This watermelon cucumber salad with basil is the perfect summer salad. Juicy watermelon, crispy cucumbers, and fresh basil are tossed with a homemade honey lime dressing.
If you love this salad, check out my watermelon mint salad next!
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If you love this recipe, try my Banana Watermelon Smoothie next!
Why You'll Love It
- Refreshing: The sweetness of the watermelon combined with the honey-lime dressing is SO GOOD!
- Versatile: Serve it as a side dish with your favorite grilled meats and veggies, or even as a light lunch.
- Easy to Make: This watermelon salad recipe comes together in just a few minutes and only requires a handful of ingredients.
Watermelon Cucumber Salad with Basil Ingredients
A complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the printable recipe card below.
- Watermelon
- Cucumber
- Red Onion
- Blueberries
- Fresh Basil
- Fresh Lime Juice
- Honey
How to Make Watermelon Cucumber Salad with Basil
For more detailed instructions with measurements, jump to the recipe card.
Step 1: Cut the Watermelon
Place the watermelon on a large cutting board. Using a sharp knife, slice off the top and bottom to create two flat surfaces. Stand the watermelon on one end and cut off the rind in strips. Once the rind is removed, cut the watermelon into 1-inch cubes.
Step 2: Dice Cucumber and Onion
Cut red onion and cucumber into bite-sized pieces and add them to a large mixing bowl with the watermelon cubes.
Step 3: Crumble Feta Cheese
Crumble feta cheese over the top of the salad.
Step 4: Add Basil
Tear or chop basil leaves into small pieces, adding them to the bowl with the watermelon. Use a large spoon to toss the ingredients.
Step 5: Make Dressing
Whisk lime juice and honey in a small bowl. Add blueberries to the bowl and drizzle the dressing over the top.
Step 6: Toss Ingredients
Toss gently to combine and transfer to a large salad bowl. Serve immediately or store in the fridge for up to 30 minutes before serving.
How To Pick A Watermelon
- Look for a symmetrical shape without any lumps or bumps.
- Ensure the rind is evenly colored with no white or yellow spots.
- Check the underside for a creamy yellow field spot.
- Lift and knock – a deep hollow sound indicates ripeness.
Serving Suggestions
One fun way to serve this summery salad is to hollow out a large watermelon and use it as a bowl. Cut off the top, scoop out the flesh, and fill the hollowed-out watermelon with the salad for a beautiful centerpiece.
Another idea is to serve this delicious salad in individual cups or jars. Layer the ingredients in a large mason jar for a pretty, easy-to-grab snack, topping with a drizzle of honey-lime dressing.
Variations
- Use a melon baller to make balls instead of cubes.
- Add chopped avocado and cherry tomatoes to the salad.
- Use goat cheese instead of feta.
- Use mint instead of basil.
- Add sliced jalapeños for some spicy flavor.
Top Tips
- Use fresh, ripe watermelon. Seedless varieties are the best so you don't have to worry about seeds.
- This salad does not keep well because the watermelon can quickly become soggy after adding the dressing.
Watermelon Cucumber Salad FAQs
I do not recommend making it ahead of time. However, you can prep all the ingredients and store everything separately in airtight containers in the fridge. When ready to serve, combine and toss gently to avoid sogginess.
Store leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will only last for about a day, so be sure to discard any ingredients that have gone bad.
More Easy Summer Salad Recipes
If you loved this watermelon cucumber salad recipe, check out these summer salads:
- Red Skin Potato Salad
- Hawaiian Macaroni Salad
- Greek Cucumber Salad
- Strawberry Spinach Salad
- Panera Copycat Tomato Basil Cucumber Salad
Recipe
Watermelon Cucumber Salad with Basil
Ingredients
- 6 cups seedless watermelon cut in 1-inch cubes, about 4 pounds
- 1 cup cucumber diced
- ¼ cup red onion thinly sliced (optional)
- 1 cup feta cheese crumbled or cubed
- ¼ cup fresh basil cut into thin strips
- ¾ cup blueberries
Honey Lime Dressing
- 4 tablespoon lime juice
- 4 tablespoon honey
Instructions
- Combine watermelon, red onion, cucumber, feta, and chopped basil in a large bowl. Toss with a large spoon to combine.
- Whisk fresh lime juice and honey in a small bowl until well combined. Add the blueberries to the mixing bowl and drizzle with honey-lime dressing.
- Gently toss everything together using a large spoon. Transfer the salad to a large serving bowl. Serve immediately and enjoy!
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Recipe Notes:
NUTRITION INFORMATION
The provided nutritional information is an estimate per serving. Accuracy is not guaranteed.
**This post was originally published in March 2023. It has been recently updated with more information, helpful tips, and new photos, but the recipe remains the same.
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