Summer cucumbers overrunning your garden? Look no further. Refreshing cucumbers, sweet watermelon and a smokey chili lime vinaigrette make this watermelon cucumber salad the perfect summer potluck dish. If you’re like me, you always wait until the last minute to decide what to bring to a potluck (because you probably totally forgot about it, thanks mom brain!) This simple summer salad is a crowd favorite and can be assembled quickly last minute!
If you have your shit together and you’re making this watermelon cucumber salad ahead of time, wait to add the dressing until serving. Cucumbers sitting in lime juice overnight adopt a “fun” pickle flavor that isn’t so much my jam. But it may be yours! You choose!
You can use whatever cucumbers your garden (or grocery store) gifts you, I prefer use Persian cucumbers because they are seedless and the skin doesn’t have a bitter aftertaste of more common cucumbers. English cucumbers or lemon cucumbers would also be delightful. Who knew you had so many cucumbers to choose from! Growing seeded cukes? Slice them in half lengthwise and remove the seeds by running a spoon down the soft center. If you’re worried about the bitter skin, give it a quick peel and you’ll be set.
Don’t be scared-off by the chili vinaigrette. It isn’t spicy! It simply adds a smokey depth of flavor to balance the sweetness of the dish. If you want a spicy kick add a 1/4 tsp of cayenne powder to the dressing.
Watermelon Cucumber Salad
Ingredients
- 6 cups chopped watermelon
- 1 lb persian cucumbers sliced into ½ inch rounds
- 1 lime zested
- ½ cup fresh cilantro roughly chopped
Chili Lime Vinaigrette
- ¼ cup fresh lime juice from 2 limes
- ½ cup avocado oil or mild tasting oil
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp chili powder
- ¼ tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp honey optional
Instructions
- In a large bowl toss together watermelon chunks, sliced cucumbers, cilantro, and lime zest
- Add lime juice, avocado oil, salt, honey, chili powder and paprika to a mason jar. Secure lid and shake vigorously until combined.
- Just before serving pour dressing over salad and toss to combine. Taste for salt.
Looking for more summer salad favorites?
Check out my Strawberry Spinach Summer Salad!
