Holidays are the best time to get creative with food, especially when gathering with friends or family to celebrate and share some delicious dishes. Watermelon salad is already a great dish for a summer BBQ since its refreshing ingredients are perfect for a hot day, and you can make this classic summer treat even better for the Fourth of July by making a red, white, and blue watermelon salad.

Takeaways New Hide ▲

Watermelon salad stars as

a festive Fourth of

July party dish

Star-shaped fruit pieces

make salads visually

striking for summer

Fresh mint or basil

adds herbal brightness

to summer salads

Watermelon is safe

for dogs in

moderate fresh amounts

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There’s no one way to make this Mediterranean-inspired salad, so here are several detailed variations of this festive salad, each with different flavor profiles, presentation ideas, and other creative twists. Even those who aren’t big on celebrating the Fourth of July can enjoy one of these watermelon salad recipes simply for the bold and fresh flavors. 

Classic Red, White, and Blue Watermelon Salad

Ingredients:

• 4 cups seedless watermelon, cut into cubes
• 1 cup fresh blueberries
• 1 cup jicama or peeled apple (for white), cut into matchsticks or small cubes
• ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 2 tbsp fresh mint, chopped
• 1 tbsp lime juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 tbsp honey (optional)
• Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the watermelon, blueberries, and jicama (or apple).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, honey (if using) and a pinch of salt.
3. Drizzle the dressing over the fruit and toss gently to combine.
4. Top with crumbled feta and fresh mint.
5. Chill for 10–15 minutes before serving.

Tip: Use star-shaped cookie cutters for the watermelon or jicama for a patriotic touch.

Herby Balsamic Red, White, and Blue Salad (Savory version)

Ingredients:

• 4 cups seedless watermelon, cubed or balled
• 1 cup fresh blueberries
• ¾ cup English cucumber, diced (for crunch)
• ½ cup goat cheese or feta, crumbled
• 2 tbsp fresh basil or mint, torn
• 2 tbsp balsamic glaze or reduction
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Cracked black pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Arrange watermelon and blueberries on a serving platter or in a shallow bowl.
2. Add cucumber and gently mix.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze.
4. Sprinkle with goat cheese, herbs, and cracked pepper.
5. Serve immediately or chill for up to 30 minutes.

Note: This one is less sweet, more elegant, and pairs well with grilled meats.

Red, White, and Blue Fruit Salad with Citrus Poppy Seed Dressing

Ingredients:

• 3 cups seedless watermelon, cubed
• 1 cup strawberries, sliced
• 1 cup blueberries
• 1 banana or pear, sliced (for white)
• ½ cup mini mozzarella balls or feta
• Fresh mint for garnish

Citrus Poppy Seed Dressing:

• 2 tbsp orange juice
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp honey or agave
• 1 tsp poppy seeds
• 1 tsp olive oil

Instructions:

1. Combine all the fruit in a large bowl.
2. Whisk all dressing ingredients until smooth and emulsified.
3. Pour dressing over salad and gently toss.
4. Garnish with mozzarella or feta and mint.
5. Serve chilled.

Tropical Red, White & Blue Watermelon Salad with Coconut

Ingredients:

• 3 cups seedless watermelon, cubed
• 1 cup fresh blueberries
• 1 cup jicama, peeled and julienned (or use coconut chunks)
• ½ cup shredded sweetened coconut (or toasted if preferred)
• 1 tsp lime zest
• Juice of 1 lime
• 1 tbsp agave syrup or honey
• Fresh mint or basil, chiffonade (thin ribbons)

Instructions:

1. Combine the watermelon, blueberries and jicama (or coconut chunks) in a large bowl.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, lime zest and agave/honey.
3. Pour the dressing over the fruit and toss gently.
4. Sprinkle shredded coconut on top and add fresh mint or basil.
5. Serve chilled.

Optional: Garnish with edible flowers like pansies or borage for an elegant touch.

