration and nutrition.

• How do I prevent the salad from becoming watery?

To keep the salad crisp, chop ingredients just before serving and drain excess liquid from watermelon and cucumbers by patting them with paper towels.

• Can I make this salad ahead of time?

It’s best to prepare the salad just before serving to maintain the fresh texture, but you can chop ingredients in advance and mix the dressing separately.

Watermelon and Cucumber Salad Recipe

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4.5 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Summer’s refreshing “watermelon and cucumber salad” blends crisp Mediterranean flavors with juicy sweetness. Cool cucumber and watermelon chunks mingle with mint and feta, creating a light, zesty experience you’ll crave on warm afternoons.

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Ingredients

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Salad Base:

• 1 small watermelon, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 6 cups)
• 4 medium cucumbers, peeled, seeded, and chopped
• 1/2 red onion, finely diced
• 1 handful of chopped fresh mint

Dressing Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (120 ml) red wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) honey
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt (or 1/2 teaspoon sea salt)
• 1 pinch of ground black pepper

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Instructions

1. Dice the watermelon into uniform cubes, ensuring they are bite-sized and symmetrical for an aesthetically pleasing presentation.
2. Slice cucumbers into thin, crisp medallions, creating a refreshing texture that complements the watermelon’s juiciness.
3. Finely mince red onion to distribute a subtle, sharp flavor throughout the salad without overwhelming the delicate fruit.
4. Gently tear fresh mint leaves into small pieces, releasing their aromatic oils and enhancing the salad’s bright profile.
5. Create a vibrant vinaigrette by whisking red wine vinegar with extra virgin olive oil, allowing the liquids to emulsify smoothly.
6. Drizzle honey into the dressing, balancing the vinegar’s acidity with a subtle sweetness that harmonizes with the watermelon.
7. Season the vinaigrette with kosher salt and ground black pepper, carefully adjusting to achieve a perfectly balanced flavor.
8. Pour the dressing over the prepared fruits and herbs, using a light touch to coat ingredients without bruising the delicate components.
9. Gently toss the salad, ensuring each element is lightly dressed and intermingled.
10. For optimal flavor development, refrigerate the salad for 15-20 minutes before serving, allowing the ingredients to marinate and meld together.

Notes

• Chill the watermelon and cucumber before preparing to enhance the refreshing quality of the salad.
• Adjust the honey amount based on the sweetness of the watermelon for a balanced flavor profile.
• Use a sharp knife to cut ingredients uniformly, ensuring each bite has a perfect mix of textures.
• Substitute red wine vinegar with lime juice for a zesty alternative that complements the sweet watermelon.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: None
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 80
• Sugar: 14g
• Sodium: 200mg
• Fat: 3g
• Saturated Fat: 0.5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 0mg