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In the summertime, there are few things better than enjoying a sweet, fresh watermelon. And while eating a wedge of this delicious fruit plain is certainly incredibly enjoyable, this watermelon salad recipe is another amazing way to enjoy this succulent summer fruit.

Watermelon salad is incredibly popular and makes for the perfect side dish at any summer barbecue or get-together. With the perfect mix of sweet and savoury, this salad switches up a bit of the most common flavours associated with this dish and also makes it vegan.

Using watermelon as a base makes it different from some other great summer salads, such as my Georgian salad, broccoli salad, roasted red pepper salad, charred corn salad or zesty pasta salad. It also makes a great side dish for something like my cilantro lime salmon.

So if you’re after the perfect summer salad, this watermelon salad is an excellent contender. Using super sweet watermelon, plenty of fresh herbs and peppery extra virgin olive oil, it’s sure to quickly become a summertime favourite.

How to Make Watermelon Salad without Feta

The first step is to cube your watermelon. You can use whatever size of watermelon you would like, just know that you may need to adjust the quantities accordingly. I developed this recipe using quite a small watermelon and the quantities in the recipe card reflect that.

Ingredients for this watermelon salad without feta — Ingredients for this watermelon salad

Cut your watermelon into bite-sized cubes and add them to a large bowl. If you like to use a melon baller and would rather have balls than cubes, go ahead and do that!

You can cut your watermelon however you’d like, the important part is that the pieces are small and easy enough to eat in one bite.

Then peel a cucumber and slice it into small half-moons. Add the cucumber to the bowl.

Now it’s time for the herbs! The classic version of this salad usually calls for mint and that’s because it works fabulously with the flavours.

However, if you are looking to make a watermelon salad without mint, you can opt to leave it out or sub it in with parsley or even fresh oregano, both of which would also work great.

Finely chop your mint (if you’re using it) and a good amount of Genovese basil, as well. Basil is another herb that pairs magnificently with sweet watermelon. Add your chopped herbs into the bowl with the cucumber and watermelon.

Now, peel and thinly slice a small shallot and add it to your bowl. If you don’t have shallots, red onions would work well here or scallions will do very well, too!

You do want a mild onion flavour to give this salad a more savoury edge.

Next, add the zest of a lime. Watermelon and lime are a classic pairing and it works very well together.

By adding both the zest and the juice, you really amplify the lime flavour instead of just adding acidity. Once you’ve added the lime zest, squeeze in the juice of that lime, as well.

Season your watermelon with a bit of salt and pepper and drizzle generously with a high-quality extra virgin olive oil. Toss everything to combine and taste to adjust for seasoning.

You can then serve the salad immediately or refrigerate it for a few hours before serving. If you want to make the salad in advance, mix everything but the herbs and it will keep in the fridge for a few days. Add the chopped herbs before serving.

Watermelon Salad Without Feta

This crisp and vibrant salad is easy to make and the perfect addition to any summer meal.

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Servings 4

Prep Time 10

Total Time 10

Ingredients

1 small watermelon cubed
1 tbsp fresh basil chopped
1 tbsp fresh mint chopped
½ cucumber peeled and sliced into half-moons
1 medium shallot sliced thin
1 lime zest and juice
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

Instructions

Add watermelon, basil, mint, cucumber, shallot and lime zest to a large mixing bowl and toss to combine.
Pour lime juice over the watermelon mixture. Drizzle with olive oil. Toss to combine. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve.