Nothing says summer quite like the crisp, juicy bite of watermelon. This Greek salad with watermelon has become one of my favorite side dishes to make when hosting friends on a warm afternoon. It’s light, refreshing, and a little unexpected, which always makes it a great conversation starter around the table. With sweet melon, salty feta, and a zippy homemade dressing, it’s ready in just 10 minutes, making it perfect for last-minute gatherings or weeknight dinners.
Gina’s Notes For Making Greek Salad With Watermelon
This easy-to-make Greek salad is a summertime go-to thanks to its crisp, juicy flavor and no-fuss prep. It’s one of those dishes that feels fancy but comes together in just 10 minutes. You can easily prepare the watermelon and cucumber in advance, then toss everything together right before serving. And if you’re not into basil, try switching it out with fresh mint or parsley for a twist. This recipe pairs wonderfully with my Greek Wedge Salad Recipe for a complete Mediterranean-style meal.
Absolutely. Most kids love the sweetness of the watermelon and the creamy feta. You can leave out the onion for picky eaters.
Quick Recipe Tips Before You Get Started
Important Prep Tips Before Starting the Recipe:
- You can cube the watermelon and chop veggies a day ahead, but hold off on the basil and dressing until just before serving.
- A melon baller or cookie scoop can be fun tools if you want a playful presentation, but a sharp knife and large bowl are all you really need.
Common Mistakes When Making This Recipe
- Overmixing can break down the watermelon and make it soggy. Be gentle when tossing.
- Adding dressing too early will draw out water from the melon. Add it just before serving to keep things crisp.
Ingredient Tips
Here’s a quick overview of the key ingredients for this recipe. For the full list of ingredients and exact measurements, be sure to check the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Watermelon: Choose a seedless variety and chill it ahead for best texture and flavor.
- Cucumber: I use half an English cucumber, which has fewer seeds and a tender skin, no peeling needed. You can also try this Crisp Cucumber Salad Recipe With Zesty Honey Dressing as another refreshing summer side.
- Red onion: Slice it thin so it doesn’t overpower the salad. If it’s strong, soak in water for a few minutes.
- Fresh basil: This adds a sweet herbal touch. Mint or parsley can be used instead. For tips on how to handle basil, check out the Guide To Green Basil.
- Feta cheese: Crumbled over the top, it adds a salty contrast. A dairy-free feta works well too.
- Honey: I like using a mild, light-colored honey so it doesn’t overpower the other flavors. Maple syrup or agave can be swapped in if preferred.
- Olive oil: Use extra virgin for the best light flavor.
- Balsamic vinegar: Adds depth. Use white balsamic for a milder flavor or red wine vinegar for a brighter twist, depending on what you have.
- Lime juice: Freshly squeezed lime enhances the dish’s brightness, but bottled will work in a pinch.
How To Make Greek Salad With Watermelon
Make the Dressing & Assemble the Salad
In a small bowl, I whisk together the honey, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, lime juice, salt, and pepper. The dressing should taste tangy-sweet; feel free to adjust with a little extra lime or honey if needed.
In a large bowl, I gently combine the diced watermelon, cucumber, thinly sliced onion, chopped basil, and feta. It already smells like summer at this point!
Right before serving, pour the dressing over the salad. I toss it gently with clean hands or wooden spoons. This helps keep the watermelon cubes intact.
This salad is best enjoyed fresh. I like to serve it slightly chilled, and often bring it to the table in a big white bowl so the colors pop. It also makes a lovely starter before something heartier like Easy Sweet Potato Pasta With Creamy Sauce or a light complement to Pan-Seared Tilapia with Lemon Butter.
Variations, Substitutions, and Recipe Tips
Dietary Modifications: Use dairy-free feta for a vegan option. This recipe is naturally gluten-free.
Flavor Enhancements: Add a little lemon zest for extra brightness or a pinch of chili flakes if you like a hint of heat.
Add-In Options: Kalamata olives add briny depth. Diced avocado gives a creamy contrast. Mint and dill both work beautifully instead of basil.
