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Home ยป Recipes ยป Sides

Watermelon Goat Cheese Salad

Published: Jul 21, 2022 ยท Modified: Jul 21, 2022 by Kate ยท This post may contain affiliate links

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watermelon goat cheese salad on a platter with a serving utensil resting on the platter. There is a text box at top with the recipe name: Watermelon and Goat Cheese Salad
collage of watermelon goat cheese salad on round platter on top, and close up view of the salad on the bottom. A text box is in the center with the recipe name
platter of watermelon goat cheese salad with text label at top and bottom
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This watermelon goat cheese salad is a refreshing combination of bright, summery flavors! Fresh chunks of cold watermelon are layered with goat cheese, chopped nuts, red onion, and mint, all drizzled with a zesty lime dressing.

watermelon goat cheese salad on white platter with serving spoons on the side

Watermelon is so delicious on its own, or in a dessert or drink (like my recipe for banana watermelon smoothie!). But, have you tried watermelon in a savory dish? If you aren't sure, you really need to try this watermelon goat cheese salad - it's an intriguing combination of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors that will keep you coming back for more!

This salad starts with fresh, juicy chunks of watermelon, topped with chopped nuts and red onion for crunch. Then, fresh creamy goat cheese is crumbled on top, which provides that funky, salty contrast to the sweet watermelon. For the finishing touch, the salad is drizzled in a zesty and slightly sweet lime and honey dressing!

Even though this goat cheese watermelon salad is chock-full of complex flavors, it's super easy to make, in only about 15 minutes!

Recipe ingredients

Here are the ingredients you need to make this watermelon salad with goat cheese:

recipe ingredients for watermelon goat cheese salad with text labels

Ingredient notes

  • Watermelon: look for seedless watermelon, this will make for a much more pleasant eating experience!
  • Goat cheese: you need fresh, not aged goat cheese. This is usually sold in a log shape, and may be labeled simply "goat cheese," or "chèvre."
  • Nuts: I used roasted, salted pistachios. But, feel free to use your favorite nut here.
  • Olive oil: extra-virgin olive oil is preferred here, but if you don't have it you can use regular olive oil, or another oil such as avocado oil.

Step by step photos

1. The first step to making the salad is prepping the dressing. Start by zesting the lime(s) to get the 1 teaspoon zest needed. Then, squeeze out the 3 tablespoons of juice. This will probably take about 1 ยฝ limes.

lime being zested using a microplane
hand squeezing half of a lime into measuring cup with cut limes on the side

2. Next, add the extra-virgin olive oil, lime zest, honey, lime juice, and kosher salt to a small bowl. Whisk the ingredients to combine. Set the dressing aside for now.

dressing ingredients being added to small white bowl with measuring cup of lime juice on the side
hand holding small whisk, whisking small bowl of dressing

3. Now prep the onion by slicing it thinly. And, give the nuts a rough chop, just to break them down a little bit. We still want large pieces to provide that crunch in the salad.

red onion being sliced on white cutting board
pistachios being chopped on white cutting board

4. And now we can work on prepping the mint. We are doing a chiffonade, which just means cutting the mint into thin long strips. To do this, stack the mint leaves one on top of the other. Roll the stack into a tube. Then, cut across the tube to create thin ribbons of mint.

Set the mint, onion, and nuts aside for now while we prepare the watermelon.

hands rolling stack of mint leaves into a cylinder
large knife slicing cylinder of mint leaves into thin strips
hand holding mint chiffonade with knife on the side

5. To prepare the watermelon for the salad, first, cut all of the rind off with a large knife. Then, cut the flesh of the watermelon into about 1 inch (2.5 cm) cubes.

large knife slicing rind off of half watermelon
watermelon being cut into cubes on white cutting board

6. Now that all the ingredients are prepped, we are ready to assemble the goat cheese watermelon salad. Grab a large platter, and arrange the watermelon chunks on top.

