This light and refreshing summer salad combines juicy watermelon, sweet strawberries, and crisp cucumber with a zesty mint dressing. A final touch of crumbled feta adds a creamy, salty contrast, making it a perfect dish for warm days.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 2 cups watermelon, cubed
- 2 cups strawberries, sliced
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
For the Dressing:
- 2 tablespoons fresh mint, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon pepper powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
1. Clean the Strawberries Properly:
- In a large bowl, mix 4 cups of water with 1 tablespoon salt and 2 tablespoons vinegar.
- Add the strawberries and let them soak for 5 minutes to remove dirt, bacteria, and pesticide residue.
- Rinse thoroughly under clean running water, then pat dry with a paper towel.
- Hull (remove the green tops) and slice them into halves or quarters, depending on size.
2. Prepare the Other Ingredients:
- Wash the watermelon and cucumber thoroughly.
- Cut the watermelon into small, even cubes.
- Dice the cucumber into bite-sized pieces. If the skin is thick or waxy, peel it before dicing.
- Finely chop the fresh mint leaves.
3. Make the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the chopped mint, honey, fresh lemon juice, black pepper, and salt until well combined.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. If you prefer a sweeter dressing, add a bit more honey.
4. Assemble the Salad:
- In a large mixing bowl, add the cubed watermelon, cleaned and sliced strawberries, and diced cucumber.
- Drizzle the prepared mint dressing over the fruit mixture.
- Gently toss everything together to evenly coat the ingredients with the dressing.
5. Add the Final Touch:
- Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the top of the salad.
- Give it a gentle stir to distribute the feta without breaking it up too much.
6. Serve & Enjoy:
- Serve immediately for the freshest taste, or let it chill in the refrigerator for 10–15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Enjoy as a light appetizer, a side dish for summer barbecues, or a refreshing snack!
Tips & Variations:
✔ Add nuts: Sprinkle toasted almonds, walnuts, or pistachios for extra crunch.
✔ Extra freshness: Garnish with whole mint leaves for a decorative touch.
✔ Citrus twist: Substitute lemon juice with lime juice for a tangier kick.
✔ Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red chili flakes for a subtle heat.
This salad is a perfect combination of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors—healthy, refreshing, and easy to make!