8cupsseedless watermeloncut into 1.5 to 2-inch cubes or triangles, chilled
6ozfeta cheeseblock feta in brine, crumbled into chunks — not pre-crumbled
0.5red onionvery thinly sliced, soaked in ice water for 5 minutes, then drained
1English cucumberhalved lengthwise and sliced on a bias, optional but recommended
0.33cupfresh mint leavestorn, not chopped
Dressing
2tbspfresh lime juiceabout 1 large lime
1tbsphoneygood quality — drizzle to taste
2tbspextra virgin olive oil
0.25tspflaky sea saltsuch as Maldon, plus more to taste
0.25tspfreshly cracked black pepper
Instructions
Prep
Slice the red onion paper-thin and place in a small bowl of ice water. Let soak for 5 minutes, then drain and pat dry. This removes the harsh raw bite while keeping the sharpness.
Cut the watermelon into 1.5 to 2-inch cubes or thick triangles. Make sure the watermelon is well-chilled before cutting for the best texture.
If using cucumber, halve it lengthwise and slice on a bias into half-moon pieces.
Assemble
Arrange the watermelon pieces in a single, slightly overlapping layer on a wide, shallow serving platter.
Scatter the cucumber slices and drained red onion evenly over the watermelon.
Crumble the block feta in generous, irregular chunks over the top. Do not break it down too fine — you want big pockets of creamy, salty cheese throughout.
Tear the fresh mint leaves and scatter them over the entire platter.
Dress and Serve
In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, honey, and olive oil until combined. Season with flaky sea salt and black pepper.
Drizzle the dressing evenly over the assembled salad. If desired, add an extra small drizzle of honey directly over the feta.
Finish with a pinch of flaky sea salt over the top and serve immediately. For best results, serve within 20-30 minutes of assembling.
Notes
Storage: This salad is best served fresh. If you need to store leftovers, transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 1 day — the watermelon will release more liquid over time. Stir gently before serving and taste for seasoning. Make-ahead tip: Prep all components separately and refrigerate. Assemble right before serving. Ripeness matters: A ripe, deeply colored watermelon is critical. Look for a heavy melon with a yellow field spot and a hollow sound when tapped. Variations: Add thinly sliced jalapeño for heat, a layer of arugula for bitterness, or prosciutto for a smoky, savory element.