How do you prepare watermelon for a salad?

Start by selecting a seedless watermelon for ease. Use a sharp knife to peel off the rind, then cut the flesh into uniform 1-inch cubes. Uniformity ensures every bite has balanced flavor and texture. A melon baller can also be used for an elegant presentation.

Which type of cucumber works best for this salad?

English or Persian cucumbers are ideal due to their mild sweetness and thin skin, which doesn’t require peeling. If using thicker-skinned cucumbers like American slicing cucumbers, peel and seed them to avoid bitterness and excess moisture.

Is dressing necessary for watermelon salad, and what kind is best?

Dressing is optional but recommended to enhance freshness and flavor. A light honey-lime dressing, combining honey, lime juice, olive oil, and a pinch of salt, complements the sweet melon and cooling cucumber perfectly.

How far in advance can I prepare this salad?

You can dice the ingredients a few hours ahead and prepare the dressing in advance. However, combine and dress the salad just before serving to keep the watermelon crisp and fresh. Store components separately in the fridge to maintain quality.

Watermelon And Cucumber Salad: Refreshing Summer Recipe

Ingredients

Scale

4 cups mixed diced watermelon, honeydew, and cantaloupe
2 cups diced English or Hot House cucumber
15 fresh mint leaves, chopped
1 ounce crumbled feta cheese
¼ to ½ teaspoon Aleppo pepper, mild chili powder, or 1 serrano chile, minced
Kosher salt, to taste
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon or lime juice
1 to 2 tablespoons quality extra virgin olive oil
Pinch of kosher salt

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Instructions

1. Whisk together honey, lime juice, olive oil, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl to prepare the dressing.
2. In a large bowl or serving platter, combine the diced melon mix, diced cucumber, and chopped mint leaves.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad just before serving and gently toss to combine.
4. Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese on top and add Aleppo pepper or minced chile for a kick.
5. Serve immediately for the freshest flavors, ensuring a crisp and delectable meal.

Last Step:

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Notes

🥒 English cucumbers have thin skin and don’t need to be peeled. Peel and seed other cucumbers if needed.
🧊 The salad is best served fresh but can be refrigerated for up to a day if needed.
🧄 Add variety by incorporating shallots, avocado, or jalapeño for extra flavor.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 254
Sugar: 38g
Sodium: 1319mg
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 44g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 5g
Cholesterol: 8mg