Then, sprinkle on the onion slices and chopped nuts. Crumble the goat cheese and arrange it on top of the salad.

watermelon cubes being arranged on large platter
hand adding chopped nuts and sliced red onion to watermelon salad
goat cheese being crumbled by hand onto watermelon salad

7. Finally, give the dressing one final whisk. Drizzle it all over the watermelon salad. As a finishing touch, garnish the salad with the sliced mint leaves. For the best flavor, enjoy the salad right away!

dressing being drizzled overtop watermelon goat cheese salad
mint chiffonade being sprinkled on top of watermelon goat cheese salad

Tips and tricks

  • When zesting the lime, make sure to only remove the green part of the peel. Leave the white pith behind, which is very bitter!
  • If you have time, you can toast the nuts before using to bring out more flavor and crunch. Add them to a dry pan set over medium heat and let them toast for a few minutes, stirring frequently, until they are fragrant and slightly browned. Let the nuts cool down before placing them on the salad!
  • I used Diamond Crystal kosher salt in this recipe, which is very flaky and light. To substitute regular table salt or Morton kosher salt, use only ยฝ teaspoon, rather than the 1 teaspoon called for in the recipe. Or, add salt to taste.
  • If you don't want to assemble the watermelon and goat cheese salad on a platter, you can serve it in a bowl instead. Just add the watermelon, nuts, onion, dressing, and half the mint to a large bowl. Toss gently, then crumble the goat cheese on top and garnish with the remaining mint. 

Substitutions and additions

This goat cheese watermelon salad is very flexible, feel free to add or swap out ingredients as desired. Here are some ideas for substitutions and additions:

  • If you don't like mint, replace it with another fresh leafy herb, such as basil, parsley, or tarragon.
  • Instead of lime juice in the dressing, try lemon, grapefruit, or a combination of different citrus fruits!
  • The extra-virgin olive oil can be swapped with pure olive oil, avocado oil, or another neutral oil like safflower or sunflower oil.
  • In place of the the goat cheese, try crumbled or cubed feta cheese!
  • In addition to the watermelon, try mixing in chunks of other ripe melon, such as cantaloupe and/or honeydew.
  • To turn this side salad into a main course, build the salad on a bed of greens, and top with grilled chicken or shrimp.

Storage instructions

This watermelon and goat cheese salad tastes best when enjoyed right after assembling. As the salad sits, the salt in the dressing will draw moisture out of the watermelon, and the onion and nuts will lose some of their crunch.

However, if you have any leftover salad, you can store it in a covered container in the fridge. When stored properly, leftovers will last for about 1 - 2 days.

Recipe FAQs

Can I make watermelon salad ahead of time?

As I mentioned above in the Storage instructions section, this goat cheese watermelon salad is best when served immediately after assembly. However, you can do some of the prep steps ahead of time.

First, you can easily mix up the dressing 1 - 2 days before and store it in a covered container in the fridge. You can also slice the onion and cube the watermelon up to 1 day in advance, and store them in separate covered containers in the fridge. Finally, you can also chop the nuts and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for several days before using.

How do I choose a ripe watermelon?

First of all, the watermelon should feel heavy for its size and should be unblemished, with no dents or bruises. Also, look for melons that have a dark yellow, almost orange "field spot," rather than a whitish-colored field spot. (The field spot, or ground spot, is the part of the melon that was resting on the ground as it grew). Check out this infographic for more tips on how to choose a watermelon!

What goes with watermelon goat cheese salad?

This salad is a great summer side dish that would be right at home served alongside burgers and hotdogs. Add a couple other easy sides like pasta salad, bean salad, and/or potato salad for a nice backyard get together.

