Strawberry Watermelon Salad with Feta

This strawberry watermelon salad combines fresh fruit, cucumber, arugula, and feta with a sweet honey dressing. Quick and easy to make, it’s a crowd-pleasing appetizer or side dish for summer!

This strawberry and watermelon salad is one of my favorite summer recipes, alongside my bresaola cantaloupe appetizer and melon ball skewers. Simple to make, it’s sweet, refreshing, and easy to customize.

For a unique twist, I use heart-shaped cookie cutters to make fun shapes, making this salad a go-to for Valentine’s Day, Father’s Day, and Mother’s Day. However, once you taste it, you’ll find yourself craving it every day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Please be sure to scroll down to the recipe card below for the complete details!

For the Salad

• Arugula - This forms the base of the salad, but you can use lettuce, spinach, or any greens you like.

• Crumbled feta cheese - Goat cheese or mozzarella will also work.

• Strawberries - Use fresh and firm berries that can be shaped with a cookie cutter. I don’t recommend using frozen berries for this recipe.

• Cucumber - English or Persian cucumbers will be best, as they have fewer seeds than other varieties.

• Watermelon - Look for a heavy watermelon that sounds hollow when gently tapped.

For the Dressing

• Extra virgin olive oil - I don’t recommend using any other oil for the salad dressing.

• Honey - Adds a touch of sweetness. Maple syrup will also work.

• Fresh lime juice - Lemon or orange juice would also taste great.

• Sea salt and pepper - Adjust to taste.

How to Make a Strawberry Watermelon Salad

1. Prepare the base of the salad. Place the arugula on your platter or add it to a large bowl. Crumble the feta evenly on top.

2. Cut the cucumber and watermelon. Use heart-shaped cookie cutters to create cucumber and watermelon hearts.

3. Slice the strawberries. Remove the leaves from the strawberries and stand them upright. Slice the berries finely from top to bottom. Split the strawberry down the middle into two halves and spread the slices out. Use the cookie cutter to slice the heart pieces.

4. Layer. Arrange the strawberry, watermelon, and cucumber hearts evenly over the salad.

5. Make the dressing. Whisk together the dressing ingredients in a small bowl. Season to taste.

6. Serve. Drizzle the dressing over the salad. Enjoy!

FAQs

How should I serve a strawberry watermelon salad?

I typically serve this recipe as an appetizer or side dish with main courses like grilled meat, Greek salad wraps, and tortilla pockets. However, you can also top it with protein like chicken or shrimp and serve it as a complete meal.

What else can I add to my strawberry cucumber watermelon salad?

Try adding chopped red onion for an extra kick. Or, add balsamic glaze to the dressing for a sweet, fruity, tangy taste. You can also include toppings like chopped pistachios, almonds, or walnuts for a little extra crunch.

Can I make a strawberry watermelon salad ahead of time?

This recipe is best served right away, as it may become soggy as it sits. However, you can store the dressing and salad in different airtight containers in the fridge if needed. The salad will keep fresh for up to one day, and the dressing will last for up to one week.

More Refreshing Salad Recipes

• Feta Watermelon Salad with Granola

• Watermelon Salad with Mint Chimichurri

• Watermelon Feta Chessboard Salad