Cucumber Watermelon Hot Salad

Featured in: Everyday Joys

This invigorating salad combines juicy watermelon with crisp cucumber and subtle heat from jalapeño, balanced by fresh herbs and tangy feta. Tossed in a refreshing chili-lime dressing, it's perfect for warm weather or light cravings. Quick to assemble and bursting with flavors, it offers a harmonious mix of sweetness, spice, and creaminess. Serve chilled or at room temperature with optional crunchy toppings like toasted seeds for extra texture.

Updated on Wed, 26 Nov 2025 16:53:00 GMT
Vibrant Cucumber and Watermelon Hot Girl Salad: a refreshing, summer salad with feta and lime dressing. Save
Vibrant Cucumber and Watermelon Hot Girl Salad: a refreshing, summer salad with feta and lime dressing. | sugarprairie.com

A refreshing, vibrant salad featuring crisp cucumber, juicy watermelon, tangy feta, and a zesty chili-lime dressing—perfect for hot days and healthy cravings.

This salad has become a go-to in my household during summer months because it is light yet satisfying and brings a beautiful pop of color to the table.

Ingredients

  • 3 cups seedless watermelon: cubed
  • 1 large English cucumber: diced
  • 1/4 small red onion: thinly sliced
  • 1 small jalapeño: thinly sliced (optional)
  • 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves: torn
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves:
  • 1/3 cup feta cheese: crumbled
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil:
  • Juice and zest of 1 lime:
  • 1 tablespoon honey or agave syrup:
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes: adjust to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon sea salt:
  • Freshly ground black pepper: to taste

Instructions

Step 1:
In a large salad bowl, combine the cubed watermelon, diced cucumber, red onion, jalapeño (if using), mint, and cilantro.
Step 2:
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, lime juice and zest, honey or agave, chili flakes, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
Step 3:
Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine.
Step 4:
Sprinkle crumbled feta over the top.
Step 5:
Serve immediately, or chill for 10 minutes for extra refreshment.
Close-up of a Cucumber and Watermelon Hot Girl Salad, showcasing the bright colors and textures of the ingredients. Save
Close-up of a Cucumber and Watermelon Hot Girl Salad, showcasing the bright colors and textures of the ingredients. | sugarprairie.com

This salad always brings my family together on warm evenings, sparking great conversations and smiles from everyone.

Serving Suggestions

This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal that is both light and satisfying.

Variations

Try adding toasted pumpkin seeds or chopped pistachios for extra crunch, or substitute vegan feta for a dairy-free option.

Storage

Best served fresh but can be chilled for up to 24 hours. Keep dressing separate if storing longer to avoid sogginess.

Enjoy a bowl of this delicious Cucumber and Watermelon Hot Girl Salad loaded with feta and herbs. Save
Enjoy a bowl of this delicious Cucumber and Watermelon Hot Girl Salad loaded with feta and herbs. | sugarprairie.com

Enjoy this refreshing salad as a perfect summer treat that’s quick to prepare and loved by all ages.

Kitchen Help

Can I make this salad spicier?

Yes, increase the amount of jalapeño or chili flakes to suit your preferred heat level.

What herbs complement the flavors best?

Fresh mint and cilantro provide bright, fragrant notes that enhance the salad's freshness.

Is feta cheese necessary in this salad?

Feta adds a tangy creaminess, but you can substitute with vegan cheese or omit it for a dairy-free option.

Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?

For best texture, dress the salad just before serving, though chopping ingredients earlier is fine.

What are some good additions for crunch?

Toasted pumpkin seeds or chopped pistachios add a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor.

Cucumber Watermelon Hot Salad

A bright blend of cucumber, watermelon, feta, and chili-lime dressing ideal for fresh, healthy meals.

Setup duration
15 min
0
Complete duration
15 min
Created by Molly Evans

Classification Everyday Joys

Complexity Easy

Heritage Modern American

Output 4 Portions

Nutrition guidelines Meat-free, Without gluten

Components

Produce

01 3 cups seedless watermelon, cubed
02 1 large English cucumber, diced
03 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced
04 1 small jalapeño, thinly sliced (optional)
05 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, torn
06 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves

Dairy

01 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese

Dressing

01 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
02 Juice and zest of 1 lime
03 1 tablespoon honey or agave syrup
04 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes, adjust to taste
05 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
06 Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Method steps

Phase 01

Combine Fresh Ingredients: Place watermelon cubes, diced cucumber, sliced red onion, jalapeño (if using), torn mint, and cilantro into a large salad bowl.

Phase 02

Prepare Dressing: Whisk together extra-virgin olive oil, lime juice and zest, honey or agave syrup, chili flakes, sea salt, and black pepper until fully emulsified in a small bowl or jar.

Phase 03

Dress the Salad: Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and gently toss to evenly coat all components.

Phase 04

Add Feta Cheese: Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the dressed salad.

Phase 05

Serve: Serve immediately or refrigerate for 10 minutes to enhance chill and refreshment.

Kitchen tools needed

  • Large salad bowl
  • Small mixing bowl or jar
  • Whisk or fork
  • Chef's knife
  • Cutting board

Dietary concerns

Review ingredients carefully for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance if uncertain.
  • Contains dairy (feta cheese). Verify cheese labels for possible allergens or cross-contamination.

Dietary breakdown (per portion)

Values shown are estimates only - consult healthcare providers for specific advice.
  • Energy: 160
  • Fats: 8 g
  • Carbohydrates: 19 g
  • Proteins: 4 g