Grilled Watermelon Salad with Blue Cheese and Almonds

Ingredients:

• 4 thick slices of seedless watermelon (cut into rounds or wedges, about 1 inch thick)
• 1 cup fresh blueberries
• ½ cup crumbled blue cheese or gorgonzola
• ½ cup sliced almonds (toasted)
• ½ cup white onion, thinly sliced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar (or balsamic glaze)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Arugula or baby spinach (optional base)

Instructions:

1. Brush watermelon slices lightly with olive oil and grill for 1–2 minutes per side on high heat just to get grill marks. Let cool slightly, then cube or cut into triangles.
2. In a large bowl or platter, layer grilled watermelon, fresh blueberries, and sliced onion.
3. Top with blue cheese and toasted almonds.
4. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar or glaze.
5. Add salt, pepper, and optional greens if using.
6. Serve at room temperature or slightly chilled.

Red, White, and Blue Watermelon Caprese Salad

Ingredients:

• 3 cups seedless watermelon, cubed or balled
• 1 cup blueberries
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
• ¾ cup mozzarella pearls or bocconcini
• ¼ cup fresh basil leaves
• 2 tbsp white balsamic vinegar (or white wine vinegar)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and cracked black pepper
• Optional: balsamic reduction drizzle

Instructions:

1. Combine watermelon, blueberries, cherry tomatoes, and mozzarella in a bowl.
2. Whisk together olive oil and vinegar; season with salt and pepper.
3. Pour dressing over salad and toss gently.
4. Top with torn fresh basil and drizzle with balsamic reduction if desired.
5. Let it sit for 10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to blend.

Optional Garnish Ideas for All Variations:

• Use star-shaped cookie cutters on watermelon or other larger fruits for a festive look.
• Add edible glitter or colored sugar for fun, kid-friendly versions.
• Skewer ingredients for individual watermelon salad kabobs.

What ingredients are in a traditional watermelon salad?

A basic watermelon salad can be customized in many ways, but the most common ingredients include:

Core Ingredients:

• Watermelon (cubed or balled)
• Feta or goat cheese (crumbled)
• Fresh mint or basil

Optional Add-ins:

• Blueberries, strawberries or cucumbers
• Red onion or shallots (for sharpness)
• Lime or lemon juice (for acidity)
• Olive oil or balsamic glaze
• Nuts (like almonds or pistachios)
• Arugula or spinach (for a leafy base)
• The ingredients can vary depending on the flavor profile—sweet, savory or herbaceous.

What ingredients pair best with watermelon?

Watermelon pairs beautifully with both sweet and savory ingredients. Here are some of the best combinations:

Savory Pairings:

• Feta cheese or goat cheese (salty & creamy)
• Mint or basil (fresh herbs elevate the flavor)
• Balsamic vinegar or reduction
• Cucumber, red onion or arugula

Sweet Pairings:

• Berries (blueberries, strawberries)
• Coconut, pineapple or mango
• Honey or agave
• Citrus zest/juice (lime, orange, lemon)

Other Delicious Pairings:

• Chili powder or Tajín (Mexican-style)
• Prosciutto (for a salty-meaty contrast)
• Olives or capers (briny flavor)

The key is to balance watermelon’s sweet, juicy texture with contrasting elements: salty, tangy, or crunchy. Feel free to play with any of these pairings to make your own, unique red, white, and blue watermelon salad. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the name of the Greek watermelon salad?

There isn’t a single official name for watermelon salad in Greek cuisine. However, it’s commonly referred to as: “Karpouzi Me Feta” (Καρπούζι με φέτα) meaning “Watermelon with Feta” or “Karpouzi Salata” meaning “Watermelon Salad”  in Greek.

This classic Greek summer salad usually includes:

• Seedless watermelon
• Greek feta cheese
• Fresh mint or basil

Optional additions might include:

• Olive oil
• Kalamata olives
• Red onion
• Cucumber
• Oregano

It’s a refreshing blend of sweet, salty, and tangy flavors, typical of Mediterranean cuisine.

Is watermelon salad healthy for weight loss?

Despite the fact that watermelon, the dish’s core ingredient, contains sugar, watermelon salad can be a healthy choice for weight loss, depending on how it’s prepared.

Benefits:

• Low in calories: Watermelon is 90% water, making it hydrating and low in calories.
• High in fiber and water: Helps with fullness and digestion.
• Rich in vitamins A and C and antioxidants like lycopene.
• Low fat, unless you add heavy dressings or lots of cheese

Tips to keep it weight-loss friendly:

• Use light amounts of cheese or skip it entirely.
• Avoid sugary dressings; use lemon/lime juice and herbs.
• Add leafy greens or cucumber for bulk without calories.