Introduction

This Watermelon Pineapple Salad is a vibrant, refreshing dish perfect for hot summer days. Combining juicy fruits with crisp cucumber and a hint of mint, it offers a delightful balance of sweet and tangy flavors. It’s easy to prepare and makes a fantastic light snack or side dish.

Watermelon Pineapple Salad: A Refreshing Summer Delight Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

4 cups of fresh watermelon, cubed
2 cups of fresh pineapple, cubed
1 cup of cucumber, diced
1/4 cup of red onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup of fresh mint leaves, chopped
1/4 cup of feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
Juice of 2 limes
1 tablespoon of honey (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Cut the watermelon in half, then into quarters. Cube the flesh, removing any seeds, to yield about 4 cups of watermelon cubes.
Step 2: 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.
Step 3: Wash the cucumber thoroughly. Peel if desired, cut in half lengthwise, scoop out the seeds, and dice into small pieces.
Step 4: 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.
Step 5: Stack mint leaves, roll them up, and slice thinly to yield about 1/4 cup of chopped mint.
Step 6: Crumble feta cheese into small pieces if using.
Step 7: In a large mixing bowl, combine the watermelon, pineapple, cucumber, and red onion. Gently toss to mix.
Step 8: Sprinkle the chopped mint and crumbled feta (if using) over the fruit mixture.
Step 9: In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice and honey (if using).
Step 10: Pour the lime dressing over the salad mixture, tossing gently to coat evenly.
Step 11: Season with salt and pepper, adjusting to taste.
Step 12: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Step 13: Toss the salad gently before serving in a large bowl or individual cups.
Step 14: Garnish with whole mint leaves or additional feta if desired.
Step 15: Dig in and enjoy this vibrant, refreshing salad!

Tips & Variations

For a spicy kick, add a pinch of chili flakes or finely chopped jalapeño.
Substitute feta with goat cheese or omit for a dairy-free version.
Use honey sparingly if you prefer a less sweet dressing or substitute with agave syrup.
Try adding fresh basil alongside mint for a different herbal touch.

Storage

Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For best texture and flavor, consume it the same day. When reheating is not recommended, simply enjoy it chilled. Give it a gentle toss before serving again.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this salad in advance?

Yes, you can prepare it a few hours ahead and refrigerate. However, it’s best eaten within 24 hours as the fruits may release extra juice and the cucumber can soften over time.

Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?

Fresh pineapple is preferred for its firm texture and bright flavor, but you can use canned pineapple if needed. Be sure to drain it well to avoid making the salad watery.

Watermelon Pineapple Salad: A Refreshing Summer Delight Recipe

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This Watermelon Pineapple Salad is a vibrant and refreshing summer dish that combines juicy watermelon, sweet pineapple, crisp cucumber, and zesty lime dressing. Enhanced with fresh mint leaves and optional crumbled feta cheese, this salad offers a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. Light, hydrating, and easy to prepare, it’s an ideal side dish or light snack for warm weather gatherings.

Author: Marco
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Salad
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Fruits and Vegetables

4 cups of fresh watermelon, cubed
2 cups of fresh pineapple, cubed
1 cup of cucumber, diced
1/4 cup of red onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup of fresh mint leaves, chopped

Dressing and Garnish

Juice of 2 limes
1 tablespoon of honey (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste

Optional

1/4 cup of 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.
Chop Red Onion: Finely chop about 1/4 cup of red onion. To mellow the flavor, soak the chopped onion in cold water for 10 minutes, then drain.
Chop Mint: Stack the 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 Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the watermelon, pineapple, cucumber, and red onion. Gently toss to mix evenly.
Add Mint and Feta: Sprinkle the chopped mint and crumbled feta over the fruit and vegetable mixture.
Make Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice and honey, if using, until combined.
Toss with Dressing: Pour the lime dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
Season: Add salt and pepper to taste, adjusting seasoning based on preference.
Chill: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld well.
Serve: Toss the salad gently before serving either in a large serving bowl or individual cups.
Garnish: Garnish the salad with whole mint leaves or additional feta cheese if desired.
Enjoy: Dig in and enjoy this vibrant, refreshing watermelon pineapple salad!

Notes

Soaking the red onion in cold water reduces its pungency and makes the salad mellower.
Feta cheese is optional; it adds a salty tang but can be omitted for a dairy-free or vegan option.
Adjust the honey based on your sweetness preference or omit it for a more tart dressing.
For a crunchier texture, add toasted nuts like pecans or almonds as garnish.
This salad is best served chilled and fresh on the day of preparation.

Keywords: watermelon salad, pineapple salad, fruit salad, summer salad, refreshing salad, healthy salad, mint salad, lime dressing