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Watermelon Avocado Salad with Feta and Mint — Bright Picnic Side for Summer Gatherings Pinterest recipe pin

Watermelon Avocado Salad with Feta and Mint

A bright, family-friendly watermelon avocado salad tossed with a citrus-mint vinaigrette and crumbled feta for a refreshing side or picnic dish.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 220

Ingredients
  

  • 6 cups seedless watermelon cut into 1-inch cubes (about half of a medium melon)
  • 2 extra-firm avocados halved, pitted, and cut into 3/4-inch chunks
  • 4 ounces feta cheese crumbled (about 1 cup)
  • 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion optional
  • 2 tablespoons fresh mint finely chopped, plus extra torn leaves for garnish
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice about 1 lime
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice about 1/2 lemon
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt plus more to taste
  • 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Optional additions
  • 1 small jalapeño thinly sliced (optional)
  • 1 cup cooked quinoa optional, for a heartier salad

Equipment

  • 1 9x13-inch rimmed sheet pan (or large plate) for draining
  • 1 Large 3-4 quart serving bowl
  • 1 Chef’s knife and cutting board
  • 1 Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

Prepare the watermelon
  1. Cut the watermelon into 1-inch cubes and spread in a single layer on a rimmed sheet pan or a plate lined with paper towels; let drain for 8–10 minutes to remove excess juice.
Make the dressing
  1. In a small bowl whisk together the lime juice, lemon juice, olive oil, honey, salt, and black pepper until combined; stir in the chopped mint and taste, adjusting acidity or sweetness as needed.
Prepare the avocado and cheese
  1. Just before assembling, peel and cut the avocados into 3/4-inch chunks and crumble the feta cheese if not pre-crumbled.
Assemble the salad
  1. Transfer the drained watermelon to a large serving bowl, add the avocado chunks and crumbled feta, sprinkle the sliced red onion if using, pour the dressing over the salad, and gently toss once or twice until evenly coated; garnish with torn mint leaves and serve immediately.
Optional serving additions
  1. If using cooked quinoa, fold it in gently with the watermelon before adding avocado; if adding jalapeño, stir it into the dressing or scatter thin slices over the finished salad.

Notes

Drain the watermelon briefly to avoid a watery salad and add avocado just before serving to preserve texture. Substitute goat cheese for a creamier tang or cotija for a saltier finish; reduce added salt when using a salty cheese. This salad is best eaten within 6–8 hours if dressed, or within 24 hours if stored undressed. Transport dressing separately for picnics and add avocado at the last minute.