Description
This refreshing Cucumber and Melon Salad with Feta is the ultimate summer dish—sweet cantaloupe, crisp cucumber, salty feta, and fresh herbs come together in a light, citrusy dressing. It’s quick to prepare, beautiful to serve, and bursting with fresh flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Essentials
- 1 cantaloupe melon – Peeled, seeded, and cubed
- 1 English cucumber (about 10 oz or 300 g) – Cubed
- 7 oz feta cheese (about 200 g) – Crumbled or cubed
- ⅓ cup fresh basil – Finely chopped, plus more for garnish
- ⅓ cup fresh mint – Finely chopped, plus more for garnish
- 2 limes – Juiced (adjust to taste)
- 3 tbsp olive oil – Extra virgin recommended
- Salt flakes or fleur de sel – To taste
- Freshly ground black pepper – To taste
Optional Add-Ons
- Chili flakes – For a subtle kick
- Diced avocado – For added creaminess
- Goat cheese or blue cheese – As feta alternatives
Substitutions and Shortcuts
- Dried herbs – If fresh aren’t available, use sparingly
- Pre-cut melon and packaged feta – For convenience, though fresh is best
Instructions
- Prepare the melon: Cut cantaloupe in half, scoop out seeds, peel, and cube the flesh.
- Cube the cucumber and feta: Slice cucumber into bite-sized cubes. Cube or crumble feta to match.
- Chop the herbs: Wash and finely chop mint and basil, reserving a few leaves for garnish.
- Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, gently toss together melon, cucumber, feta, and chopped herbs.
- Dress the salad: Squeeze fresh lime juice over the mix, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt flakes and black pepper to taste.
- Chill and serve: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes. Garnish with reserved herbs before serving.
Notes
- Serving idea: Pairs beautifully with grilled meats or a chilled rosé.
- Storage: Best enjoyed fresh, but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 day.
- Make it a main: Add quinoa or chickpeas for a more filling option.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: undefined
- Trans Fat: undefined
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: undefined
Keywords: cucumber melon salad, feta salad, summer salad, cantaloupe salad, Mediterranean salad, healthy salad