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Fresh Watermelon Cucumber Salad Recipe with Easy Zesty Lime Dressing

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A crisp, refreshing summer salad combining juicy watermelon and cucumber with a zesty lime dressing accented by honey, mint, and a hint of chili flakes. Perfect for light meals or side dishes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups watermelon, cubed (seedless preferred)
  • 2 medium cucumbers, peeled and sliced or cubed
  • 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, finely chopped (or fresh basil as alternative)
  • Juice of 2 large limes (about 3 tablespoons)
  • 1 tablespoon honey (or agave syrup/maple syrup for vegan option)
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • Pinch of salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste (optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cut about 4 cups of watermelon into bite-sized cubes (roughly 1-inch). Remove seeds if not using seedless watermelon.
  2. Peel 2 medium cucumbers and slice into rounds or small cubes, matching watermelon size. Optionally soak cucumber slices in ice water for 5 minutes for extra crispness, then drain.
  3. Finely chop 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves and set aside.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, honey, extra-virgin olive oil, salt, black pepper, and red chili flakes until honey dissolves and dressing is smooth.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, gently toss watermelon cubes, cucumber slices, and chopped mint.
  6. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss lightly to coat evenly without crushing the watermelon.
  7. Refrigerate the salad for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and chill.
  8. Before serving, drain any excess liquid if the salad seems watery.

Notes

Use firm, ripe watermelon and English cucumbers for best texture. Fresh lime juice is preferred over bottled. Whisk dressing well to dissolve honey. Chill salad before serving. Drain excess liquid if watery. Dressing and mint can be prepped a day ahead and refrigerated.

Nutrition

Keywords: watermelon salad, cucumber salad, lime dressing, summer salad, fresh salad, vegan salad, gluten-free salad, easy salad recipe

Find it online: https://tastypierecipes.com/fresh-watermelon-cucumber-salad-recipe-with-easy-zesty-lime-dressing/