Refreshing Greek Watermelon Salad – foodiecrush

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Juicy chunks of watermelon, tomatoes, and cucumber are tossed in a tangy red wine vinaigrette in this refreshing Greek watermelon salad. Say hello to your new favorite potluck side!

Greek Watermelon Salad in bowl with spoonGreek Watermelon Salad in bowl with spoon

This bright and beautiful salad bursting with summer staples like tomatoes, watermelon, cucumber, and fresh mint is equal parts hearty and refreshing. 

Everyone always grabs seconds of this Greek-inspired watermelon salad and asks for the recipe (I think most people haven’t gotten the memo yet that not all salads need to contain lettuce!). 

It’s a fantastic make-ahead salad that holds up well at potlucks, bbqs, and picnics. This is sure to become your new go-to summer salad when you need something quick and easy to pair with your burgers, brats, or grilled chicken. 

Heidi’s Tips for Recipe Success

  • Pick the juiciest, sweetest watermelon you can find by looking for a creamy yellow spot on the underside of the rind. If you give it a gentle tap, it should sound satisfyingly hollow. 
  • Campari tomatoes taste super sweet compared to regular tomatoes and are my top pick for this watermelon salad. 
  • I like to drizzle just half of the dressing over the salad, taste, and then add more dressing as needed. The exact amount varies from batch to batch depending on how juicy the watermelon and tomatoes are.
What's in Greek Watermelon Salad ingredientsWhat's in Greek Watermelon Salad ingredients

What’s in This Recipe?

The full recipe, with amounts, can be found in the recipe card below.

  • Watermelon — Cut the melon into 1-inch cubes, or purchase a container of pre-cubed watermelon in the produce section if you’re in a time crunch. 
  • Tomatoes — Campari tomatoes are less acidic and much juicier than regular vine tomatoes. Swap with cherry tomatoes if you can’t find campari. 
  • Cucumber — I love using an English cucumber in this recipe. Its thin skin and low amount of seeds makes it perfect for tossing into salads. 
  • Red onion — Has a slightly sweeter bite that makes it far more enjoyable to eat raw compared to a yellow onion. 
  • Feta cheese — Buy a block of feta and crumble it yourself for the creamiest texture. 
  • Fresh mint — Gently tear the leaves to release their essential oil and infuse the salad with a subtle mint flavor.  
  • Vinaigrette — Olive oil, red wine vinegar, and honey are seasoned with some salt and pepper for a simple yet delicious dressing for this watermelon tomato salad. 

Ingredient Swaps and Substitutions

  • Fresh mint — Basil, dill, or parsley can also be used. 
  • Feta — Replace with mozzarella pearls for a different flavor profile. 
  • Dressing —You could also use a classic balsamic dressing or even an Italian dressing. Or, completely change up the recipe and make my Asian Watermelon Salad instead.
Watermelon tomatoes cucumbers in bowl for Greek Watermelon SaladWatermelon tomatoes cucumbers in bowl for Greek Watermelon Salad
Dressing bowl with whiskDressing bowl with whisk

How to Make Greek Watermelon Salad

  1. Prep the ingredients. Cube the watermelon, slice the tomatoes, and chop the cucumber. Place everything in a large serving bowl. 
  2. Whisk together the dressing. Season the vinaigrette to taste, adding more salt and pepper as needed. 
  3. Toss to combine. Add half of the dressing to the watermelon mixture and toss gently to combine. Top with fresh mint and feta before drizzling with extra dressing as desired.
Greek Watermelon Salad in bowlGreek Watermelon Salad in bowl

FAQs

Can this recipe be made in advance? 

Once assembled, this salad is best enjoyed within 24 hours. Note that the watermelon, tomato, and cucumber will release their juices over time. 

Can I add olives?

If you like olives in your Greek salad, feel free to add pitted Kalamata olives to this watermelon version.

Storage Tips

Store the salad in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. The watermelon and tomatoes will soften over time, so if serving to guests I recommend eating within 24 hours.

What to Serve With Greek Watermelon Salad

If you make this recipe, please let me know! Leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating below, leave a comment to tell us what you think, and tag me on Instagram @foodiecrush.

Greek Watermelon Salad in bowl with spoonGreek Watermelon Salad in bowl with spoon