Ingredients

Scale

(Serves 4–6)

Salad base:

4 cups seedless watermelon, cubed (1″ pieces)
1 cup crumbled feta cheese (use reduced-sodium feta—you love low-sodium!)
1 English cucumber, diced
¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced (soak in cold water 10 min to mellow bite)
¼ cup fresh mint leaves, torn

Zesty lime dressing:

2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
1½ tbsp fresh lime juice (about 1 lime)
1 tsp lime zest
Pinch of black pepper
Optional: Pinch of chili flakes (for subtle heat)

Garnish:

Extra mint leaves
Lime zest
Toasted pepitas or chopped pistachios (optional crunch)

Instructions

1. Prep ingredients:

Cube watermelon; pat very dry with paper towels (prevents watery salad).
Soak red onion in cold water 10 minutes; drain well.

2. Make dressing:

Whisk olive oil, lime juice, lime zest, black pepper, and chili flakes (if using) until emulsified.

3. Assemble salad:

In a large bowl, gently combine watermelon, feta, cucumber, drained red onion, and mint.
Drizzle with dressing; toss very gently (watermelon is delicate!).

4. Serve immediately:

Garnish with extra mint, lime zest, and pepitas if using. Best enjoyed fresh!

💡 Pro Tips for Perfection:
✅ Dry watermelon thoroughly—excess moisture dilutes dressing and softens textures.
✅ Low-sodium mastery (you love this!):
→ Use reduced-sodium feta or cut amount by half
→ Boost flavor with extra lime zest, mint, and black pepper
→ Add 1 tsp capers for briny depth without salt
✅ Blood sugar friendly (you love this!):
→ Naturally low-glycemic—watermelon’s sugar is balanced by high water/fiber content
→ Add 1 tbsp chia seeds to dressing for extra fiber + glycemic control
✅ Low-carb/keto option (you love this!):
→ Naturally <8g net carbs/serving
→ Increase cucumber to 2 cups + add ½ avocado, diced
→ Net carbs: ~6g/serving
✅ High-protein boost (you love this!):
→ Add ½ cup cooked shrimp or grilled chicken (+20g protein/serving)
→ Mix in ¼ cup hemp seeds (+10g protein total)
✅ Make ahead: Prep dressing and chop veggies (except watermelon) 1 day ahead. Assemble just before serving to prevent sogginess.

Storage & Serving Ideas

→ Fridge life: Best served immediately (watermelon releases water over time). If storing, press plastic wrap directly onto surface for up to 2 hours.
→ Serving ideas:
→ Alongside grilled salmon or chicken
→ As a topping for arugula salads
→ With grilled halloumi for vegetarian main
→ Skewered with mint leaves for cocktail party bites

Prep Time & Nutrition (per serving):