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Smashed Cucumber and Watermelon Feta Salad. Sweet and juicy watermelon, cucumbers, creamy avocado, and feta cheese are all combined to create a refreshing summer salad thatโs easy to create, pretty, and so delicious. Finish this quick and simple salad with smashed-down feta cheese and lemon dressing. Every bite is full of sweet watermelon, crunchy cucumbers, and salty feta cheese. Itโs summertime in a salad.
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Iโm declaring this the summer of simplicity. And this salad is simple. I always hesitate to share recipes like todayโs. But Iโve come to realize that itโs these simple recipes that we all actually need and enjoy most.
Sometimes my brain can really overcomplicate things. But this is the summer Iโm sharing only my favorite, favorite recipes. The recipes I know will be quick and simple for us all to enjoy!
And this salad is really just the start. I have so many good recipes coming up throughout the month of July. I canโt wait!
As the 4th of July draws closer by the day, my focus is recipes geared to easy summer grilling and entertaining. When it comes to the ever so popular watermelon salad, Iโve always kept mine as basic as can be. Watermelon mixed with cantaloupe and honeydew. A simple melon salad my mom would always serve at summer parties. No dressing, just the fruit!
But my salad today has the addition of cucumbers, avocado, fresh basil, dill, plus a smashed-down feta cheese dressing. This is so delicious!
Details
Step 1: smash the cucumbersย
Lay each cucumber flat on your cutting board, then slice them in half lengthwise. Use the back side of your chefโs knife and smash it down into the cucumber. This should break the flesh. Then slice into 1-inch pieces and add to the salad.
Add the watermelon chunks, avocado chunks, pistachios, and fresh basil.
Step 2: make the dressing
Take a block of feta cheese, place it in a bowl, then use a fork to smash the cheese up into tiny crumbles. Then add olive oil, lemon juice, honey, dill, salt, pepper, and chili flakes.
Very simple but obviously super yummy.
Step 3: toss the salad
When youโre ready, toss the salad with the dressing and serve with additional basil and dill. I love to enjoy this with fresh naan, pita, or chips. But, to be honest, by the spoonful is a really great option too!
A delicious, light, and refreshing summertime salad! The combination of sweet watermelon and salty feta is perfection. Enjoy! Enjoy!
Hoping these extra summery recipes will provide you with inspiration for the upcoming summer weeks, BBQs, and your 4th of July festivities.
Looking for other watermelon recipes, try these:
Frosted Watermelon Rosemary Frosรฉ
Salted Spicy Watermelon Margarita Popsicles
Smoky Watermelon Lemon Margarita
Pink Vodka Watermelon Lemonade
Lastly, if you make this Smashed Cucumber and Watermelon Feta Salad, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, donโt forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!
Smashed Cucumber and Watermelon Feta Salad
Ingredientsย
Salad
Feta Dressing
- 8 ounces feta cheese
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons honey
- 1/2 cup fresh basil
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
- kosher salt and black pepper
- chili flakes
Instructionsย
- 1. Arrange the cucumbers on a cutting board, flesh side facing up. Take the flat side of a chef's knife and smash it into the cucumber, breaking the flesh. Chop into 1 inch pieces. 2. In a salad bowl, toss together the cucumbers, watermelon, avocado, pistachios, and basil leaves. 3. To make the dressing. Crumble the feta cheese into a bowl. Add the olive oil, lemon juice, honey, and dill. Season with salt, pepper, and chili flakes. Mix well, breaking up the feta as you mix. 4. Gently toss the salad with the dressing. Serve with fresh pita and chips. Yum!
Nutrition
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Did you make this recipe? Please rate & comment below.
Perfect recipe! Thank you.
Thanks so much, Arta! Love to hear this recipe was enjoyed! Hope you have a great start to your week!
This is so delicious! I am printing for all my future summer salad needs!
Hey Sera,
Happy Friday! Thanks a bunch for making this recipe and your comment. So glad to hear it was a hit!
How far in advance can this be prepared? Have made a few times just before serving….
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Hi Linda! This salad a super refreshing dish, but since it includes fresh fruits and vegetables, itโs best when itโs made as close to serving time as possible! You can definitely prep the watermelon ahead of time and then combine all the ingredients when itโs ready to serve! Hope this helps! xT
Love this,!! So refreshing on a hot summer afternoon? How far in advance( hours) can this be assembled?
Thank you!
Hi Linda! This salad a super refreshing dish, but since it includes fresh fruits and vegetables, itโs best when itโs made as close to serving time as possible! You can definitely prep the watermelon ahead of time and then combine all the ingredients when it’s ready to serve! Hope this helps! xT
Just curious, what is the point of smashing the cucumbers?
Great question! Smashing the cucumbers helps them absorb more flavor from the dressing because it creates lots of little cracks and crevices. It also gives the cucumbers a unique texture, slightly crisp but a bit more tender than slicing. Plus, it makes the salad feel a little more rustic and fun! xT
I think Iโm now obsessed with this salad! It is so refreshing and delicious- perfectly balanced in flavors and textures. I will definitely make again and again!
Thank you sooo much for giving the recipe a try! I am so glad you enjoyed it! xT
So good and summery! I added sliced ahi tuna to mine and it was a fantastic summer dinner!
Thanks for giving the recipe a try! Happy to hear that it was enjoyed! xT
Another amazing recipe that will be a family favorite. Thank you!!
Hi Paula,
Happy Monday!! I am thrilled to hear that this dish turned out well for you, thanks for trying it and your comment!๐ผ๐ธ xx
I got all the ingredients for this salad but cannot find fresh basil. What would you substitute? Dried basil???….how much? or leave basil out altogether?
Hi Laura,
I would stick with fresh herbs for this recipe, so you could try parsley or cilantro. If not, I would skip the basil:) Please let me know if you have any other questions! xT