Spruce up your next summer dinner with my deliciously simple Watermelon Feta Skewers, featuring salty, crumbly cheese, sweet, refreshing watermelon, a hit of herby mint and basil, and finished with the tang of fresh lime juice. Easy-to-make, pre-portioned, and perfect for cookouts!
While fruit salad is widely accepted as a sweet, kid-friendly side, there’s more to them than clamshells of grocery store melon cubes. My tomato peach caprese salad with burrata, spicy watermelon pineapple salad with jalapeño, and these watermelon feta skewers are all proof that they can be grown-up, too.
Inspired by the watermelon feta mint salad craze from about 10 years ago, this easy recipe balances juicy-sweet watermelon with salty feta cheese and a zippy lime dressing. With just 8 ingredients, 15 minutes of prep, and zero cooking, they’re just the thing to make on a hot summer day.
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Why You’ll Love Watermelon Skewers
- Quick & Easy - This salad-on-stick recipe is so simple, even total kitchen noobs can nail it. Honestly, the hardest part is peeling the dang watermelon, but with a few thoughtful cuts you can get that puppy ready for chopping in no time!
- Spectacularly Seasonal - The summer months in the South are brutally hot and humid—not ideal for a northern girl like myself. I’d take a snow day over a Southern summer day, any day! Luckily, the dog days are tempered by the sweetest, juiciest produce of the year. This no-cook appetizer is a splendid celebration of the high points, and is just as cool to make as it is to eat.
- Inexpensive Elegance - While salads are usually pretty, putting them on sticks makes them look particularly luxe. And, when they’re in season, watermelons are a budget cook’s dream. I recently got a giant 10-pounder for $4! While prices will vary depending on your store and location, I was able to make these beauties for just $0.40 apiece (in 2025 prices!).
Ingredients & Substitutions
As promised, you don't need much to make these beautiful skewer appetizers. Here's what to grab::
- Watermelon Cubes - I personally prefer seedless watermelon for skewers, as they’re firmer and denser than seeded. That said, feel free to use whichever you have on hand!
- Block of Feta - If possible, get the kind that’s stored in brine. It usually has better flavor and texture, plus the brine makes an excellent marinade for all your favorite grilled meats.
- Fresh Basil & Fresh Mint Leaves - You’re more than welcome to use just one or the other. They both grow in my garden, so I use both!
- Olive Oil - If you have it, now’s a great time to use your fancy cold-pressed finishing oil (e.g. Graza’s “Drizzle”). If not, regular olive oil or avocado oil works, too.
- Fresh Lime - While many watermelon feta skewer recipes call for balsamic vinegar or balsamic reduction, I love the tart freshness lime brings to the table. Just remember to use fresh citrus—the bottled kind can taste a little bitter.
- Flaky Salt & Black Pepper - Just a touch of seasoning helps awaken all the fresh flavors these skewers have to offer. I like using crunchy maldon salt flakes and freshly cracked black pepper for a bit of texture, too.
How to Make Watermelon Feta Skewers With Mint & Basil
Step 1: Prep. Peel and cut the watermelon into 1-inch cubes. Save the rind to steep in some water for a refreshing drink! Wash and dry the herbs. Cube the feta.
Step 2: Assemble. Thread a piece of watermelon onto your first skewer, followed by a whole mint leaf, a cube of feta and a whole basil leaf, alternating between the ingredients until the skewer is full. Place the completed skewer on a serving platter as you continue with the remaining ingredients.
Step 3: Dress & Serve. Right before serving, drizzle the skewers with olive oil and fresh lime juice. Season with salt and pepper, then serve! Sip on your watermelon water, enjoy your plate of barbecue heaven, and lap up the adoring looks from your dining partners. You're a gee dang culinary hero.
Optional Variations & Dietary Adaptations
- Dairy-Free/Vegan - Swap the feta with a plant-based feta-style cheese or marinated tofu cubes for a similar creamy, salty bite without the dairy.
- Add Cucumber - Add a chunk of cucumber between the watermelon and feta for extra crunch and freshness.
- Get Cute - Rather than cutting your watermelon into cubes, try using small cookie cutters to turn them into watermelon stars!
- Balsamic Drizzle - Instead of olive oil and lime, try drizzling a syrupy balsamic reduction on the skewers for a sweet-and-tangy depth that pairs beautifully with both watermelon and feta.
- Mini Skewers - Use toothpicks or cocktail picks and do a single stack of watermelon, mint, and feta for bite-sized party apps.
- Grilled - Grill the watermelon cubes briefly to caramelize the edges and deepen their sweetness before skewering. Want the smoky flavor without the hassle? Use smoked salt instead.
- Make It a Salad - Skip the skewers altogether and toss everything into a bowl for a deconstructed version that’s faster to prepare.
Expert Tips
- Choose the best watermelon. Look for a watermelon that feels heavy for its size with a creamy yellow field spot (that’s the side that rested on the ground while ripening). A dull, matte rind is better than a shiny one—it usually means it’s ripe. Give it a knock: a deep hollow sound is a good sign!
- The easiest way to cube a watermelon is to first cut it in half lengthwise, then slice each half into thick slabs. Lay the slabs flat and score a grid pattern into the flesh, then run your knife along the rind to release perfect cubes.
- Waste not, want not. Don't even think about wasting that watermelon rind or spent lime. Pop them in a pitcher or drink dispenser, top it off with water, pop it in the fridge and BOOM! You just leveled up your hydration game. Watermelon lime water is honestly the best way to stay hydrated, and using scraps makes it no-waste!
- Don’t dress too early. Wait to drizzle the olive oil, lime juice, salt, and pepper until just before serving. If you dress the skewers too soon, the herbs may wilt and the feta can start to break down, making everything a bit soggy.
