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On a really hot day, I often want a meal that feels light and cooling. Watermelon salad is perfect for that. It’s juicy, a little sweet, and mixes well with salty or tangy ingredients. I find these salads are not just a side dish; they can be a whole meal that doesn’t weigh you down.
Here are 21 watermelon salad recipes I turn to in the summer.
They are simple to put together and always feel like a treat.
1. Classic Watermelon Feta Salad
Cubed watermelon with crumbled feta cheese and fresh mint leaves. A drizzle of olive oil and a squeeze of lemon finish it. This is my most-made version.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 150
- Protein: 4g
- Carbs: 18g
- Fat: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
2. Watermelon Cucumber Salad
Watermelon and cucumber chunks tossed with thinly sliced red onion and a simple red wine vinaigrette. It’s incredibly crisp and hydrating.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 110
- Protein: 2g
- Carbs: 20g
- Fat: 4g
- Fiber: 2g
3. Spicy Lime Watermelon Salad
Watermelon cubes with a sprinkle of chili powder or Tajín, lots of lime juice, and chopped cilantro. The sweet and spicy mix is really good.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 90
- Protein: 1g
- Carbs: 22g
- Fat: 0g
- Fiber: 1g
4. Watermelon, Arugula, and Goat Cheese
A bed of peppery arugula topped with watermelon balls and crumbled goat cheese. A light balsamic glaze brings it together.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 170
- Protein: 6g
- Carbs: 20g
- Fat: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
5. Watermelon and Tomato Salad
Watermelon and cherry tomatoes cut to the same size, with basil and a simple vinaigrette. The flavors are surprisingly good together.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 120
- Protein: 2g
- Carbs: 21g
- Fat: 5g
- Fiber: 3g
6. Watermelon Salad with Honey Lime Dressing
Watermelon and sliced strawberries dressed with honey, lime juice, and a pinch of salt. It’s sweet, tangy, and perfect for a picnic.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 130
- Protein: 1g
- Carbs: 32g
- Fat: 0g
- Fiber: 2g
7. Savory Watermelon Radish Salad
Watermelon with thinly sliced radishes, microgreens, and a lemon pepper dressing. The radishes add a nice sharp bite.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 80
- Protein: 1g
- Carbs: 18g
- Fat: 1g
- Fiber: 2g
8. Grilled Watermelon Salad
Watermelon slices grilled for a minute per side, then cut into cubes and mixed with feta and mint. Grilling gives it a deeper flavor.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 140
- Protein: 4g
- Carbs: 19g
- Fat: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
9. Watermelon and Corn Salad
Watermelon, fresh corn kernels (cut right off the cob), and diced jalapeño. A lime cilantro dressing ties it all together.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 150
- Protein: 3g
- Carbs: 33g
- Fat: 2g
- Fiber: 4g
10. Watermelon, Halloumi, and Mint
Cubes of grilled or pan-fried halloumi cheese with watermelon and fresh mint. The salty, squeaky cheese is perfect with the sweet melon.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 210
- Protein: 10g
- Carbs: 18g
- Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
11. Watermelon Blueberry Basil Salad
Watermelon and blueberries with a handful of torn basil leaves. A very light drizzle of olive oil is all it needs.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 110
- Protein: 2g
- Carbs: 25g
- Fat: 2g
- Fiber: 3g
12. Watermelon Quinoa Salad
A mix of watermelon cubes, cooked quinoa, chopped parsley, and crumbled feta. A lemon garlic dressing makes it a filling meal.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 220
- Protein: 8g
- Carbs: 35g
- Fat: 6g
- Fiber: 5g
13. Watermelon and Avocado Salad
Creamy avocado slices with watermelon on a bed of mixed greens. A lime vinaigrette keeps it tasting fresh.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 180
- Protein: 3g
- Carbs: 20g
- Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 6g
14. Watermelon Salad with Balsamic Reduction
Simple watermelon and arugula topped with a thick, syrupy balsamic reduction. The sweet and tangy glaze is the star here.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 130
- Protein: 2g
- Carbs: 28g
- Fat: 2g
- Fiber: 2g
15. Thai-Inspired Watermelon Salad
Watermelon with sliced cucumber, red onion, chopped peanuts, and a dressing of lime juice, fish sauce (or soy sauce), and a little sugar.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 140
- Protein: 4g
- Carbs: 22g
- Fat: 5g
- Fiber: 2g
16. Watermelon and Peach Salad
Sliced ripe peaches and watermelon with a sprinkle of cinnamon and a squeeze of lemon. It tastes like summer in a bowl.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 100
- Protein: 2g
- Carbs: 24g
- Fat: 0g
- Fiber: 3g
17. Watermelon, Olive, and Red Onion
A savory mix of watermelon, kalamata olives, and thin slices of red onion. Fresh oregano and olive oil finish this Mediterranean-style salad.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 120
- Protein: 2g
- Carbs: 18g
- Fat: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
18. Creamy Watermelon Salad with Yogurt Dressing
Watermelon cubes and cucumber ribbons tossed with a cool, herby yogurt dressing made with dill and lemon.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 110
- Protein: 5g
- Carbs: 20g
- Fat: 2g
- Fiber: 1g
19. Watermelon and Jicama Stick Salad
Matchsticks of crunchy jicama mixed with watermelon cubes and a chili lime dressing. It’s all about the fun, crisp texture.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 100
- Protein: 1g
- Carbs: 24g
- Fat: 0g
- Fiber: 6g
20. Watermelon Salad with Mint and Ginger
Watermelon tossed with very finely chopped fresh mint and a touch of grated ginger. It’s clean, simple, and feels extra refreshing.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 85
- Protein: 1g
- Carbs: 21g
- Fat: 0g
- Fiber: 1g
21. Hearty Watermelon and Chickpea Salad
Watermelon, canned chickpeas, chopped parsley, and red onion. A lemon cumin vinaigrette makes it protein-packed and satisfying.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 190
- Protein: 7g
- Carbs: 32g
- Fat: 5g
- Fiber: 8g
