Watermelon and Cucumber Salad with Lime, Mint and Chili
In short: Cubed watermelon and cucumber with lime juice, torn mint, red onion and a pinch of chili. A cool, no-cook salad for summer barbecues. It takes about 15 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 15 min
- Cook
- 0 min
- Resting
- 30 min
- Total
- 15 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 115 kcal
Watermelon and cucumber share a watery crunch, and lime, salt and a little chili make both taste more of themselves. This is a salad for hot afternoons and barbecues, served very cold and dressed at the last minute so the fruit stays firm. A few thin slices of red onion and torn mint give it enough bite to sit next to grilled vegetables, corn or skewers. It takes 15 minutes and needs no cooking.
Instructions
- Cut the watermelon into 2 cm (3/4 inch) cubes and slice the seeded cucumber into half-moons. Chill both in the fridge for 30 minutes if you have time, because cold fruit tastes sweeter.
- Soak the red onion slices in cold water for 5 minutes, then drain well. This takes away the raw bite.
- In a small bowl, whisk the lime zest, lime juice, olive oil, salt and chili flakes.
- Put the watermelon, cucumber and onion in a wide serving bowl and pour over the dressing.
- Add most of the mint and toss gently with a spoon so the watermelon does not break up.
- Scatter the remaining mint on top and serve within 15 minutes, while the salad is cold and crisp.
Tips
- Watermelon releases juice as it sits. Dress the salad at the last minute and serve it with a slotted spoon to leave any pooled liquid behind.
- For extra crunch, add a handful of salted pumpkin seeds or toasted peanuts. Basil can replace the mint.
Questions and answers
Can I make watermelon salad ahead of time?
Cut the fruit and vegetables up to 4 hours ahead and keep them separate in the fridge. Add the dressing and mint just before serving, because salt draws out the juice.
What goes with watermelon cucumber salad?
It is good with grilled vegetables, corn on the cob, tofu skewers and veggie burgers. A handful of toasted pumpkin seeds and some chickpeas turn it into a light lunch.
How do I pick a good watermelon?
Choose one that feels heavy for its size, with a creamy yellow patch where it rested on the ground and a hollow sound when you tap it.
How long does it take to make Watermelon and Cucumber Salad with Lime, Mint and Chili?
About 15 min in total: 15 min of preparation and 0 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Watermelon and Cucumber Salad with Lime, Mint and Chili?
About 115 kcal per serving, with 2 g of protein, 18 g of carbohydrates and 4 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 115 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 2 g |
| Carbohydrates | 18 g |
| Fat | 4 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 12 g |
| Sodium | 280 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
