Old-Fashioned Watermelon Cucumber Salad (Sweet, Savory, & Simple)
Looking for the perfect way to cool down on a sweltering summer day? This refreshing Watermelon Cucumber Salad might just be your answer. Featuring cubes of juicy watermelon, crisp cucumbers, and a hint of fresh mint, this salad is a fresh summer treat that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. The combination of sweet and savory flavors, with a light and tangy dressing, makes it an ideal side dish for picnics, barbecues, or a simple family dinner. {And if you love cool and refreshing watermelon recipes, check out my recipe for Watermelon Limeade.}
The Good Stuff at a Glance (Because Who Has Time to Scroll All Day?)
You know, one of the saving graces of those hot, sticky summer days is the sheer abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables. It’s the season for easy suppers and no-fuss dishes – and for me, that always includes watermelon. Juicy, sweet, and just right with a sprinkle of salt (yes, I’m firmly on Team Salted Watermelon!). And while it might sound a little unusual if you’ve never tried it, watermelon in a salad, especially with a splash of vinegar and a crack of black pepper, brings out the melon’s sweetness in the best kind of way
Why This Watermelon Cucumber Salad’s a Keeper
You know that feeling when it’s blazing hot outside, and nothing sounds good except maybe a slice of watermelon straight from the fridge? That’s exactly the kind of mood this salad was made for. It’s cool, crisp, and full of that old-fashioned summer goodness. With juicy sweet watermelon, crunchy cukes, a little red onion, and a sprinkle of mint, it’s like something your aunt might’ve brought to the church picnic. The dressing? Just enough to pull it all together without getting in the way. It’s easy, fresh, and one of those recipes that makes you feel like you’ve got your life together (even if you’re still in your flip-flops at 6 p.m!).
Ingredients for Watermelon Salad:
(The full list of ingredients and instructions is in the printable recipe card below.)
Watermelon – The star of the salad, watermelon adds a sweet, juicy, and refreshing base that pairs perfectly with the other ingredients.
Cucumbers – Cucumbers bring a cool, crisp texture to the salad. Peeling and seeding are optional if using mini or English cucumbers, which are often more tender.
Onion – I prefer to use a red onion, which adds a sharp bite of flavor that contrasts nicely with the sweetness of the watermelon and the mildness of the cucumbers. You can use any type of onion you prefer.
Fresh Mint – I love the herbal freshness that mint adds to the salad, enhancing the overall brightness of the salad and adding a cooling effect.
Red Wine Vinegar – Vinegar adds a tangy acidity that balances the sweetness of the watermelon and honey, tying all the flavors together. I prefer red wine vinegar in this salad, but white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar work well, too.
Olive Oil – I like to use extra virgin olive oil here. It adds a rich, smooth texture to the dressing, helping to meld the flavors while adding a subtle depth.
Honey – Watermelon is already sweet, but a little bit of honey brings an extra touch of natural sweetness that complements the watermelon and balances the acidity of the vinegar.
Salt – I prefer sea salt or kosher salt in this salad, but use whatever type of salt you typically use for cooking. Don’t leave out the salt, though, because it enhances the overall flavor of the salad, bringing out the sweetness in the watermelon and adding a savory note to the dish.
Black Pepper – A pinch of ground black pepper adds a mild, spicy warmth, rounding out the flavors with a subtle kic.
The Easy Way to Cut Up a Watermelon
How to Cut a Watermelon (Step-by-Step!)
- Trim both ends with a large, sharp knife so the melon sits flat and steady.
- Stand it upright and slice down the sides to remove the rind, following the curve.
- Cut the watermelon in half, then into quarters.
- Lay each quarter flat and slice into 1-inch strips.
- Turn and slice again the other way to make bite-sized cubes.
My Tips for Making Watermelon Cucumber Salad:
- Choose Ripe Watermelon. Select a ripe, juicy watermelon for the best flavor. Look for one that feels heavy for its size, with a uniform shape and a creamy yellow spot on one side, which indicates ripeness.
- Opt for Seedless Cucumbers. If you’re using regular slicing cucumbers, consider peeling and seeding them to avoid a watery salad. Mini or English cucumbers are a great option as they have thinner skins and fewer seeds, which can save you some prep time.
- Chill Before Serving. For the most refreshing experience, refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and ensures the salad is cool and crisp.
- Adjust Seasonings to Taste. Taste the salad before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might find that a little extra salt, pepper, or a drizzle of honey brings the flavors into perfect balance.
- Serve Fresh. This salad is best enjoyed fresh. If preparing in advance, keep the dressing separate and toss it with the salad 30 minutes before serving to maintain the crispness of the ingredients.
- Add Feta or Goat Cheese (Optional). For a savory twist, consider adding crumbled feta or goat cheese. The creamy, salty cheese pairs wonderfully with the sweet watermelon and tangy dressing. It’s so delicious!
What to Serve with Watermelon Salad
This Watermelon Cucumber Salad pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. Serve it alongside grilled chicken, fish, or shrimp for a light and refreshing complement to your main course. It’s also a great match for barbecued meats, bringing a cool, fresh contrast to smoky flavors. For a vegetarian option, pair it with a grain-based dish like quinoa or couscous to round out a summer meal.
So that’s all there is to making this refreshing Cucumber watermelon Salad. If you make it, I hope you love it. And don’t forget to follow me on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram so you don’t miss a post.
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Print
Watermelon Cucumber Salad
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 Servings
Description
This salad features juicy watermelon, crisp cucumbers, and fresh mint in a light and tangy vinaigrette. Perfect for picnics, barbecues, or a healthy side dish.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 1 small watermelon, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 6 cups)
- 4 medium cucumbers, peeled, seeded, and chopped (peeling and seeding is optional if using mini or English cucumbers)
- 1/2 red onion, finely diced
- Handful chopped fresh mint
- Crumbled feta or goat cheese to your taste (optional)
For the Dressing:
- 1/2 cup red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (or 1/2 teaspoon sea salt)
- Pinch ground black pepper
Instructions
- Add salad ingredients to a large bowl.
- Whisk together dressing ingredients
- Gently mix the dressing with into the salad.
- Chill until ready to serve.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 hours
I just got done making this visiting my sister in Texas, so easy to make so delicious we’ll put feta cheese on after it gets cold and I put on the dinner table, thank you Melissa will be making it again everyone loves it and my sister and her family will be making it too!
I’m happy you enjoyed the recipe!