Looking for an easy watermelon salad? Then search no more, our savory, sweet side dish has only three steps while still using the freshest of ingredients.
Over the last seven days we’ve done a lot of outdoor grilling. Quite literally, pounds and pounds of beef and chicken have found their onto our propane and charcoal grills. Needless to say, Kim and I have been dying for light, Summer salad.
Yesterday, she came home from the store with a ripe watermelon tucked under her. I knew that could mean only one thing, watermelon salad. After unloading the bags we got to work preparing one the easiest and freshest salads to ever grace our blog. We can’t wait to share it with you.
Easy Summer Watermelon Salad Instructions:
- First, start by dicing your watermelon into bite-sized cubes, thinly slice your red onion, chop or slice your Kalamata olives, and roughly chop the fresh mint. Set them all inside a large mixing along with the feta cheese crumbles. If your grocer offers any of these items pre-cut in our produce section, then I say go for it, save yourself the extra time.
- Next, in medium mixing bowl with a whisk, combine the lemon juice, olive oil, and lemon zest. Whisk everything together vigorously to create a simple vinaigrette. It’s important to note that you try all sorts of flavored salad dressings by combining equal parts olive to different fruit juices (acids) and/or vinegars (Balsamic, Apple-Cider, etc).
- Last, pour the dressing over the watermelon in the large mixing and give the salad a quick toss to coat all the ingredients before serving. Sprinkle the dish with salt and pepper to taste. My only word of caution is in regards to storage, the lemon juice does a number on the delicate watermelon flesh. So, if your making this dish in advance, I wouldn’t add the dressing until your ready to serve the salad.
Watermelon Salad Tips:
- If you have a small mason jar and lid, try mixing your dressing in that instead of the mixing bowl. Simply combine all the ingredients, seal it with the lid, and have a nice long shake session.
- When picking a watermelon, I try to use my sense of smell. Does it smell sweet? If so, you’re probably good, if not choose a different one.
- For a sweeter watermelon salad, try substituting balsamic vinegar for the lemon juice.
Don’t forget about our other great salads, like this Crunchy Asian Salad Recipe, Cold Pasta Salad or our Spring Salad with a Citrus Vinaigrette!
If you like this recipe, please leave us a comment and rate the recipe card. You can also find us on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter and Instagram searching for Berly’s Kitchen!
Easy Summer Watermelon Salad
Ingredients
- 16 Ounces Watermelon (cubed)
- 3 Ounces Feta Cheese (crumbled)
- 2 Ounces Red Onion (thinly sliced)
- 2 Ounces Kalamata Olives (chopped or sliced)
- 3 Tablespoons Mint (fresh, chopped)
- 2 Tablespoons Lemon Juice (fresh squeezed)
- 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
- 1 Tablespoon Lemon Zest
- Salt and Pepper To Taste
Instructions
- First, start by dicing your watermelon into bite-sized cubes, thinly slice your red onion, chop or slice your Kalamata olives, and roughly chop the fresh mint. Set them all inside a large mixing along with the feta cheese crumbles.
- Next, in medium mixing bowl with a whisk, combine the lemon juice, olive oil, and lemon zest. Whisk everything together vigorously to create a simple vinaigrette.
- Last, pour the dressing over the watermelon in the large mixing and give the salad a quick toss to coat all the ingredients before serving. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
Christine
So obsessed with watermelon right now! I still haven’t tried it in a salad, but I think I would love it. This looks so yummy!
John
Thank you, Christine! I had never tried one either, so I was pleasantly surprised that I liked it. We hope you give it a try sometime.
carissa
Looks good! I’ve never actually had a watermelon salad before although I’ve seen them. I think now’s a good time to try since my husband buys a watermelon at least once a week.
John
Thank you, Carissa! I had never tried one either and didn’t think I would enjoy the salad. Turns out, I was wrong and actually liked it. We hope you give it a try sometime.
Gloria
What a refreshing summer salad. I would be tempted to add a protein and call this dinner. Perfect for hot summer eating…no need to heat up the kitchen.
John
Thank you, Gloria! What an interesting idea, let us know what you try and how it tastes. I am intrigued. Have a lovely day 🙂
Nicoletta Sugarlovespices
This watermelon salad is the perfect summer accompaniment to any bbq meat. Its refreshing flavors soothe the palate and leave you with a wonderful aftertaste. Lovely colors as well!
John
Thank you, Nicoletta! I agree, watermelon salad is perfect for a Summer BBQ dinner. Have a lovely day 🙂
prasanna hede
I make many recipes in Summer with Watermelon and salad is on my list.This looks refreshing and sounds so good!
John
Thank you, Prasana! I was pleasantly surprised with how much I liked this recipe. Have a lovely weekend 🙂
Kathryn @ FoodieGirlChicago.com
Watermelon salad makes such a great side dish at summer BBQs. And it makes a great light lunch too!
John
It sure does, thank you for commenting. Have a great Monday 🙂
Jordan
We’ve been getting the BEST watermelon lately. I’ve never tried using it for a savory salad but this sounds amazing. Going to try it out ASAP!
John
Thank you, Jordan! Kim and I hope you enjoy the salad 🙂
Karyl Henry
I have to admit, I’ve never thought about doing a salad with watermelon…I’m too busy just eating chunks of it straight out of the fridge! But I love this idea, to make it into an “official” side dish for summer entertaining
John
Thank you, Karyl! I was skeptical of it in the beginning but I ended up enjoying it. Kim and I hope you enjoy the salad 🙂
Sara
This looks perfect for a summer lunch or dinner. I love watermelon! Adding it to salad sounds super refreshing and tasty!
John
Thank you, Sara! We hope you give it a try some time 🙂
Lorie
I had something similar to this salad at a party recently and have been craving it ever since. Now I can make it on my own!
John
Thank you, Lorie! Kim and I hope enjoy our recipe 🙂
Amanda Mason
Oh my goodness this salad looks amazing!! I love a good fruit type salad and this is right up my alley!! I love these ingredients….so unique! I can’t wait to try this! Perfect for summer!
John
Thank you, Amanda! Whenever someone uses the phrase “..so unique,” I get nervous lol! Just kidding, thank you for commenting and have a lovely day 🙂
Jyothi (Jo)
Give me watermelon and I’m one happy girl. Watermelon, feta and mint leaves salad- i’m in heaven! What can be better than this on a hot summer day!
John
Thank you, Jo! Kim and I agree, watermelon and Summer just go together. Have a lovely day 🙂