Easy Watermelon Cucumber Salad – A LA INGA Style: The Ultimate Summer Refreshment Guide

When summer hits, there’s nothing more satisfying than a bowl of fresh, juicy salad that’s not only easy to make but also hydrating and delicious. The Easy Watermelon Cucumber Salad from A LA INGA is exactly that — a refreshing, vibrant combination of sweet watermelon, crisp cucumber, salty feta, and zesty lime. Whether you’re prepping for a BBQ, picnic, or just a lazy sunny day, this salad is a no-cook masterpiece you’ll keep coming back to.

Besides its flavorful simplicity, this salad also packs some surprising health perks. Watermelon is not just delicious — it’s an excellent source of hydration, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants. It supports skin health and muscle recovery, which you can read more about in this Healthline article on watermelon benefits.

The cucumbers in this salad add crunch and balance the sweetness of the watermelon. If you’ve ever wondered which cucumbers to use — English or Persian — this guide by Bon Appétit breaks down cucumber types and how to pick the best one for your salad needs. Choosing the right kind makes a big difference in texture and flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Salad

• Quick prep time (just 15 minutes)
• No cooking required
• Refreshing and hydrating
• Customizable with pantry staples
• Crowd-pleaser at any gathering

Ingredients Breakdown

To make this salad, here’s what you’ll need:

• Watermelon – Cubed, seedless is best
• Cucumber – Peeled or unpeeled depending on texture preference
• Feta Cheese – Crumbled for that perfect salty contrast
• Fresh Herbs – Basil and cilantro add herbal brightness
• Lime Dressing – Made with lime juice, zest, olive oil, and salt

Substitutions to consider:

• Use lemon juice instead of lime
• Switch out feta for goat cheese or vegan alternatives
• Try mint instead of cilantro or basil for a different flavor profile
• Add-ins like avocado, red onion, or jalapeños work beautifully

Tools You’ll Need

• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Mixing bowl
• Zester
• Measuring spoons/cups
• Whisk for the dressing

How to Make the Salad

Making the Easy Watermelon Cucumber Salad is as simple as it gets:

1. Prepare the dressing
   In a small bowl, whisk together:
   • Juice and zest of 2 limes
   • 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
   • ¼ teaspoon fine salt
2. Combine salad ingredients
   In a large bowl, add:
   • ½ cubed watermelon
   • 1 cubed cucumber
   • 3-4 tablespoons each of chopped basil and cilantro
3. Mix and dress
   Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine.
4. Serve and garnish
   Transfer to a serving dish. Top with:
   • ⅓ cup crumbled feta cheese
   • Extra fresh herbs for color and taste

Storage Tips

This salad is best enjoyed fresh on the same day. If you do have leftovers:

• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator
• It will last up to 2 days
• For best results, store the dressing separately and toss just before serving

Salad Variations

Feeling creative? You can modify this salad in several tasty ways:

• Add quinoa or grilled chicken for a heartier version
• For a Mediterranean twist, mix in kalamata olives and oregano
• Make it vegan by skipping or replacing the cheese
• Use mint instead of basil and cilantro for a cooling effect

What Pairs Well With This Salad?

This salad makes a fantastic side dish or light main. Try it with:

• Grilled chicken or fish
• Burgers or veggie burgers
• Sandwiches and wraps

Drink pairings:

• Cucumber mint lemonade
• Iced green tea
• A chilled white sangria or rosé

Serving Tips for Entertaining

Hosting a party or picnic? This salad can easily be elevated:

• Serve in clear glass bowls to showcase the colors
• Make individual salad cups for easy serving
• Keep chilled by placing the serving bowl in a tray of ice if outdoors

FAQs

Can I make watermelon cucumber salad ahead of time?
Yes, but for optimal texture, keep the dressing separate until just before serving.

How do you keep watermelon salad from getting soggy?
Drain any excess juice from the watermelon before mixing. Also, refrigerating ingredients beforehand helps.

Can I use lemon instead of lime?
Absolutely. Lemon works well and provides a slightly milder citrus kick.

What cheese pairs well with watermelon?
Feta is the classic choice, but goat cheese or even ricotta salata can work wonderfully.

What herbs go with watermelon and cucumber?
Basil, cilantro, and mint all pair beautifully with watermelon and cucumber. Each adds its unique freshness.

Final Tips

Don’t be afraid to experiment! This salad is endlessly versatile. Want to explore more herb ideas? This guide on cooking with herbs from Serious Eats can help you create your own twist.

With its perfect balance of sweet, salty, tangy, and herbaceous flavors, the Easy Watermelon Cucumber Salad – A LA INGA style is a guaranteed hit. Enjoy it all summer long and make it your go-to dish for quick, healthy, and delicious refreshment.

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