Can I make this salad ahead of time?

While it's best served fresh, you can prepare the individual components (watermelon, dressing) ahead of time and combine them just before serving. This prevents the salad from becoming too watery.

What if I don't like feta cheese? Is there a substitute?

Absolutely! Goat cheese would be a great alternative, or you could simply omit the cheese altogether for a dairy-free option. A sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds would also add a nice textural element.

Can I use a different type of melon?

Of course! Cantaloupe or honeydew would also work well in this salad. Just adjust the sweetness of the dressing accordingly.

How long will leftovers last?

Leftovers will last for about 1-2 days in the refrigerator, but the watermelon will release some of its juices, so it's best to eat it sooner rather than later.

I don't have celery seeds. What can I use instead?

Celery salt can work in a pinch, use half the amount. If you have any dill, you could add just a bit of that for a hint of fresh flavor. It's not the same, but it'll be delicious still.

close-up of a vibrant watermelon and celery seed salad

Watermelon salad

Name: Watermelon and Celery Seed Summer Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Summer-Fruits
Ingredients: 4 cups, cubed Watermelon; 1/2, finely diced Red Onion; 1/4 cup, chopped Fresh Mint; 4 ounces, crumbled (optional) Feta Cheese; 3 tablespoons Olive Oil; 2 tablespoons, fresh Lime Juice; 1 tablespoon Honey; 1 teaspoon Celery Seeds; Pinch, to taste Salt and Pepper

watermelon and celery seed summer salad

By:

GuideMyRecipe

Published:

04 Oct 2025

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Remember that summer day when my grandma tried to convince me to try watermelon with a sprinkle of salt? I wrinkled my nose, but she insisted it brought out the sweetness. She was right! This salad builds on that simple brilliance, adding a refreshing crunch and a surprisingly addictive celery seed dressing. It's like a taste of sunshine in every bite, perfect for barbecues, picnics, or just a light lunch on a sweltering afternoon. Plus, it's so easy, even I can’t mess it up… and that’s saying something. Okay, maybe I've burned water once or twice, but this salad? Foolproof.

We're ditching the heavy mayo-laden salads of yesteryear. Think bright, clean flavors that dance on your tongue. The key to this salad is the balance. The watermelon provides the juicy sweetness, the celery seed dressing adds a zesty tang, and a secret ingredient (shhh, it's feta!) provides a salty creaminess that just… works. Trust me on this one, even if you're a feta skeptic. You might become a convert. Seriously, though, the contrast is what makes this salad sing! It’s like a culinary symphony… or, you know, a really good summer jam.

Required Equipments

Large Bowl
Small Bowl
Whisk
Cutting Board
Knife

Watermelon and Celery Seed Summer Salad: Frequently Asked Questions

Watermelon and Celery Seed Summer Salad

Cool down with a Watermelon & Celery Seed Summer Salad! This refreshing salad combines the sweetness of watermelon with a tangy dressing, perfect for hot days.

⏳ Yield & Time

Yield: 4 servings

Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 0 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

📖 Instructions

First, grab yourself a large, ripe watermelon. You wanna aim for one that feels heavy for its size and sounds hollow when you knock on it. Cut it in half, and then into 1-inch cubes. Nobody wants giant, awkward watermelon chunks, okay?
Now, lets work on the other salad bits. Finely dice half a red onion. A little goes a long way here, so don't get too carried away. You want a hint of onion-y bite, not a full-on onion assault on your taste buds. Nobody likes crying while they eat a salad, trust me
Time to gather some fresh mint! Roughly chop about 1/4 cup of mint leaves. Mint is like the cool breeze on a hot day – don't skip it! But fresh mint is a must, the dried stuff wont cut it.
If you’re feeling fancy (and I always am), crumble about 4 ounces of feta cheese. This is optional, but HIGHLY recommended. The salty, creamy feta is the peanut butter to the watermelon's jelly. Trust me, and yourself, you will love it.
Okay, dressing time! In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of lime juice (freshly squeezed is always best), 1 tablespoon of honey (or maple syrup if you're feeling vegan), 1 teaspoon of celery seeds, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Taste and adjust as needed. More lime for tang, more honey for sweetness – you do you!
Gently toss the watermelon, red onion, mint, and feta (if using) in a large bowl. Be careful not to mash the watermelon!
Drizzle the celery seed dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat. Again, go easy on the tossing. We're aiming for a light coating, not a watermelon massacre.
Let the salad sit for about 10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld. This is important! Don't skip this step! It's like letting a good wine breathe… but for salad.
Serve immediately and enjoy! This salad is best eaten fresh. Leftovers will get a little watery, but they're still delicious. I promise, it will be hard to have leftovers, its just that good!