Chilled Cucumber and Watermelon Salad with Lime-Mint Dressing
A refreshing, no-cook salad featuring juicy watermelon and crisp cucumber in a zesty lime-mint vinaigrette, perfect for summer gatherings. This american-inspired salads ready in about 20 minutes blends peeled and diced (1/2-inch) cucumber, cubed (1-inch) watermelon, thinly sliced radishes into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 120 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 cup, peeled and diced (1/2-inch) cucumber
- 2 cups, cubed (1-inch) watermelon
- 1/4 cup, thinly sliced radishes
- 2 tbsp, finely chopped fresh mint
- 2 tbsp (from 1 lime) lime juice
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1 cup peeled and diced cucumber, 2 cups cubed watermelon, and 1/4 cup thinly sliced radishes.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp lime juice, 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper until emulsified.
- Step 3: Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss gently to coat. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving, then sprinkle with 2 tbsp fresh mint.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Chilled Cucumber and Watermelon Salad with Lime-Mint Dressing take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (20 min prep + 0 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Chilled Cucumber and Watermelon Salad with Lime-Mint Dressing?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Chilled Cucumber and Watermelon Salad with Lime-Mint Dressing?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Chilled Cucumber and Watermelon Salad with Lime-Mint Dressing for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Chilled Cucumber and Watermelon Salad with Lime-Mint Dressing?
American salads like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
My husband said it's the best salad he's ever had. So refreshing!
- ★★★★★
This salad is my new summer obsession! The lime-mint dressing is perfect.
- ★★★★☆
Loved the watermelon and cucumber combo, but I think the cucumbers were a bit too salty.
