Description
This Watermelon Pineapple Salad is a vibrant and refreshing summer treat, combining juicy watermelon, sweet pineapple, crisp cucumber, and a zesty lime dressing. Enhanced with fresh mint and optional feta cheese, this salad offers a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors, ideal for a light snack, side dish, or picnic accompaniment.
Ingredients
Scale
Fruits and Vegetables
- 4 cups fresh watermelon, cubed
- 2 cups fresh pineapple, cubed
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
Dressing and Seasoning
- Juice of 2 limes
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
Instructions
- Prepare Watermelon: Cut the watermelon in half, then into quarters. Cube the flesh, removing any seeds, to yield about 4 cups of watermelon cubes.
- Prepare Pineapple: Cut off the top and bottom of the pineapple, slice off the skin, and cut it into quarters. Remove the core and cube the flesh to get about 2 cups of pineapple cubes.
- Prepare Cucumber: Wash the cucumber thoroughly. Peel if desired, cut in half lengthwise, scoop out the seeds, and dice into small pieces.
- Prepare Red Onion: Finely chop about 1/4 cup of red onion. If the flavor is too strong, soak in cold water for 10 minutes to mellow it.
- Prepare Mint: Stack mint leaves, roll them up, and slice thinly to yield about 1/4 cup of chopped mint.
- Prepare Feta Cheese: Crumble feta cheese into small pieces if using.
- Combine Main Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the watermelon, pineapple, cucumber, and red onion. Gently toss to mix.
- Add Mint and Feta: Sprinkle the chopped mint and crumbled feta (if using) over the fruit mixture.
- Make Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice and honey (if using).
- Toss Salad with Dressing: Pour the lime dressing over the salad mixture, tossing gently to coat evenly.
- Season: Season with salt and pepper, adjusting to taste.
- Chill: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve: Toss the salad gently before serving in a large bowl or individual cups.
- Garnish: Garnish with whole mint leaves or additional feta if desired.
- Enjoy: Dig in and enjoy this vibrant, refreshing salad!
Notes
- This salad is naturally refreshing and hydrating, perfect for hot weather.
- Feta cheese is optional and can be omitted for a dairy-free or vegan version.
- Adjust the sweetness by adding or omitting the honey depending on the ripeness of the fruit.
- Soaking red onion in cold water helps reduce its pungency while retaining flavor.
- For added crunch, consider adding toasted nuts like walnuts or pecans.
