Watermelon Salad with Honey Lime Dressing Recipe
Introduction
This refreshing watermelon salad with honey lime dressing is a perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. Ideal for hot days, it combines crisp cucumbers, peppery arugula, and salty feta for a vibrant and light dish. Quick to assemble and full of fresh ingredients, it’s a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 mini watermelon (approximately 4 cups, rind removed and cubed)
- 2 Persian cucumbers (approximately 1 cup, sliced)
- 2 ½ oz arugula
- 4 oz feta cheese (crumbled)
- 1 tbsp mint (chopped)
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 lime (juiced and zested)
- Kosher salt (to taste, about 1 ½ teaspoons recommended)
Instructions
- Step 1: Remove the rind from the watermelon and cut it into cubes. Chop the mint and crumble the feta cheese.
- Step 2: Make the dressing by combining olive oil, lime zest, lime juice, honey, and salt in a bowl. Whisk until well blended.
- Step 3: In a large serving bowl, add the watermelon, sliced cucumbers, arugula, feta, and chopped mint. Drizzle the honey lime dressing over the salad.
- Step 4: Gently stir to combine, taste, and adjust seasoning if needed. Optionally, garnish with a few extra mint sprigs before serving chilled.
Tips & Variations
- Substitute arugula with baby spinach or mixed greens for a different texture and flavor.
- For added crunch, sprinkle some toasted nuts like almonds or pistachios on top.
- Use fresh herbs like basil or cilantro instead of mint for a unique twist.
- To make it vegan, omit feta or replace it with a plant-based cheese alternative.
Storage
Store the salad and dressing separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Toss together just before serving to maintain freshness and prevent the salad from becoming soggy. Leftovers can be enjoyed cold or at room temperature.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?
Yes, but to keep the salad fresh and crunchy, store the dressing separately and combine it with the salad just before serving.
Is it necessary to use Persian cucumbers?
No, regular cucumbers can be used as a substitute, but Persian cucumbers are preferred for their thin skin and mild flavor, which blend well with the other ingredients.
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Watermelon Salad with Honey Lime Dressing Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and vibrant Watermelon Salad featuring juicy watermelon cubes, crisp Persian cucumbers, peppery arugula, and tangy feta cheese, all tossed in a sweet and zesty honey lime dressing. Perfect for a light summer dish or a healthy snack, this salad combines fresh herbs and citrus for a delightful burst of flavor.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 1 mini watermelon (approximately 4 cups), rind removed and cubed
- 2 Persian cucumbers (approximately 1 cup), sliced
- 2 ½ oz arugula
- 4 oz feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 tbsp fresh mint, chopped
Honey Lime Dressing
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 lime, juiced and zested
- Kosher salt to taste (about 1 ½ teaspoon)
Instructions
- Prepare Watermelon and Herbs: Remove the rind from the watermelon and cut it into bite-sized cubes. Chop the fresh mint finely and crumble the feta cheese into small pieces for easy mixing.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, combine the extra virgin olive oil, lime zest, lime juice, kosher salt, and honey. Whisk all ingredients together until the dressing is smooth and well emulsified.
- Combine the Salad: In a large serving bowl, add the cubed watermelon, sliced cucumbers, arugula, crumbled feta, and chopped mint. Drizzle the honey lime dressing over the salad.
- Toss and Serve: Gently stir the salad to evenly coat all ingredients with the dressing. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary by adding more salt or honey to balance flavors. Optionally, garnish with a few extra sprigs of fresh mint. Serve the salad chilled for the best refreshing experience.
Notes
- Use a ripe but firm watermelon to ensure crisp cubes that hold their shape in the salad.
- Persian cucumbers work best due to their thin skin and mild flavor but regular cucumbers can be used if peeled.
- Adjust honey and lime juice quantity in the dressing to your preferred balance of sweetness and acidity.
- This salad is best served immediately but can be refrigerated for up to 2 hours prior to serving.
- For a vegan version, omit feta cheese or substitute with a plant-based cheese alternative.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: watermelon salad, honey lime dressing, summer salad, refreshing salad, feta salad, mint salad
