Strawberry, Melon, Cucumber, Feta Cheese Salad with Sweet Vinaigrette

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I absolutely love making this Strawberry, Melon, Cucumber, and Feta Cheese Salad with Sweet Vinaigrette because it’s refreshing, vibrant, and packed with a wonderful combination of sweet and savory flavors. The juicy strawberries and melon provide a burst of natural sweetness, while the cucumber adds a crisp, cool crunch. The feta cheese brings a touch of saltiness that balances perfectly with the sweetness of the fruits, and the sweet vinaigrette ties everything together with its tangy, sugary notes. It’s a light yet satisfying salad that’s perfect for warm weather, barbecues, or as a quick, healthy side dish. Plus, it’s so easy to throw together!

Ingredients

For the Salad:

• 1 cup strawberries, hulled and sliced

• 1 cup cantaloupe or honeydew melon, cubed

• 1 cucumber, thinly sliced

• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled

• Fresh mint leaves (optional, for garnish)

For the Sweet Vinaigrette:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup

• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar

• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, for a little tang)

• Salt and pepper to taste

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the sliced strawberries, cubed melon, and cucumber slices. Gently toss to mix them together.

2. Add the Feta Cheese: Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the salad and give it another gentle toss to incorporate. If you’re using fresh mint leaves, chop them and sprinkle them over the top for a fresh, aromatic garnish.

3. Make the Sweet Vinaigrette: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, honey (or maple syrup), apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste, and adjust the sweetness by adding more honey if desired.

4. Toss and Serve: Drizzle the sweet vinaigrette over the salad just before serving and toss everything together gently so the flavors meld.

5. Serve: Serve immediately as a refreshing side dish or light lunch, and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings. It takes around 10 minutes to prepare and assemble, making it the perfect quick and easy dish to enjoy on a warm day or when you’re short on time.

Variations

If I want to add more flavor or texture to the salad, I sometimes toss in a handful of chopped walnuts, pecans, or sunflower seeds for crunch. For a touch of citrus, I squeeze a bit of fresh orange or lime juice over the salad before serving. You can also switch up the fruits based on what’s in season—grapes, pineapple, or even peaches would work wonderfully in this salad.

Storage/Reheating

This salad is best served fresh, but any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. The salad may release some liquid as it sits, so I recommend draining it before serving again. It’s best not to store the salad with the vinaigrette already mixed in; it’s better to toss the vinaigrette just before serving to keep the vegetables crisp.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

You can prepare the salad ingredients and store them in the fridge for a few hours before serving. However, it’s best to add the vinaigrette right before serving to avoid sogginess.

Can I use a different cheese instead of feta?

Yes! If you prefer a milder cheese, goat cheese or ricotta salata would make great substitutes for feta. Both bring a creamy, slightly tangy flavor that works well with the sweet fruits.

Can I make this salad vegan?

Yes, you can easily make this salad vegan by omitting the feta cheese or replacing it with a plant-based alternative. You can also substitute the honey with maple syrup to keep it fully vegan.

Can I use a different type of melon?

Absolutely! While cantaloupe or honeydew melon work beautifully, you can use watermelon, Galia melon, or any other melon you enjoy. The sweetness and juiciness of any melon will pair wonderfully with the other ingredients.

Can I add more veggies to the salad?

Yes, you can add other fresh vegetables like bell peppers, radishes, or even avocado for a more complex flavor profile. Just be mindful of the balance between the fruits and vegetables so the salad stays light and refreshing.

Conclusion

This Strawberry, Melon, Cucumber, and Feta Cheese Salad with Sweet Vinaigrette is a bright and delicious combination of fresh ingredients that’s perfect for summer or anytime you want a light, flavorful dish. The sweetness of the fruit, the cool crunch of the cucumber, and the creamy saltiness of the feta all come together with the tangy vinaigrette for a salad that’s as refreshing as it is satisfying. It’s quick to prepare and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, making it a go-to recipe whenever I want something light, healthy, and full of flavor!

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