Vegan minty Watermelon Cucumber Salad Without Feta is a refreshing, low-calorie, and weight-loss friendly summer dish.
Serve this delicious salad as a light dessert or an easy side for lunch or dinner.
It definitely is the best summertime party staple that's kid-friendly and suitable for all oil-free, gluten-free, and dairy-free eaters.
Although you'll find no feta in this Mediterranean watermelon mint salad you won't miss it at all.
Sweet and juicy watermelon mixed with crunchy cucumber with a pop of cooling sensation of fresh mint are tossed in a simple lemon-maple-poppy seed vinaigrette to enjoy the the best summertime flavors and textures.
If you are looking for more watermelon recipe ideas, try my Watermelon Lime Mint Slushie or this vibrant Watermelon Smoothie.
For simpler salad recipes, check out my Cucumber Onion Salad, Mediterranean salad, Carrot and Cucumber Salad, or Strawberry and Walnut Salad.
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Ingredients
This plant-based salad requires a few wholesome ingredients that are full of nutrition and flavor. Here they are:
- Watermelon (balled or cubed)
- Cucumber
- Fresh mint leaves (if you love fresh mint try my minty lemonade or mint chocolate chip smoothie next)
- Lemon
- Maple syrup
- Poppy seeds
As always, you can find the full recipe with a list of ingredients with measurements in a printable recipe card at the end of this post.
Instructions
- Prepare and mix. In a large bowl combine watermelon and cucumber. I used a melon baller for a fancier look but you can cube yours as well.
- Make the dressing, toss and enjoy. In a small jar mix freshly squeezed lemon juice, maple syrup, and poppy seeds. Drizzle with the vinaigrette and gently toss to coat. Garnish with small fresh mint leaves. Serve immediately and enjoy.
Storage
My advice is to eat this salad the same day you make it. So just make as much as you need and enjoy it immediately or within a few hours after preparing it. However, if you need to make it ahead, just peel, cube, or ball the watermelon, slice the cucumber, and store them in the fridge in separate containers. Also, in another container store the salad dressing. Keep the mint leaves to garnish after combining everything together.
FAQ's
Watermelon is a surprisingly nutritious fruit. It's one of the most hydrating, water-rich foods that abound with important vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It's particularly rich in vitamin C, carotenoids, lycopene, and cucurbitacin E.
What's more, this good-for-you salad that uses this superfood is so enjoyable! Not only that, it will surely help you stay hydrated, boost your mood, and improve your well-being.
Although I love this lemon-poppy seed vinaigrette because it adds depth and brightness to this salad it's not necessary. This mouthwatering salad is still beautiful and yummy without any dressing at all. It's up to you, totally optional.
If you are trying to lose and maintain weight or burn body fat this clean-eating salad is perfect for you. Just like drinking a smoothie, you can eat it every single day of the week without any guilt at all. Mindful eating can make an incredible difference in your lean body transformation. This can promote better digestion, less refined sugar, and calorie intake and will keep you full and satisfied longer.
Yes, raw watermelon seeds are edible and safe to eat. No worries! It's totally fine if you eat that small seeds with your lush watermelon bites. In fact, they are low in calories and nutrient-dense (rich in iron, magnesium, and zinc as well as some"good" fats). Here is a great idea for the crunchy roasted watermelon seeds recipe. The perfect zero-waste meal!
5 Tips - How to Pick a Good Watermelon
- Search for the yellow spot - this is the best indicator, also known as the "field spot" where it rests on the ground while ripening. The spot should be a creamy yellowish color.
- Find a heavy watermelon - it should feel weighty for its size. This means the heavier it is, the higher the water content, the sweeter it will be.
- Always buy watermelons when they are in season
- Knock on it with your fingers and listen - a ripe watermelon should have a deep hollow sound.
- Pay attention to the stem - a ripe watermelon should have a brown-colored stem, not green.
Serving Suggestions
More Cucumber Salad Recipes
- Cucumber apple walnut salad
- Pepper cucumber salad
- Beetroot and cucumber salad
- Thanksgiving fruit salad
- Vegan strawberry and cucumber salad
📖 Recipe
Vegan Minty Watermelon Cucumber Salad Without Feta
Equipment
- Knife or melon baller scoop
- Bowl
- Small jar
Ingredients
- 5 cups cubed or balled watermelon seeded or seedless - your choice
- 1 cup half sliced cucumber (approx, 1 medium sized cucumber)
- 3 tablespoon fresh mint leaves or thinly sliced
For the dressing
- 1 small lemon freshly squeezed use only the juice
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
Instructions
- In a large bowl combine watermelon and cucumber. I used a melon baller for a fancier look but you can cube yours as well.
- In a small jar mix freshly squeezed lemon juice, maple syrup, and poppy seeds. Drizzle with the vinaigrette and gently toss to coat. Garnish with small fresh mint leaves. Serve immediately and enjoy.
Nutrition
I can't wait to hear what you think of this no-feta watermelon cucumber salad!
I would also greatly appreciate it if you have a minute to rate the recipe and leave a comment below. You can also share your photo on Instagram with the tag @go_eatgreen and hashtag it #go_eatgreen.
We would love to see your creations! Thank you for sharing your experience with us, we are so grateful you are here 🙏
Follow Go Eat Green on Pinterest for more easy and delicious vegan recipe ideas.
Chantry says
This looks SO refreshing! I can't wait to make it
Marinela says
That would be wonderful, all you need on these hot summer days. If you make it, let me know how it went!
Tavo says
I loved this recipe! So fresh! We loved how the watermelon and cucumber played together!
Marinela says
I'm glad you loved this simple watermelon cucumber salad, thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Kayla DiMaggio says
This minty watermelon salad was so fresh and delicious!
Marinela says
I'm happy to hear that you liked it, Kayla! Thanks for taking the time to comment.
Emily says
This refreshing minty watermelon cucumber salad is perfect for when I don't feel like cooking on hot summer days, thank you for sharing this recipe!
Marinela says
Thank you too, Emily, for sharing your thoughts with us! I'm happy you love this easy-to-prepare minty watermelon salad.
Anaiah says
Love this minty watermelon and cucumber salad! It's absolutely delicious and such a perfect salad to eat in the summer while watermelons are abundant. The dressing was great and very simple to make! I really loved the sweetness from the maple syrup combined with the tart lemon. Very refreshing salad!
Marinela says
How lovely! I'm glad you liked this quick watermelon salad together with the simple dressing, Anaiah! Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us.
Natalie says
What a lovely summer salad. I have watermelon and cucumbers in my fridge. I will make this for lunch today. Can't wait. Thanks for the idea.
Marinela says
That's great, Natalie! Thank you for your feedback!