This Cucumber-Watermelon Salad Recipe was first published in 2010. I revisited it this summer, updated the recipe a bit, and shot some new images. Hope you love it!
New Thoughts on this Cucumber-Watermelon Salad Recipe
There’s really nothing to this salad. It’s one of those easy Mexican recipes you find yourself making again and again. The success of this dish is banking on the ripeness of the watermelon and crispness of the cucumber so if you do nothing else just make sure to buy the freshest produce—your local Farmer’s Market is best.
What makes it special is the bright spirit of fresh-squeezed lime juice that heightens every ingredient in this salad. Well, that, plus a spicy kick of jalapeño slivers and a few delicate mint leaves.
Variations
To get the biggest bang for my buck, I ran the cucumber lengthwise on a Japanese mandolin to make those sexy long strips. If you don’t want to go through the trouble, cutting the cucumber into a large dice like the watermelon tastes good too. If your cucumber is on the bitter side, peel off the skin and scoop out the seeds before cutting.
You can make this a bit more substantial and toss in some cooked quinoa and crumbled queso fresco. Or if you don’t like the raw jalapeños but still like spice a sprinkling of Tajín is always good. The herb can be switched up to for fresh basil, cilantro, or chives, really whatever you have on hand, this salad is super versatile.
What to Serve it With
This salad was a staple at picnics this summer because you can make it ahead and it travels really well. That being said any picnic foods like Turkey Tortas, Fried Chicken, or burgers so great here.
From the Original Post
I haven’t had time to pickle and I’m worried my Lil’ Jalapeno is going to turn into my Lil’ Pepino if I bribe her into eating any more cucumbers. “I’ll give you a bowl of ice cream,” I say, “But only if you eat one more cucumber.”

Cucumber-Watermelon Salad Recipe
A refreshing summer salad recipe of cucumbers and watermelon in a Mexican-inspired dressing of lime, jalapeños, and mint.
Ingredients
- 3 cups seedless watermelon, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 cups cucumber, peeled, seeded (if bitter) and cut into 1-inch cubes or slice into thin strips using a Japanese mandolin
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1 jalapeno, thinly sliced
- 1/3 cup thinly sliced fresh mint
Instructions
- Combine watermelon and cucumber in a large serving bowl.
- Add lime juice, jalapeno, and mint toss to coat. Season with salt to taste.
- Enjoy immediately, or cover and refrigerate for up to 4 hours.
Nutrition Information:
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 0Total Fat: 0g
This cucumber watermelon salad looks so refreshing! I like how you slice the cucumbers, I think they add a different touch!
Oh, thank you Blanca! They look so pretty that way, but you certainly don’t have to. Tastes good any way you cut them.
Hahahaha this cucumber watermelon salad looks sexy LOL
Yes ma’am!! 🙂
This salad is perfect for this Texas heat!!! I have no idea when it will cool down. Love it!!!!
Hopefully sometime soon Ale! xoxo
I love this cucumber-watermelon salad, refreshing, sweet and tasty.
My favorite! Hope you love it Silvia!
I always want to prepare fresh recipes with watermelon and with cucumber. I’m so happy to see that this one has both ingredients in one recipe. Will try it! The best thing is that it is soooooo easy.
It REALLY is Ana! Cannot be easier. Enjoy!
Se ve deliciosa esta ensalada! Y combina dos de mis favoritos, el pepino y la sandía. La haré cuando regrese de mi viaje de trabajo, se antoja!
Gracias Mari! Espero que le gusta!!