What the heck is this?
You know those blazing hot days when the thought of turning on the stove makes you want to cry? This is your fix. This Peach Watermelon Salad is pure summer in a bowl — sweet, juicy watermelon, ripe peaches that taste like sunshine, creamy feta, fresh mint, and a tangy-little-sweet honey-lime dressing that pulls it all together like a dream. It’s hydrating, refreshing, and just bougie enough to impress your friends at the picnic (even if you made it 10 minutes before walking out the door). It’s basically what your fridge would serve if it were hosting brunch.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
– No cooking, no sweating — just chop, mix, chill, done
– Sweet + salty + herby = flavor bomb
– Works as a side dish or light lunch, and pairs with anything grilled
– Looks like a fancy restaurant dish, tastes like summer vacation
– Can be made ahead (yes, it gets juicier in the fridge)
– Naturally gluten-free and can be dairy-free too — we love a versatile queen
The Good Stuff You’ll Need
For the Salad:
- 4 cups cubed seedless watermelon (cold, please)
- 2 ripe peaches, sliced thin or cubed (no need to peel)
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (or more, we won’t judge)
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, torn or chopped
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil (optional but vibey)
- A pinch of flaky sea salt
- Cracked black pepper to taste
For the Honey-Lime Dressing:
- Juice of 1 lime (about 2 tbsp)
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Tiny pinch of salt
Let’s Do This
Step 1: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together lime juice, honey, olive oil, and a tiny pinch of salt. It should taste like sweet-tart sunshine. Set aside or chill until ready to use.
Step 2: Prep the Fruit
Cube that watermelon into juicy, bite-sized pieces. Slice or cube your peaches — if they’re super ripe, be gentle so they don’t turn to mush. Toss them into a large salad bowl.
Step 3: Dress It Up
Drizzle the honey-lime dressing over the watermelon and peaches. Toss gently so everything gets coated but stays intact — you want salad, not smoothie.
Step 4: Add the Extras
Sprinkle in the feta, mint, and basil if using. Add a pinch of flaky sea salt and a few cracks of black pepper. Give it one final gentle toss. That’s it. You’re done. Cue the compliments.
Serving Suggestions
Serve chilled (it’s way better cold). Pairs perfectly with grilled chicken, fish tacos, or burgers. Want to bulk it up? Toss in arugula or spinach for a full-on salad situation. Hosting a party? Serve it in a watermelon half for the ultimate Instagram moment.
Switch It Up
– Dairy-free? Swap feta for avocado chunks or a sprinkle of crushed pistachios
– Don’t like mint? Try fresh thyme or just stick with basil
– Add cucumbers or cherry tomatoes for extra crunch and color
– Want it spicy? A few thin slices of jalapeño = game-changer
Make-Ahead Tips
You can prep the fruit and dressing up to a day in advance. Just keep them separate and combine right before serving to keep everything fresh and crisp. Leftovers hold up for a day — after that, it gets a little too juicy.
Questions People Actually Ask
Q: Can I use nectarines instead of peaches?
A: Totally — nectarines are basically peaches that don’t fuzz. Go for it.
Q: What type of feta is best?
A: Get the block-style feta in brine if you can — it’s creamier and way more flavorful than the pre-crumbled stuff.
Q: Can I serve this at a BBQ?
A: Absolutely. It’s refreshing and light, the perfect contrast to anything hot and smoky off the grill.
Easy Summer Peach Watermelon Salad: The Juicy, Chill-You-Out Salad You’ll Be Making on Repeat
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
You know those blazing hot days when the thought of turning on the stove makes you want to cry? This is your fix. This Peach Watermelon Salad is pure summer in a bowl — sweet, juicy watermelon, ripe peaches that taste like sunshine, creamy feta, fresh mint, and a tangy-little-sweet honey-lime dressing that pulls it all together like a dream. It’s hydrating, refreshing, and just bougie enough to impress your friends at the picnic (even if you made it 10 minutes before walking out the door). It’s basically what your fridge would serve if it were hosting brunch.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
4 cups cubed seedless watermelon (cold, please)
2 ripe peaches, sliced thin or cubed (no need to peel)
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (or more, we won’t judge)
1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, torn or chopped
2 tbsp chopped fresh basil (optional but vibey)
A pinch of flaky sea salt
Cracked black pepper to taste
For the Honey-Lime Dressing:
Juice of 1 lime (about 2 tbsp)
1 tbsp honey
1 tbsp olive oil
Tiny pinch of salt
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together lime juice, honey, olive oil, and a tiny pinch of salt. It should taste like sweet-tart sunshine. Set aside or chill until ready to use.
Step 2: Prep the Fruit
Cube that watermelon into juicy, bite-sized pieces. Slice or cube your peaches — if they’re super ripe, be gentle so they don’t turn to mush. Toss them into a large salad bowl.
Step 3: Dress It Up
Drizzle the honey-lime dressing over the watermelon and peaches. Toss gently so everything gets coated but stays intact — you want salad, not smoothie.
Step 4: Add the Extras
Sprinkle in the feta, mint, and basil if using. Add a pinch of flaky sea salt and a few cracks of black pepper. Give it one final gentle toss. That’s it. You’re done. Cue the compliments.
Notes
Serve chilled (it’s way better cold). Pairs perfectly with grilled chicken, fish tacos, or burgers. Want to bulk it up? Toss in arugula or spinach for a full-on salad situation. Hosting a party? Serve it in a watermelon half for the ultimate Instagram moment.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: ~180 per serving
- Fat: ~9g
- Carbohydrates: ~22g
- Protein: ~4g