This watermelon basil salad is uniquely refreshing, light and always a hit! Honey lime dressing and fresh basil throughout every bite. Ready in 10 minutes.
Table of contents
Why Make This Watermelon Basil Salad
We love to buy watermelon in the summer and I can easily burn through half of it in one sitting! I like to whip this salad up as often as possible, it's a bit more filling and nutritious than just the melon by itself. This salad is a perfect side at a barbecue or for a light lunch. Try it with my Turkey Smash Burgers for the ultimate meal.
Tips for picking the perfect watermelon
I always look for one that is heavy (big or small it shouldn't fell light or hallow!)
I always look for a big yellow spot on the melon. This is where is was resting on the ground. If it's a cream/yellowish color it often times means it's ripe.
It's also fine if they have a little dirt on them, that just means they were well taken care of and rested in the ground for a bit. These tips usually are foolproof for me and I end up with a great tasting watermelon.
Ingredients Needed
Seedless Watermelon. One small watermelon if plenty, but feel free to grab a large one and munch on the leftovers.
Basil. This is a must! It brings out all the flavors in this dish and it's wonderful for a summer vibe. Be sure to use fresh basil.
Cucumbers. I like to use an english cucumber or mini Persian cucumbers because they are bite sized and thinner skin.
Feta. This add a great salt and creaminess to the salad.
Honey. This is for the lim e dressing, it's light and it blends with the citrus perfectly.
All other ingredients and measurements are listed in the recipe card.
Recipe Variations
Watermelon. Use cantaloupe if needed
Basil. You can use mint in addition or in place of basil.
Feta. You can skip the feta or you can use goat cheese.
Lime. Lemon will also work.
Cucumber. Use any cucumber of choice. You can also omit cucumber.
Steps To Make This Recipe
Step One. Using a sharp knife, cut the watermelon from the rind. Cube the watermelon into bite sized pieces, usually I do about 1 inch or smaller. Next, cut the cucumber. If using Persian (mini) cucumbers leave as is. If it's a large cucumber try to cube the watermelon to a similar or smaller size than the watermelon.
Step Two. In a small bowl combine vinegar, honey, salt, pepper, lime juice. Whisk well. Add Watermelon, cucumber, chopped basil and dressing to a large serving bowl.
Step Three. Toss the ingredients together well, add in the feta and mix gently before serving. Enjoy!
Recipe FAQ's
Yes! Cut the calories down a little bit by skipped the feta.
Yes, but only for about 24 hours otherwise the watermelon starts to get a little soggy. Store in an airtight container in the fridge.
Recipe Pairings
This recipe goes wonderfully with my Pulled Chicken Burgers, Crispy Chicken Burgers, Teriyaki Kababs and more.
Other Side Dish Recipes To Try
If you loved this recipe let me know! Also, follow me on Instagram & Pinterest for even more fun recipes to make you feel good from the inside out. Thanks for being here.
Watermelon Basil Salad
Equipment
- bowls for mixing
- sharp knife
Ingredients
- 6-7 cups watermelon, cubed seedless
- 6 Perisan cucumbers about 2 cups
- ½ cup feta, crumbled
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
Honey Lime Dressing
- ¼ cup fresh lime juice about 2 limes squeezed
- ½ tsp fresh cracked pepper optional
- ¼ tsp se salt
- ¼ cup watermelon juice *see notes
- 1 Tbsp honey
- 1 Tbsp red wine vinegar
Instructions
- Carefully slice watermelon into small cubes. Discard the rind. Place the cubed watermelon in a large bowl. Save 1/3 cup of watermelon juice in a small mixing bowl.
- Next slice up cucumbers, finely chop the basil and add to the large mixing bowl with watermelon cubes.
- Add the red wine vinegar, juiced, limes, honey, salt, and pepper to the watermelon juice, Whisk well.
- Add the dressing to the watermelon cucumber mixture. Add feta, toss the salad carefully and serve!
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