Easy Watermelon Cucumber Salad Recipe
This refreshing and delicious Watermelon Cucumber Salad is the ultimate warm-weather side dish. It is light, juicy, and bursting with flavor. Made with sweet watermelon, crisp cucumber, tangy cheese, and a sweet dressing made with maple syrup and lime juice, it’s the kind of easy recipe that feels fancy but takes just minutes to make.
This easy-to-make watermelon cucumber salad is perfect for BBQs, picnics, or when you’re just craving something cool and crunchy! It’s pretty much summer in a bowl!
Watermelon Cucumber Salad Ingredients
Scroll down to the recipe card to see the complete list of ingredients.
This is the perfect salad to make during the summer because all of the ingredients will be in season, giving you the freshest, most vibrant flavors. And don’t skip the dressing on this one, because it truly elevates this salad to another level. Plus, you can make it in a matter of minutes!
- Watermelon. I always use 1 small seedless watermelon, but you can also use half a large watermelon. Check out this tutorial on how to cut a watermelon, where I show you how easy it is to do!
- Cucumbers. Small Persian or English cucumbers are my favorite when making this salad. They’re sweeter than regular cucumbers, their skin is softer, so you don’t have to peel them, and they have fewer seeds.
- Herbs. Use your favorite herbs such as mint, basil, chives, or parsley. But my Latina side will always gravitate towards cilantro, which goes so well with the sweet lime dressing we use in this recipe.
- Cheese. Choose a crumbly, flavorful cheese like feta, goat cheese, or Mexican cotija, which pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the watermelon.
- Maple syrup or honey. I almost always use maple syrup for this dressing because of its woody flavor and thinner consistency.
- Lime juice. It brightens the flavor of the dressing we use in this recipe. You can substitute it with lemon juice if you prefer.
- Oil. Use a good quality olive oil to make this salad dressing.
- Salt & Pepper. Use them to taste to enhance all of the flavors that go in this salad.
How to Make a Watermelon Cucumber Salad
Scroll down to the recipe card to see detailed step-by-step instructions.
This watermelon cucumber salad is so refreshing, hydrating, and easy to make that you will be making it all summer long. Enjoy it as a delicious side dish, light lunch, or quick snack.
- Whisk all of the ingredients for the dressing.
- Cut up your watermelon and cucumbers into bite-sized cubes. You can also use a melon baller to scoop out the watermelon to make things easier. Chop the herbs that you’ll be using in this recipe.
- Gently toss the watermelon with the cucumbers and herbs. Drizzle with the dressing, toss again, and sprinkle the crumbled cheese before serving.
Watch the Video
Variations
- Add red onions or shallots for extra flavor. You can also add chopped green onions for added color.
- Make it spicy by adding chopped jalapeños or serrano peppers for added heat. If you don’t have them on hand, you can also add red pepper flakes to taste.
- To make it more creamy you can add a chopped avocado. It truly compliments the flavor of the chopped cilantro and lime dressing!
- Add some crunch by throwing in a handful toasted almonds or walnuts.
FAQs
What can I serve with this watermelon cucumber salad?
This refreshing salad pairs perfectly with grilled chicken, pork, beef, or fish. Some of my favorite recipes are One-Pan Chicken and Potatoes, Grilled Pork Chops, Carne Asada, and these wonderful Colombian Beef Kabobs.
It is also a great side dish for BBQs and picnics! A few great ideas are these easy-to-make BBQ Ribs, this delicious BBQ chicken, this simple yet amazing Grilled Chicken Sandwich, or these quick and easy Turkey Bacon & Avocado Wraps.
Can I make this watermelon cucumber salad ahead of time?
You can chop and toss all of your ingredients a couple of hours ahead of time. Then toss in the dressing right before serving.
How do I store leftover watermelon cucumber salad?
Refrigerate any leftover salad in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This salad does not freeze well, so I don’t recommend freezing it.
Tools For Making A Watermelon Cucumber Salad
- Classic 8″ Chef’s Knife
- Melon Baller
- Large Salad Bowls
- Small Glass Prep Bowls
- Mini Stainless Steel Whisk Set
More Refreshing Salad Recipes
- Easy Creamy Cucumber Salad
- Quinoa and Black Bean Salad
- Apple Walnut Salad
- Russian Salad
- Italian Pasta Salad
- KFC Coleslaw Recipe
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Easy Watermelon Cucumber Salad Recipe
Ingredients
For the Watermelon Salad
- 1 small watermelon or ½ large watermelon, cut into small cubes
- 2-3 Persian cucumbers or 1 English cucumber, cut into small cubes
- ½ cup (25g) chopped cilantro *
- ½ cup (37.5 g) crumbled Mexican cotija cheese **
For the Dressing
- 3 Tbsp maple syrup or honey
- 3 Tbsp lime juice
- 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste (I use about a pinch of each)
Instructions
Make the Dressing:
- Whisk all of the ingredients for the dressing and set aside.
Make the Salad:
- Mix the cubed watermelon, cubed cucumbers, chopped cilantro, and crumbled cheese in a large serving bowl or dish.
Toss in Dressing:
- Gently toss in the dressing and sprinkle with more cheese right before serving.
Notes
- * I love making this recipe with fresh chopped cilantro, but you can also make it with your favorite herbs like mint, basil, chives, or parsley.
- ** Mexican cotija cheese blends beautifully with this salad; however, feta or goat cheese are also great options.
- You can make this salad 2-3 hours ahead of time! Just mix all of the ingredients for the salad and toss in the dressing right before serving.
- Refrigerate any leftover watermelon cucumber salad in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
