This easy watermelon basil salad with feta and lemon is the ultimate summer salad. Juicy watermelon, creamy feta, and fresh basil come together in a bright, refreshing salad that's perfect for barbecues, picnics, or light lunches. Includes tips on how to pick a watermelon!
Watermelon Basil Salad with Feta & Lemon – A Summer Favorite
What’s more refreshing on a hot summer day than juicy watermelon? This watermelon basil salad with feta and lemon is the ultimate cooling dish to beat the heat. It’s vibrant, hydrating, and packed with bright summer flavors—perfect for barbecues, picnics, or casual weeknight dinners al fresco.
Why You’ll Love This Watermelon Basil Salad
Few things scream summer quite like a cold slice of watermelon. While eating it fresh in thick wedges is always a win, it shines just as brightly in this easy watermelon and feta salad. The combination of crisp melon, creamy feta, zesty lemon, and aromatic basil makes this salad a true seasonal staple.
I make this watermelon basil salad on repeat all summer long—it’s fast, no-fuss, and incredibly refreshing. Whether you're hosting a pool party, heading to a picnic, or just craving something light, this salad brings vibrant color and flavor to the table.
How to Pick the Perfect Watermelon
The key to an exceptional watermelon salad is, of course, a ripe, juicy watermelon. Here’s how to pick a good one:
- Weight matters: Look for a watermelon that feels heavy for its size. The heavier it is, the juicier it’s likely to be.
- Check the field spot: This creamy patch indicates where the melon sat on the ground. A deep yellow spot means it had time to ripen on the vine.
- The thump test: Controversial but worth a try—tap the melon and listen. A hollow sound can indicate ripeness (more on that here).
For best flavor, opt for local, in-season watermelons when possible. Even with all the tips in mind, picking a great one still involves a little luck!
Ingredients for Watermelon Basil Salad
This recipe is built on a short list of fresh, flavorful ingredients. You’ll find the full amounts and instructions in the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
- Flaky sea salt: A pinch at the end brings everything together.
- Watermelon: I like using a seedless mini watermelon—it’s easy to prep and perfect for salads. You can use any variety or color.
- Feta cheese: Skip pre-crumbled feta and go for a block, ideally made from sheep’s milk, for better texture and flavor.
- Lemon juice + zest: Lemon adds brightness without overwhelming the salad like lime sometimes can. Use both juice and zest for depth.
- Olive oil: A grassy, high-quality extra virgin olive oil adds a rich, peppery finish.
- Fresh basil: Basil pairs beautifully with both lemon and watermelon. It’s a lovely twist if you’ve only ever had mint with watermelon.
How to Make Watermelon Basil Salad
This watermelon salad with feta and basil comes together in minutes. Here’s a quick step-by-step:
- Cut the watermelon into bite-sized pieces (cubes, triangles, or balls).
- Arrange the watermelon on a serving platter and add cubed feta.
- Sprinkle with lemon zest, drizzle with lemon juice and olive oil.
- Tear fresh basil over the top and finish with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Storage tip: This salad is best served fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Variations on Watermelon Salad
Want to make this recipe your own? Try one of these easy twists:
- Use different watermelon varieties: Yellow or orange watermelons add visual interest and subtle flavor differences.
- Switch up the cheese: Ricotta salata or goat cheese both work beautifully.
- Make it vegan: Swap feta for a plant-based alternative to make this dairy-free.
- Add extra herbs: Mint or cilantro can add a new layer of freshness.
- Add crunch: Top with some toasted pumpkin seeds, or chopped pistachios.
The Best Summer Salad
If you're looking for a crowd-pleasing side dish or a light, refreshing meal, this Watermelon Basil Salad with Feta and Lemon is a summer must. It's colorful, full of contrast, and incredibly easy to make. Whether you're lounging by the pool or firing up the grill, this salad is sure to impress.
Loved this recipe? Don’t forget to leave a comment and share how you served it—I'd love to hear your variations!
More Watermelon Recipes:
Watermelon Basil Salad
Paired with basil, feta and lemon, this cooling watermelon basil salad is the perfect antidote to a sweltering summer day.
Ingredients
- 3 pound mini seedless watermelon, sliced into triangles or cubes
- 4 ounces/113g Greek sheep’s milk feta, cut into chunks
- ½ teaspoon fresh lemon zest
- 1 Tablespoon/15ml fresh lemon juice
- 2 Tablespoons/30ml extra-virgin olive oil
- A few sprigs of basil, leaves torn into small pieces
- ¼ teaspoon flaky sea salt
Instructions
- Place watermelon and feta on serving platter.
- Sprinkle with lemon zest, lemon juice and olive oil.
- Scatter basil leaves and salt over the top right before serving. Serve immediately.
Notes
Variations
Use watermelons of various colors or varieties.
Cut watermelon into triangles, cubes or use a melon baller to create balls.
Try ricotta salata instead of feta.
Use a vegan feta instead for a dairy-free and vegan version.
Storage
Salad is best served immediately but can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Dietary info
Gluten-Free, Grain-Free, Vegetarian, Vegan Option, Egg-Free, Nut-Free, Paleo Option
Recommended Products
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Nutrition Information:
Yield:
4Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 258Total Fat: 16gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 9mgSodium: 215mgCarbohydrates: 28gFiber: 1gSugar: 23gProtein: 4g
Nutritional information for recipes contained on this website, such as calories, fat, carbs, etc. are only estimates and are not guaranteed to be accurate.
Sylvie Shirazi is the recipe developer and food photographer behind Gourmande in the Kitchen. For the last 10 years she's been making eating more healthfully easy and accessible with gluten-free, grain-free, paleo and vegan recipes that are free from processed ingredients.
[...] Tomatoes and feta also pair perfectly with cubes of watermelon. [...]