Simple Substitutions: Swap lime juice for lemon if that’s what you have. White balsamic or even red wine vinegar can work in place of balsamic.
Tips for Recipe Success: Chill your ingredients ahead of time for the best texture. Basil wilts quickly, so chop it fresh right before serving. Looking for more summer salads to round out your table? Try this colorful Rainbow Cauliflower Salad.
Biblical Hospitality Tips For Serving Greek Salad With Watermelon
“The table has always been a place where Jesus met people. It can be for us, too.” — Intentional Hospitality
This quick-to-make salad is perfect for a Summer potluck where everyone brings something light and fresh. As you gather friends, neighbors, or church family under the sun or stars, this salad helps set a table where hearts can be refreshed as much as bellies. Let it be a dish that encourages others to slow down, savor the summer season, and share stories.
Hostessing Tips for Summer Salad Potluck Gatherings
- Hospitality as Ministry: Remember, your hospitality might be the answer to someone’s silent prayer. Even a humble bowl of watermelon salad can speak volumes of care and inclusion.
- Fellowship Over Perfection: Use paper bowls and plastic forks if it means more time enjoying your guests. Don’t let dishes keep you from the real feast: fellowship.
- Prep-Ahead Tip: You can cut the watermelon and veggies the day before you plan on serving it. Just be sure to keep the items in separate containers in the refrigerator.
Hospitality in Action
This week, plan a casual potluck in your backyard or at a local park. Ask each guest to bring a salad (fruit, pasta, leafy greens) and make your watermelon Greek salad the centerpiece. Consider serving it alongside the vibrant Fruit Salad Recipe With Honey Lemon Dressing for an extra colorful buffet. Pray before you eat, and take a few minutes to share a story of how someone else’s hospitality once impacted you. Let the table be a place of memory, laughter, and blessing.
If this salad found a place at your table, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Share your thoughts in the comments or tag me in your photos. I always enjoy seeing how these recipes come to life in your kitchen.
Do you have a question about the recipe? Feel free to ask in the comments below. I’m here to help!
Refreshing Greek Salad With Watermelon and Feta
Note: Be sure to read through the recipe’s post for tips and details about this recipe.
You can add any recipe from Intentional Hospitality to your shopping list to plan a full menu!
Ingredients
- 5 cups watermelon, cut into small cubes
- ½ cucumber, diced
- ¼ red onion, small, thinly sliced
- ⅓ cup fresh basil, chopped, loosely packed
- ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup lime juice, fresh lime juice, you will need one medium lime
- Salt and ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Make the Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, lime juice, salt, and pepper.2 tablespoons honey, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar, 1/4 cup lime juice, Salt and ground black pepper
Assemble the Salad
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced watermelon, cucumber, red onion, chopped basil, and crumbled feta.5 cups watermelon, ½ cucumber, ¼ red onion, ⅓ cup fresh basil, ½ cup feta cheese
Add the Dressing
- Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients. Toss gently using clean hands or two wooden spoons until well mixed.
Serve Immediately
- Enjoy this salad fresh, ideally within a few hours of making it for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- You can cube the watermelon and chop veggies a day ahead, but hold off on the basil and dressing until just before serving.
- A melon baller or cookie scoop can be fun tools if you want a playful presentation, but a sharp knife and large bowl are all you really need.
- Chill your ingredients ahead of time for the best texture. Basil wilts quickly, so chop it fresh right before serving.
- Overmixing can break down the watermelon and make it soggy. Be gentle when tossing.
- Adding dressing too early will draw out water from the melon. Add it just before serving to keep things crisp.
- Dietary Modifications: Use dairy-free feta for a vegan option. This recipe is naturally gluten-free.
- Flavor Enhancements: Add a little lemon zest for extra brightness or a pinch of chili flakes if you like a hint of heat.
- Add-In Options: Kalamata olives add briny depth. Diced avocado gives a creamy contrast. Mint and dill both work beautifully instead of basil.
- Simple Substitutions: Swap lime juice for lemon if that’s what you have. White balsamic or even red wine vinegar can work in place of balsamic.
