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When the weather gets hot, I find myself craving foods that are cool, refreshing, and require almost no cooking. That’s exactly why I love this simple Cucumber Melon Salad.
Made with crisp cucumbers, sweet melon, fresh lemon juice, and a touch of olive oil, it’s light, juicy, and incredibly refreshing. The combination may sound a little unusual if you’ve never tried it before, but the sweet melon and cool cucumber complement each other beautifully.
This is the kind of salad that’s perfect for summer lunches, picnics, cookouts, and potlucks. It comes together in minutes and can be customized with whatever melon you have on hand.
Simple recipes like this remind me that some of the best summer foods require very little effort at all.
Table of Contents
- Why You’ll Love This Cucumber Melon Salad
- Ingredients & Substitutions
- How Many Calories and WW Points?
- How to Make Cucumber Melon Salad
- Recipe Notes
- What to Serve with Cucumber Melon Salad
- How to Store Leftovers
- Cucumber Melon Salad Recipe
- Frequently Asked Questions
- More Refreshing Cucumber and Summer Salad Recipes
Why You’ll Love This Cucumber Melon Salad
- Ready in about 10 minutes
- No cooking required
- Light, refreshing, and hydrating
- Perfect for hot summer days
- Naturally gluten-free
- Easy to customize
- Great for picnics and potlucks
- Pairs beautifully with grilled foods
Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive oil – Adds richness and balances the sweetness of the melon and the acidity of the lemon juice.
Fresh lemon juice – Brightens all the flavors. Lime juice works just as well.
Sugar – Just a touch enhances the natural sweetness of the melon. Honey, maple syrup, agave, or your favorite sweetener can be substituted.
Salt and black pepper – Help bring all the flavors together.
Cucumber – English cucumbers, Persian cucumbers, or garden cucumbers all work well.
Melon – Honeydew, cantaloupe, watermelon, or a combination of melons can be used.
How Many Calories and WW Points?
According to my calculations each serving has about 78 calories and 1 WW Point.
To see your WW Points for this recipe, track it in the WW App!
(You must be logged into WW on a smartphone or tablet.)
2 PointsPlus (Old plan)
How to Make Cucumber Melon Salad
Step 1: Prepare the dressing
In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, sugar, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Step 2: Prepare the produce
Slice the cucumber and cut the melon into bite-sized cubes.
Step 3: Toss
Add the cucumber and melon to the bowl and gently toss until coated with the dressing.
Step 4: Chill (optional)
Serve immediately or refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
Step 5: Serve
Give the salad a quick toss before serving.
Recipe Notes
This salad is one of my favorite examples of how simple ingredients can create something surprisingly delicious.
If you’re using thin-skinned cucumbers such as English or Persian cucumbers, there’s no need to peel them.
Feel free to experiment with different melons. Honeydew, cantaloupe, and watermelon all work beautifully, either alone or combined.
For a more substantial salad, try adding:
- Crumbled feta cheese
- Chopped fresh mint
- Fresh basil
- Sliced radishes
- Thinly sliced red onion
- Toasted almonds or pistachios
A sprinkle of feta and fresh mint is especially good.
What to Serve with Cucumber Melon Salad
This refreshing salad pairs well with:
- Grilled chicken
- Burgers
- Salmon
- Shrimp
- Pork tenderloin
- Sandwiches
- Picnic lunches
It’s also delicious on its own as a light afternoon snack.
How to Store Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Because melon releases moisture as it sits, this salad is best enjoyed the day it is made.
If you’ve made this Cucumber Melon Salad, please give the recipe a star rating below and leave a comment letting me know how you liked it. And stay in touch on Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for the latest updates.
Cucumber Melon Salad
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Dash of freshly ground black pepper
- 1 medium cucumber, peeled and thinly sliced
- 2 cups (3/4-inch pieces) of melon (honeydew, cantaloupe and/or watermelon)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, stir together oil, lemon juice, sugar, salt and pepper.
- Toss dressing with cucumber and melon.
- Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Notes
(Must be logged into WW on a smartphone or tablet.) 2 PointsPlus (Old plan) Variations:
Different melons or a combination: honeydew, cantaloupe, watermelon, etc. Different seasonings and garnishes: feta, Pecorino, mint, chopped scallion, dill, sliced radishes, sliced almonds, chopped jicama, etc.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What melon works best?
Honeydew and cantaloupe are both excellent choices. Watermelon works well too.
Can I make it ahead?
Yes, but for the best texture, serve within a few hours of preparing.
Do I need to peel the cucumber?
Not if you’re using English or Persian cucumbers. Garden cucumbers with thicker skins may benefit from peeling.
Can I make it sweeter?
Absolutely. Add a little more sugar, honey, or your preferred sweetener to taste.
More Refreshing Cucumber and Summer Salad Recipes
If you like this easy cucumber salad with melon, be sure to check out my other easy, healthy Weight Watchers friendly recipes including:
