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The Ultimate Hydrating Summer Side
When the heat is on, there’s nothing better than a crisp, juicy salad that tastes like summer in a bowl. Enter the Watermelon Cucumber Tomato Salad—a naturally sweet, cooling dish with a savory twist, perfect for everything from July 4th cookouts to quiet weeknight dinners on the patio.
This colorful combination of watermelon, cucumber, and cherry tomatoes, tossed with lime juice and fresh herbs, delivers maximum refreshment with minimal effort. It’s light, bright, and comes together in under 15 minutes.
🌟 Why You’ll Love This Salad
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✅ Ultra-hydrating thanks to water-rich ingredients
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✅ Vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free
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✅ 100% clean and summer-friendly—no mayo, no pork, no alcohol
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✅ Perfect as a side, snack, or light lunch
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✅ Kid-friendly, cookout-approved, and picnic-perfect
Sweet, tangy, and herby, this salad hits all the right flavor notes—without weighing you down.
🍉 Ingredients
🥗 Salad Base
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2 cups seedless watermelon, cubed
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1½ cups cucumber, sliced or cubed (Persian or English recommended)
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1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
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¼ cup red onion, very thinly sliced (optional)
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2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped or torn
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2 tablespoons fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional)
🍋 Simple Citrus Dressing
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2 tablespoons lime juice (freshly squeezed)
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1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
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½ teaspoon sea salt, or to taste
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¼ teaspoon black pepper
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Optional: Pinch of chili flakes for subtle heat
👨🍳 How to Make Watermelon Cucumber Tomato Salad
Step 1: Prepare Your Produce
Wash all ingredients. Cube the watermelon into bite-sized chunks. Slice or cube the cucumber and halve the tomatoes. Thinly slice red onion, if using.
💡 Pro Tip: Chill the watermelon and cucumber before prepping for an ultra-refreshing salad experience.
Step 2: Mix the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. If you like a little kick, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.
Step 3: Toss and Serve
Add the watermelon, cucumber, tomatoes, and onion (if using) into a large mixing bowl. Pour the dressing over and gently toss to coat. Top with chopped mint and any additional herbs.
Serve immediately or chill for 15–20 minutes for even more flavor.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
This salad is incredibly versatile and pairs well with:
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Grilled chicken, fish, or tofu
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Quinoa or couscous
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Hummus and pita
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Lentil or chickpea patties
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Grilled vegetables like corn, zucchini, or eggplant
🧺 Picnic-ready: Pack it in a sealed container with a side of lemon wedges and extra herbs for easy flavor boosts on the go.
🧊 Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
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Best served fresh, ideally within a few hours
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Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day
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Add herbs and dressing just before serving to prevent sogginess
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Not freezer-friendly due to high water content of ingredients
🌡️ Meal prep tip: Cut fruit and veggies in advance, store separately from herbs and dressing.
🍉 Recipe Variations
🥬 Add Leafy Greens
Toss in arugula or spinach for more texture and volume.
🧀 Add Dairy-Free Cheese
Top with a vegan feta alternative (or use dairy-based feta if you prefer) for a creamy contrast.
🥑 Add Healthy Fats
Diced avocado adds creaminess and makes it more filling.
🥒 Add Crunch
Try adding thinly sliced radishes or jicama for a crisp texture.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is this salad vegan and gluten-free?
Yes! It contains no animal products, no gluten, and no artificial ingredients. It’s a clean, plant-based dish perfect for nearly any diet.
Can I use bottled lime juice instead of fresh?
Fresh lime juice is best for brightness, but bottled works if you’re in a pinch—just choose a high-quality, unsweetened variety.
What’s the best cucumber to use?
English or Persian cucumbers are ideal because they have thin skin, fewer seeds, and a mild flavor that complements the fruit.
How do I keep the salad from becoming watery?
Watermelon and cucumber release liquid over time. To reduce excess water:
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Salt the cucumbers lightly and pat them dry before adding
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Toss salad just before serving
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Store dressing separately if making ahead
Can I skip the onion?
Absolutely! Red onion adds sharpness, but the salad is still delicious without it. Or, try subbing in chives or scallions for a milder taste.
💦 Final Thoughts: Sweet, Savory, and Oh-So-Refreshing
The Watermelon Cucumber Tomato Salad is what summer dreams are made of—cool, crisp, juicy, and light, with just the right mix of sweet and savory. It’s quick to throw together, visually stunning, and endlessly adaptable.
Whether you’re firing up the grill or just trying to beat the heat, this salad offers a delicious break from the ordinary. One bite, and you’ll want to make it all season long.
