Refreshing Watermelon Salad with Tofu Feta and Cucumber

The best watermelon salad! Chunks of ripe, red watermelon, refreshing cucumber, and tofu feta cheese are tossed in a zingy oil-free vinaigrette dressing. A light and delicious summer salad that’s vegan and gluten-free!

If watermelon is THE summer fruit, and cucumber is the summer vegetable, it only makes sense they should hook up and get busy. Right? This watermelon salad with tofu and cucumber is so unusual but absolutely delicious. It’s a must at any BBQ, picnic, or remaining family cookouts this season.

The flavor combination of this salad creates one amazing sensation that will blow your mind with every bite. Sweet watermelon, earthy cucumber, and crunchy red onion combined with a delicious oil-free vinaigrette dressing. It’s flavor heaven. Oh, and let’s not forget the fresh basil and mint. O…M…G!

Watermelon Salad Dressing

The dressing for this recipe adds so much flavor and zing. And, it’s so simple! You could enjoy this watermelon with no dressing, but this dressing is bright and only adds to the experience of this unusual combination. It’s like delicious electricity since directly to your taste buds.

And, you only need 3 ingredients!

• Red Wine Vinegar: If you don’t have red wine vinegar balsamic or apple cider vinegar are good replacements.
• Dijon Mustard: Dijon mustard adds some extra spice and creaminess. So, it’s great when you’re not using oil in dressings and sauces. Plus, it brings a savory element to the dressing as well.
• Pure Maple Syrup: the sweetness adds balance and is the perfect compliment to the vinegar and heat of the Dijon. Honey and agave are options as well.

Watermelon Salad Recipe Ingredients

• Watermelon. Two words: seedless watermelon. A two-pound watermelon should give you the amount you will need. Cut the watermelon into small cubes or use a melon baller.
• Cucumbers. English cucumbers are best for this recipe because they’re sweeter, you don’t need to peel them, and you still get an amazing crunch.
• Red Onion. red onions have a distinct onion flavor. They’re mild, sweet, and add great texture to raw salads.
• Tofu Feta. Because of its texture and consistency, extra-firm tofu is a great replacement for feta. You only need a few simple ingredients to turn it into a yummy plant-based replacement for regular feta cheese.
• Fresh Herbs. Chopped mint and basil round out the depth of flavor in the delicious watermelon cucumber salad. I recommend not leaving out this part of the recipe. If you don’t have fresh mint leaves or basil use a sprinkle of dried basil and mint.

How To Make Vegan Watermelon Salad

1. Make the dressing. Whisk together the balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, and maple syrup in a small bowl. Set aside.
2. Make the tofu feta. Cut the tofu into small squares. Mix the lemon juice, water, vinegar, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning together in a small bowl. Add the tofu and let it sit anywhere from 10 minutes to 2 hours. The longer it sits, the more intense the flavor.
3. Make the salad. Add the watermelon cubes, cucumber, red onion, mint, and basil to a large bowl or serving platter with sides and gently toss to combine.
4. Pour. Drizzle the dressing evenly on the watermelon salad and gently toss to combine. Crumble the tofu feta and sprinkle it on top of the salad. Garnish with extra mint and basil if desired and serve right away.
5. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
6. Enjoy!

What Goes Well With A Watermelon Salad

Because this is one of the great summer salads it goes well with pretty much anything right off the grill. A few of my favorites are:

• BBQ Sweet Potato Chickpea Burger
• Cajun Blackened Tofu Sandwich
• Easy Vegan Black Bean Burger
• Best Chickpea Salad Sandwich
• Vegan Pulled Pork Sandwich

Recipe Variations

• Tomato. If you’re not a fan of cucumber toss in some diced tomatoes.
• Eliminate the dressing. Drizzle with a little lime juice or lemon juice if you want to leave off the dressing.
• Shallot. If the red onion is a little too potent shallot make a nice replacement.
• Arugula: This watermelon salad sits well on top of some healthy greens, especially arugula. The peppery essence against the sweetness of the watermelon is quite nice.
• Red Pepper Flakes. I like adding a little heat to anything sweet. A light sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds a little kick and flavor.
• Avocado. If you need to avoid the soy toss in some diced avocado for a creamy texture and a little extra healthy fat.

FAQ’s

How Long Does Watermelon Salad Last?

Leftover watermelon cucumber salad should be stored in an airtight container and will keep in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.

How Far In Advance Can You Make Watermelon Salad?

Watermelon salad can be made 24 hours in advance and should be enjoyed the very next day. Cucumber and watermelon are mostly water so the longer the salad sits the less desirable it could become. Drain any excess water after letting it sit in the fridge.

More Healthy Plant-Based Cold Salads

I hope you enjoy this Watermelon Salad with Cucumber and Tofu Feta. Please leave a comment below with a star rating. And, be sure and share a picture on Instagram with the hashtag #shaneandsimple. I want to see your work. Enjoy!

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