When you need a vibrant, refreshing side that screams summer in every bite, there’s nothing quite like Strawberry Watermelon Salad. This juicy combo of sweet watermelons, sun-ripened strawberries, fresh mint, and tangy feta topped with a zingy lime-honey dressing is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, whether you’re prepping for a picnic, a barbecue, or a lazy afternoon treat. It’s irresistibly colorful, effortlessly simple, and always the first bowl to disappear at any gathering.

Strawberry Watermelon Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this salad lies in its simplicity: just a handful of ingredients, and each one brings a unique burst of flavor or texture. Don’t skip or skimp—every component plays a key role in making your Strawberry Watermelon Salad taste as fabulous as it looks.

Watermelon (3 cups, cubed): Choose ripe, seedless watermelon for maximum sweetness and crunch—this is your juicy base.
Fresh strawberries (2 cups, hulled and sliced): Their natural sweetness and deep red color elevate both the flavor and look of the salad.
Fresh mint leaves (1/4 cup, chopped): Mint adds a crisp, cooling note that sets off the sweetness of the fruit beautifully.
Feta cheese (1/4 cup, crumbled): Don’t skip this! Its salty tang provides a perfectly creamy contrast to the fruits.
Lime juice (2 tablespoons): Freshly squeezed for the best results—lime brightens the whole dish.
Honey (1 tablespoon): Just enough to tie the flavors together with a soft, floral sweetness.
Salt (1/4 teaspoon): The secret to elevating every flavor—trust me, a pinch truly matters.
Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): A hint of spice helps balance the sweetness and brings everything into harmony.

How to Make Strawberry Watermelon Salad

Step 1: Combine the Fruits and Mint

Grab a big salad bowl and toss in the watermelon cubes, sliced strawberries, and chopped mint leaves. Gently mix them together so the colors are evenly distributed and each bite gets a little bit of everything. The watermelon’s juiciness and the strawberries’ lushness with that pop of mint set the perfect foundation for your Strawberry Watermelon Salad.

Step 2: Whisk the Dressing

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, honey, salt, and black pepper until everything’s smoothly blended. This is your magic potion—it’ll wake up all the flavors in the salad and add a zesty, sweet complexity that balances the freshness of the fruit.

Step 3: Dress the Salad

Drizzle the lime-honey dressing all over the fruit mixture. Use a big spoon or spatula to gently toss everything so the fruit is lightly but evenly coated. This step is where your Strawberry Watermelon Salad really comes to life—each bite gets a tingle of citrus and a whisper of spice and sweetness.

Step 4: Add the Feta Cheese

Right before serving, scatter the crumbled feta cheese generously over the top of your salad. You don’t want to mix it in too early, so the cheese stays distinct and doesn’t dissolve into the fruit. The feta is what transforms this from just another fruit salad into an unforgettable summer favorite.

Step 5: Serve Chilled

Transfer your finished Strawberry Watermelon Salad to a pretty serving bowl or platter, and pop it in the fridge for a few minutes if you have time. This salad is at its absolute best served cold, so it’s ultra-refreshing on a hot day.

How to Serve Strawberry Watermelon Salad

Garnishes

If you want to take things to the next level, sprinkle a few more chopped mint leaves or fresh basil over the top before bringing your salad to the table. For extra texture and a bit of crunch, toss on a handful of toasted pepitas or sliced almonds—they’re not just decorative, they’re delicious additions.

Side Dishes

Pair your Strawberry Watermelon Salad alongside grilled chicken, seafood skewers, or a platter of juicy burgers for the ultimate barbecue menu. It’s also a natural fit with other salads like quinoa, couscous, or a classic pasta salad, making it perfectly at home on any picnic spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress guests? Try serving this salad in individual mason jars for a portable treat, or pile it high in hollowed-out watermelon halves for a dramatic centerpiece. If you’re feeling extra fancy, alternate cubes and berries on skewers for a fun, easy-to-eat party snack.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Strawberry Watermelon Salad will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The fruit will release a bit more juice over time, so give it a gentle toss before serving again, and know that the feta might get a little creamier but still delicious.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t recommended for this salad, as both watermelon and strawberries tend to lose their texture and become watery when thawed. For the freshest flavor and texture, enjoy Strawberry Watermelon Salad the same day you make it.

Reheating

This dish is best served cold. If your salad is straight from the fridge and you prefer it slightly less chilled, just let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving, but avoid microwaving to preserve the fruity freshness and feta’s texture.

FAQs

Can I make Strawberry Watermelon Salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can mix the fruit and herbs together and refrigerate up to 6 hours ahead, but wait to add the feta and dressing until just before serving to keep everything at its freshest.

What herbs can I use besides mint?

Fresh basil is a wonderful alternative to mint for a slightly different flavor—it brings a sweet, peppery note that many people adore with the fruit and cheese. Feel free to try a mix of both for even more aroma!

Is there a vegan alternative to feta cheese?

Certainly! You can skip the feta altogether or use plant-based feta crumbles available at most grocery stores. Even a sprinkle of roasted, salted nuts or seeds can add a lovely salty crunch as a vegan-friendly topping.

Can I add other fruits to Strawberry Watermelon Salad?

Go for it! Blueberries, blackberries, or even diced peaches blend beautifully in this salad. Just keep the fruit cut to similarly sized pieces so every spoonful gets a great mix.

How do I pick the best watermelon and strawberries?

For watermelon, look for one that feels heavy for its size and has a creamy yellow ‘field spot’ on the outside. For strawberries, pick berries that are bright red all the way to their tips and have a sweet scent—these will be the juiciest and most flavorful in your salad.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dish that brings a burst of summer to the table, Strawberry Watermelon Salad is it! With its unbeatable combination of color, flavor, and freshness, this salad just makes everyone happy. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes your go-to side for every sunny day gathering.

Strawberry Watermelon Salad Recipe

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4.7 from 11 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

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Description

This refreshing Strawberry Watermelon Salad is a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors, featuring juicy watermelon, ripe strawberries, and tangy feta cheese tossed in a zesty lime dressing.

Ingredients

Scale

Watermelon Salad:

3 cups watermelon cubes
2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese

Lime Dressing:

2 tablespoons lime juice
1 tablespoon honey
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

Prepare the Salad: In a large bowl, combine watermelon cubes, sliced strawberries, and chopped mint leaves.
Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, honey, salt, and black pepper until well blended.
Combine: Drizzle the dressing over the fruit mixture and toss gently to combine.
Finish: Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top just before serving. Serve chilled.