Cucumber and Melon Salad

In the summer it’s easy to get excited about stone fruit and berries, but for me – I’ll always be a melon girl. This Cucumber and Melon Salad is exactly what I want to eat when it’s too hot to cook but I still want something that feels exciting. It’s cold, crunchy, juicy, creamy, salty, sweet – basically every good summer salad adjective all at once. The cucumber and melon are super refreshing, but the avocado, feta, and slightly spicy dressing make it feel substantial enough that you actually want to keep eating it.

I also love how textural this salad is. Between the crunchy cucumber, soft avocado, torn mint, and creamy feta, every bite tastes a little different. Plus, it comes together in under 20 minutes with very little cooking required. It’s the kind of recipe that feels elegant enough for a summer dinner party but easy enough to throw together for lunch on a weekday.

Why this salad is worth making this summer

• It’s incredibly refreshing and hydrating, making it perfect for hot summer days!
• The combination of sweet melon, crunchy cucumber, creamy avocado, and briny feta hits every texture in one bite.
• Fresh ginger, lime, and Aleppo pepper give the salad a subtle heat and brightness that keeps it from tasting too sweet.
• It works equally well as a light lunch, side dish, or something to bring to a cookout, barbecue, or backyard party.
• It’s easy to customize depending on what melon, herbs, or cheese you have on hand.

Ingredients you’ll need for this salad

• 1/2 large cantaloupe or honeydew melon
• 1 medium cucumber
• 1 medium avocado
• 1 lime, for pulp and zest
• 1 tablespoon white sesame seeds
• 1/4 teaspoon Aleppo pepper
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1/4 cup avocado oil
• 1/4 teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar
• 1 cup fresh mint leaves, torn
• 1/3 cup feta, stored in brine

Ingredient substitutions

• Cantaloupe or honeydew melon: Can be swapped for watermelon, Persian melon, or really any type of melon you prefer.
• Cucumber: Can be swapped for other crunchy vegetables like celery, peppers, etc.
• Lime: Swap for lemon or a splash of rice vinegar for a softer acidity.
• White sesame seeds: Can be swapped for black sesame seeds, pistachios, or even pepitas.
• Avocado oil: Swap for extra-virgin olive oil, grapeseed oil, really any oil you like!
• Aleppo pepper: Can be swapped for red pepper flakes
• Sugar: Honey or maple syrup would work perfectly
• Feta: Can be swapped for goat cheese, ricotta salata, or even shaved parmesan

How to bring the salad together

This salad is simple and quick. The most work is making the dressing, but after that it’s really just assembly. Here’s how to pull it all together:

1. First, dice or slice the melon to whatever size you prefer. This can either be big chunks or small pieces.
2. Use a peeler to peel the cucumber in strips. If it’s easier, feel free to thinly slice it on an angle.
3. Dice the avocado and zest the lime. Add this all to a bowl.
4. Peel the lime and finely chop the pulp – the more chopped it is, the better.
5. To a cold pan, add the lime pulp, white sesame seeds, Aleppo pepper and grated ginger. Pour in 1/4 cup of avocado oil and bring this to a simmer for 4-5 minutes, or until the lime pulp has collapsed into the mixture and the sesame seeds are golden and fragrant.
6. Add the sugar and salt and stir to combine. Pour this over the salad and mix.
7. Toss in the mint leaves and feta and mix. Serve right away!

Storage tips and how to prep this salad ahead of time

This salad is definitely best enjoyed immediately, however, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1–2 days. The melon and cucumber will release liquid over time, and the avocado may soften.

If you’d like to prep the salad ahead of time, chop the melon and cucumber and store them separately from the dressing. Add the avocado, feta, and mint just before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Unfortunately, I do not recommend freezing this salad.

Watch the recipe here

The video may not fully represent the recipe. For best results, follow the instructions as written.

Looking for similar recipes?

And that’s it for this Cucumber Melon Salad!

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