- Use sturdy skewers. If you're using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 10–15 minutes to prevent splintering or snapping. For a prettier presentation or zero waste, reusable cocktail picks or metal skewers work great too. (Note for dog parents: I had a friend whose pup nosed through the trash and ate a used wooden skewer, which then punctured her intestine and resulted in a very expensive emergency surgery. Stick to metal skewers if you have doggies!)
Storage Instructions
- Make-Ahead Tip - You can prep and assemble the skewers up to 1 day in advance, but wait to add the olive oil, lime juice, salt, and pepper until just before serving to keep everything fresh and vibrant. Make sure to keep them covered and away from the coldest parts of the fridge—you don’t want anything to freeze.
- Refrigeration - Store any leftover watermelon feta mint skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Avoid stacking them so the feta doesn’t get crushed. If you've already dressed them, the herbs and melon may wilt a bit, but the flavor will still be great.
Serving Suggestions
These watermelon feta mint skewers are the perfect appetizer for any summer party. They’re pretty enough for bridal showers and casual enough for a pool party—just don’t be surprised if they disappear fast!
Serve them slightly chilled or at room temperature for the best flavor and texture. They pair beautifully with grilled meats (like my Hawaiian roll BBQ chicken sliders) and a glass of chilled rosé or sparkling limeade. You can also lay them out on a grazing board with olives, prosciutto, hummus, and pita chips for a Mediterranean-inspired tapas spread.
FAQs
You can prep and assemble them ahead of time, then store them in the fridge (undressed!) until you’re ready to serve. Just make sure to wait to add the lime juice, oil, and seasonings to prevent wilting, and wrap them well to prevent the delicate basil from freezing.
To serve watermelon on a stick, simply cut the watermelon into thick wedges or large cubes, then insert a popsicle stick, lollipop stick, or sturdy skewer into the rind or center of each piece. For cubes, gently push the stick halfway in to keep it secure. Easy, peasy!
Feta is the classic choice for pairing with watermelon—its salty, tangy flavor is the perfect foil to melon's sweetness. But, other cheeses work well too! Try goat cheese for a creamy, slightly tart contrast, halloumi or bread cheese if you want something grillable, or even fresh mozzarella for a milder, softer bite. The key is balancing sweet and salty with a texture that holds up next to juicy melon.
Grilling watermelon caramelizes its natural sugars, giving it a slightly smoky, deeper sweetness while concentrating its flavor. The heat also softens the texture a bit, making it juicier and more tender. Just don’t overcook it, or it can turn mushy.
Watermelon, feta, olive oil, basil, and mint are all safe for dogs, though you should keep the feta to a minimum—it's pretty salty for pups. I recommend omitting the salt and pepper if you're sharing with fur babies. Also, make sure you avoid any balsamic vinegar—grapes are lethal to pups! Finally, don't let them eat the actual skewers, which can puncture their windpipes or intestines. BUT, feel free to share bites with your buddies if you like!
More Summer Salad Recipes
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Watermelon Skewers With Feta, Mint, & Basil
Equipment
- Skewers
Ingredients
- ½ Medium Watermelon (Preferably Seedless)
- 8 oz Feta
- 1 bunch Fresh Basil leaves only
- 1 bunch Fresh Mint leaves only
- 2 tablespoon Olive Oil
- 2-3 Limes juiced, depending on how juicy it is
- Salt and Pepper to taste
Instructions
- If you're using wooden skewers, soak them for 15-20 minutes to prevent splintering. Peel and cube the watermelon in 1-inch pieces. Don't toss the rinds! (See notes) Wash and gently dry the herbs. Cube the feta in 1-inch pieces.½ Medium Watermelon (Preferably Seedless), 8 oz Feta, 1 bunch Fresh Basil, 1 bunch Fresh Mint
- Thread the ingredients onto your skewers in alternating order—watermelon, basil, feta, mint—repeating several times per skewer. Place the assembled skewers on a serving platter.
- Drizzle the olive oil and fresh lime juice evenly over the skewers. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Serve immediately!2 tablespoon Olive Oil, 2-3 Limes, Salt and Pepper
Notes
- Don’t dress too early. Wait to drizzle the olive oil, lime juice, salt, and pepper until just before serving. If you dress the skewers too soon, the herbs may wilt and the feta can start to break down, making everything a bit soggy.
- The easiest way to cube a watermelon is to first cut it in half lengthwise, then slice each half into thick slabs. Lay the slabs flat and score a grid pattern into the flesh, then run your knife along the rind to release perfect cubes.
- Choose the best watermelon. Look for one that feels heavy for its size with a creamy yellow field spot. A dull, matte rind is better than a shiny one—it usually means it’s ripe. Give it a knock: a deep hollow sound is a good sign!
- Waste not, want not. Don't even think about wasting that watermelon rind or spent lime. Pop them in a pitcher or drink dispenser, top it off with water, pop it in the fridge and BOOM! You just leveled up your hydration game. Watermelon lime water is honestly the best way to stay hydrated, and using scraps makes it no-waste!
- Note for dog parents: I had a friend whose pup nosed through the trash and ate a used wooden skewer, which then punctured her intestine and resulted in a very expensive emergency surgery. Stick to metal skewers if you have doggies!
- Make-Ahead Tip - You can prep and assemble the skewers up to 1 day in advance, but wait to add the olive oil, lime juice, salt, and pepper until just before serving to keep everything fresh and vibrant. Make sure to keep them covered and away from the coldest parts of the fridge—you don’t want anything to freeze.
- Refrigeration - Store any leftover watermelon feta mint skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Avoid stacking them so the feta doesn’t get crushed. If you've already dressed them, the herbs and melon may wilt a bit, but the flavor will still be great.
Nutrition
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