For something a little lighter, pair the watermelon salad with a grilled protein for the main course, such as grilled fish, steak, or chicken. Try it with my recipe for grilled balsamic chicken thighs! To round out the meal, you could add a loaf of crusty bread, a green salad, and/or grilled veggies.

watermelon goat cheese salad on platter with serving spoon on the side

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๐Ÿ“– Recipe

Watermelon Goat Cheese Salad

watermelon goat cheese salad on platter with cloth on the side
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5 from 11 reviews

This refreshing watermelon goat cheese salad is tangy, sweet, and savory, the perfect dish for summer! And, it's easy to make in only about 15 minutes. 

  • Author: Kate
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: side dish
  • Method: mix
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds (907 g) cold seedless watermelon, about 6 cups cubes (see note 1)
  • 6 ounces (170 g) fresh goat cheese (chèvre)
  • ยฝ cup (57 g) thinly-sliced red onion
  • โ…“ cup (52 g) shelled pistachios (or other nut)
  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon finely-grated lime zest
  • 2 tablespoons thinly-sliced mint leaves (about 7 mint leaves)
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt (see note 2)

Instructions

  1. Add the extra-virgin olive oil, lime juice, lime zest, honey, and kosher salt to a small bowl. Whisk to combine the ingredients. Set aside.
  2. Thinly slice the red onion and roughly chop the nuts, set aside.
  3. Stack the mint leaves on top of each other and roll them into a cylinder shape. Then, slice perpendicular to the roll to create thin ribbons of mint. Set aside.
  4. Cut the rind off the watermelon, then cut the flesh into about 1 inch (2.5 cm) cubes. Arrange the watermelon cubes on a large platter.
  5. Sprinkle the onion and nuts overtop the watermelon.
  6. Crumble the goat cheese and evenly distribute it on top of the salad.
  7. Whisk the dressing one more time, then drizzle it over the watermelon salad. Garnish the salad with the sliced mint and serve immediately.

Notes

The salad can be made with room-temperature watermelon, but will taste more refreshing if the watermelon is chilled. You can either: (1) place the whole watermelon in the fridge for a few hours and then cube it (this is easiest with a small watermelon); or (2) cube the watermelon and then place it in a covered container in the fridge for 1 - 2 hours before using.

I used Diamond Crystal Kosher salt for this recipe, which is lighter and flakier than Morton Kosher salt. To substitute Morton Kosher salt or regular table salt, use only ยฝ teaspoon in the dressing. Or, add salt to taste.

If you prefer, the salad can be assembled in a large bowl rather than a platter. To a large bowl, add the watermelon, nuts, onion, dressing, and half the mint. Toss gently to coat the ingredients with the dressing. Then, crumble the goat cheese on top and garnish with the remaining mint. 

The nutrition counts of your dish will vary based on the brand and exact amounts of ingredients used. The nutrition information is an estimate only, provided by an online nutrition calculator, and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical, health, or nutritional advice. See our full disclosure policy.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: โ…™ recipe
  • Calories: 203
  • Sugar: 11.3 g
  • Sodium: 165 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5.3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 15.5 g
  • Fiber: 1.3 g
  • Protein: 6.8 g
  • Cholesterol: 13 mg

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  1. Sharon says

    July 26, 2022 at 10:03 pm

    This watermelon goat cheese salad is a powerhouse combo of fresh flavors that's the perfect summer side dish for any main meal.

    Reply
    • Kate says

      July 27, 2022 at 2:48 pm

      Thank you Sharon! I love this salty/sweet combo so much!

      Reply
  2. Amanda Mason says

    July 26, 2022 at 10:37 pm

    So good! Very refreshing as a side dish during the summer. I took this to a family get together and it was a huge crowd pleaser!!

    Reply
    • Kate says

      July 27, 2022 at 2:47 pm

      That's great I'm so glad your family enjoyed the salad! ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
      • Kathy says

        August 13, 2022 at 11:06 am

        So easy and so delicious. Love it

        Reply
        • Kate says

          August 16, 2022 at 9:27 am

          I'm so glad you like the recipe! Thank you ๐Ÿ™‚

          Reply
  3. veenaazmanov says

    July 27, 2022 at 1:55 pm

    Perfect Salad for the Summers. Refreshing and juicy. A Bowl of this Salad will make my day.

