Fresh, vibrant, and incredibly easy to prepare, this Watermelon Cucumber Salad is the perfect dish for warm-weather meals, potlucks, or as a refreshing side. With no cooking required, it comes together in minutes for a colorful, hydrating, and flavor-packed dish.
Sweet watermelon and crisp cucumber create a refreshing base rich in water, vitamins, and antioxidants. Paired with salty cotija cheese, bright lime juice, and fresh mint, this salad hits the perfect balance of sweet, savory, tangy, and crunchy. It’s a light and nourishing option that pairs well with grilled proteins or can be enjoyed on its own as a healthy snack or lunch. Even better—some of these seasonal items can be found through a Redwood Empire Food Bank distribution site.
Prep Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 12 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients
- ¼ cup roasted pepitas
- ½ teaspoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili lime salt (optional)
- 2 cups watermelon, thinly sliced into small pieces
- 2 cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons cotija cheese, crumbled
- ⅓ cup fresh mint leaves
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
Instructions
- Thinly slice the cucumbers and watermelon.
- Chop fresh mint leaves.
- In a large salad bowl, combine watermelon, cucumber, mint, and roasted pepitas.
- Drizzle with olive oil and lime juice.
- Sprinkle with cotija cheese and chili lime salt, if using.
- Toss gently to combine.
- Serve immediately and enjoy chilled for best flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Watermelon Cucumber Salad is proof that simple ingredients can create something truly refreshing and satisfying. It’s quick to prepare, full of hydrating produce, and perfectly balanced with sweet, salty, and tangy flavors.
About the Author: Cara Gerard is a Certified Nutrition Counselor with Nourish Your Health Span. She is also a Redwood Empire Food Bank volunteer.
Got a favorite recipe using ingredients from our distribution sites? We’d love to hear from you! Submit your recipe and help inspire others in our community to cook healthy, delicious meals at home.
