A refreshing summer salad featuring sweet strawberries, juicy watermelon, crisp cucumber, fresh herbs, and a bright citrus dressing. Perfect for picnics, barbecues, brunches, or a light snack.
⏱️ Time
- 🔪 Prep Time: 15 minutes
- ❄️ Chill Time: 15–30 minutes (optional)
- ⏰ Total Time: 15–45 minutes
- 🍽️ Servings: 6
🛒 Ingredients
🥗 For the Salad
- 🍉 4 cups seedless watermelon, cubed
- 🍓 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 🥒 1 large cucumber, diced or thinly sliced
- 🧅 ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
- 🌿 ¼ cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
- 🌿 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped (optional)
- 🧀 ½ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
🍋 Honey-Lime Dressing
- 🍋 Juice of 2 limes (about ¼ cup)
- 🍯 1 tablespoon honey
- 🫒 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 🧂 ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⚫ ¼ teaspoon black pepper
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Fruit & Vegetables
- Cut the watermelon into bite-sized cubes.
- Wash, hull, and slice the strawberries.
- Dice or thinly slice the cucumber.
- Thinly slice the red onion, if using.
- Chop the mint and basil.
2️⃣ Make the Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together:
- 🍋 Lime juice
- 🍯 Honey
- 🫒 Olive oil
- 🧂 Salt
- ⚫ Black pepper
- Whisk until smooth and well combined.
3️⃣ Assemble the Salad
- In a large serving bowl, combine:
- 🍉 Watermelon
- 🍓 Strawberries
- 🥒 Cucumber
- 🧅 Red onion
- 🌿 Mint
- 🌿 Basil
- Pour the dressing over the salad.
4️⃣ Toss Gently
- Use a large spoon to gently toss everything together.
- Be careful not to crush the fruit.
5️⃣ Add Feta & Serve
- Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top, if using.
- Garnish with extra mint leaves.
- Serve immediately or chill for 15–30 minutes before serving.
🌟 Optional Add-Ins
- 🥑 Diced avocado
- 🫐 Fresh blueberries
- 🌰 Toasted almonds or pistachios
- 🌶️ Thinly sliced jalapeño for a spicy kick
- 🍋 Lemon zest for extra citrus flavor
💡 Tips for Success
✅ Use cold watermelon and strawberries for the most refreshing salad.
✅ English cucumbers work best because they have fewer seeds and thinner skin.
✅ Add the feta just before serving to maintain its texture.
✅ If making ahead, keep the dressing separate and combine just before serving.
✅ Fresh mint adds the brightest flavor, but basil is a delicious addition.
🥣 Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day.
- The fruit will release juices over time, so it’s best enjoyed fresh.
😋 Flavor Profile
🍓 Sweet • 🍉 Juicy • 🥒 Crisp • 🍋 Tangy • 🌿 Fresh • 🧀 Salty (with feta)