    Reply
    • Kate says

      July 27, 2022 at 2:48 pm

      Thank you so much I'm glad you like the recipe!

      Reply
  4. Erin says

    July 29, 2022 at 2:53 pm

    This salad was really great! Perfect for summer and different than our usual, so a great change for us. Thanks!

    Reply
    • Kate says

      August 02, 2022 at 1:15 pm

      Thank you Erin I'm happy you liked the salad ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
  5. Amy Liu Dong says

    July 30, 2022 at 2:02 am

    Such a delicious, easy, healthy, and refreshing salad recipe to make for everyone. Yum!

    Reply
    • Kate says

      August 02, 2022 at 1:15 pm

      Thanks Amy! ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
  6. Sean says

    July 31, 2022 at 10:48 am

    Watermelon and goat cheese are such a wonderful combination!

    Reply
    • Kate says

      August 02, 2022 at 1:16 pm

      Thank you Sean, I totally agree! Salty and sweet together is so good ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
  7. Marta says

    July 31, 2022 at 11:35 am

    The briny tanginess from the feta and the sweetness from the watermelon made this a perfect salad for our brunch today. I'll definitely be making this more often.

    Reply
    • Kate says

      August 02, 2022 at 1:16 pm

      Thanks Marta I'm glad you enjoyed the salad!

      Reply
  8. Amanda says

    July 31, 2022 at 1:41 pm

    This is such a great summer salad! The sweet watermelon and tangy goat cheese were great together, and the pistachios made such a nice addition.

    Reply
    • Kate says

      August 02, 2022 at 1:16 pm

      Amanda I'm so glad you enjoyed the salad, thanks so much for sharing!

      Reply
  9. Debbie says

    July 31, 2022 at 11:41 pm

    This watermelon goat cheese salad is such a refreshing summer salad. I loved everything about this salad . The sweet watermelon and the tangy goat cheese was a great combo . Thanks for a great recipe.

    Reply
    • Kate says

      August 02, 2022 at 1:16 pm

      Thank you Debbie, I'm so glad you enjoyed it! ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
  10. Moop Brown says

    August 01, 2022 at 6:10 am

    This salad is so refreshing and flavorful. The addition of the goat cheese is a great touch as a well.

    Reply
    • Kate says

      August 02, 2022 at 1:17 pm

      Thank you so much Moop! I appreciate it! ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
  11. CGH says

    June 29, 2023 at 7:49 am

    This salad was unique and delicious! I followed the recipe exactly and it was perfect. Will be making this again for gatherings over the summer!

    Reply
    • Kate says

      June 29, 2023 at 10:42 am

      That is wonderful I am so happy that you enjoyed the watermelon salad. This is one of my mom's favorite recipes as well ๐Ÿ™‚ Thank you for sharing your feedback and I hope you will enjoy many wonderful gatherings with friends and family this summer!

      Reply
  12. Michele Venezia says

    July 21, 2023 at 6:03 pm

    Kate - this is my go to summer recipe. I had to print it again because you know me, I can't find anything. I love it, and so does everyone I serve it to.

    Reply
    • Kate says

      July 24, 2023 at 12:43 pm

      Thank you so much for your nice comment I really appreciate it ๐Ÿ™‚ I'm so happy you like the salad recipe!

      Reply
watermelon goat cheese salad on a platter with a serving utensil resting on the platter. There is a text box at top with the recipe name: Watermelon and Goat Cheese Salad
collage of watermelon goat cheese salad on round platter on top, and close up view of the salad on the bottom. A text box is in the center with the recipe name
platter of watermelon goat cheese salad with text label at top and bottom
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Hi there, I'm Kate!

I create quick and easy recipes for people who like to cook but are short on time and energy (like me!). I love comfort food, family recipes, and anything with cheese.

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