Fresh Watermelon Salad Recipe Without Feta

Watermelon salad is one of the easiest and most refreshing summer dishes you can make! It’s juicy, colorful, and full of flavor—no feta needed. This version skips the dairy-free cheese but keeps all the fun with fresh fruit, crunchy veggies, zesty citrus, and tasty herbs. It’s perfect for hot days, picnics, cookouts, or just a quick snack that feels extra fancy.

You’ll love how light and simple this salad is, but still super satisfying. It’s easy to toss together with just a few fresh ingredients and your favorite add-ins. Plus, it’s naturally dairy-free and great for sharing with all kinds of eaters. If you’re looking for a no-fuss dish that still feels special, this fresh watermelon salad hits the spot!

You won’t believe how simple and easy it is to make. Five ingredients and only five minutes to make. It doesn’t get any better than that! And, if you find that you absolutely love this combination of fruits, you’ll love this watermelon cucumber cooler! When you have a next cucumber craving, don’t forget to try this toasted sesame cucumber salad—delish!

Come on, let’s get chopping!

Table of Contents

Why You Must Make This Fresh Fruit Salad

Not only is this crisp and colorful melon delicious to dive into, but it’s also really healthy. How can you resist such a glorious globe of fresh fruit?

Let’s the Watermelon Shine – Sweet and juicy watermelon really gets to be the star. You’ll taste its fresh, natural flavor in every bite—no salty cheese competing for attention.
Extra Refreshing and Light – Super light and hydrating. Perfect for hot days when you want something cool and crisp without feeling heavy.
Pairs Well with So Many Add-Ins – Think mint, lime, cucumber, avocado, or even a spicy chili-lime dressing, without worrying about a salty cheese clashing.
Easier to Prep and Store – Without cheese, there’s less chance of things getting mushy or overly salty if the salad sits for a while. It keeps better in the fridge, especially for picnic parties or time-saving meal prep.
Naturally Sweet and Savory Balance – Skipping dairy-free feta doesn’t mean skipping flavor. You can still get that sweet-savory combo by adding herbs, citrus, and even a sprinkle of sea salt or roasted seeds.

Key Ingredients and Substitutions

Watermelon and cucumber are the perfect pair for a cool and crunchy summer salad. They bring juicy sweetness and fresh crispness that taste amazing together. You can mix things up with simple swaps like jicama, melon, or even celery if you’re feeling creative! Here’s what you’ll need, plus our top swap recommendations:

Ingredients for the cucumber watermelon salad laid on a flat surface including watermelon, cucumber, mint leaves, limes, and agave.

Watermelon – The heart of this salad! It gives the dish its bold color and that perfect summer vibe. Use seedless watermelon for easy prep. Try cantaloupe or honeydew if you want a twist on the classic.
Cucumber – Brings a fresh, crisp texture that balances the softness of the watermelon. It also helps keep things light and hydrating. Peel it if you want a smoother bite, or leave the skin on for extra crunch. Thinly sliced jicama or even celery works great, too!
Lime Juice – Adds a tangy punch that balances the sweetness of the fruit. It also keeps the salad tasting super fresh. Roll the lime on the counter before cutting to get the most juice. Lemon juice works in a pinch, or use orange juice for a milder citrus flavor.
Fresh Mint – Gives this salad a bright, herby kick that really lifts all the other flavors. It’s super refreshing and totally summer-approved. Tear the mint leaves instead of chopping to keep the flavor gentle. Try fresh basil for a slightly sweeter, peppery twist.
Agave Nectar – Helps tie everything together and makes the flavors pop. It’s especially helpful if your watermelon isn’t super sweet. Don’t overdo it—just a light drizzle is enough. Maple syrup or vegan honey works just as well.

How To Make This Hydrating Fruit Salad

Making watermelon salad with cucumbers is quick and easy. With just a few fresh ingredients and simple steps, you’ll have a delicious and refreshing dish. Follow this guide to whip up the perfect summer salad in no time. Yum!

Step 1: Prep the Watermelon – Cut the watermelon into bite-sized cubes and place them in a serving bowl.

Step 2: Add the Cucumber and Mint – Slice the cucumber into half-moons and add them to the bowl. Add the mint leaves whole or chop them up first.

Finally, Step 3: Make the Dressing and Mix – Mix lime juice and agave nectar in a small bowl. Pour over the salad and mix everything together. Enjoy!

Easy cucumber melon salad served in bowls with a side of lime.

Serve Up Your Cucumber Watermelon Salad with Style

Salads are such a fast and flexible meal to make, which is especially helpful on a warm summer day. This vegan summer recipe is so quick and easily served up in any way that you like. Here are a few suggestions for creating a little variation and extra pizazz:

Pile It Into a Watermelon Bowl – Scoop out a watermelon half and use the rind as a serving bowl! It looks super fun at parties and adds a summery vibe to your table.
Sprinkle with Toasted Nuts or Seeds – Try chopped pistachios, almonds, or roasted pumpkin seeds for extra texture and a nutty flavor. Just toast them lightly to bring out their best taste. For a sweeter bite, use candied walnuts or sweet glazed pecans!
Layer It in a Mason Jar for Picnics – Want to take it to-go? Layer the salad in mason jars with juicy watermelon at the bottom and greens or herbs on top. Super cute and travel-friendly for picnic fare!
Drizzle with Balsamic Glaze or Chili-Lime Dressing – For a flavor kick, add a quick drizzle of balsamic glaze or a zesty chili-lime dressing. It adds a sweet-tangy or spicy edge without needing cheese.
Crumble in Some Vegan Feta – If you’re craving that salty bite, sprinkle in a little dairy-free feta! It adds a creamy, tangy contrast to the sweet watermelon and works great with herbs like basil or mint.

Watermelon Salad FAQs

How do you store leftovers for this watermelon salad recipe?

This cool and slightly crunchy salad is best eaten fresh, but if there are any leftovers, it’s easy to store. Just pop the remaining salad into the fridge in a covered container and it should be okay until the next day. Keep in mind that both watermelon and cucumber contain high percentages of water, so they tend to get soggy quickly. Not recommended for freezing.

Can I prep this salad ahead of time?

It’s not the best recipe for future food prep, but you can still save yourself a little time and effort with these two tips. One, rinse and dry your fruits and mint (did you know that cucumber is actually a fruit?) a couple of days before you want to eat your salad. The day (or night) before, you can cube your watermelon and slice up your cucumbers. Keep them in separate containers in the refrigerator until ready to mix together.

Do I keep the cucumber peel on or take it off?

It’s totally up to you. For maximum nutritional benefits, we suggest that you keep it on. Most of the fiber and minerals are found in the peel itself. If possible, buy an organic cucumber, since this fruit is usually on the Dirty Dozen list.

You can always compromise and take off only half of the peel. To do this in a pretty way, use a vegetable peeler to slice off ½-inch strips lengthwise from the top to the bottom of the cucumber before cutting into half moon shapes. This way, you get half of the fiber/nutrients and it will also have a lovely, striped design when eating.

Is cucumber a fruit or a vegetable?

If you guessed fruit, you’re absolutely right. A fruit has at least one seed and grows from the flower of a plant. Cucumbers have many seeds and do indeed grow from a cucumber flower. They’re actually very pretty, too.