This cantaloup salad is perfect for summer—quick, refreshing and the sweet-salty combo will have you making it over and over again. It is as simple as it sounds: sliced cantaloup with crisp cucumbers, topped with lots of crumbled feta, thinly sliced shallots, and chopped pistachios for plenty of crunch. The whole thing gets dressed simply with lime juice and some olive oil. Finish with a shower of fresh basil (or any soft herb you love) and you’ve got a new favorite easy summer salad.
I’m a big fan of melon is salads. The sweet melon pairs so well with a salty component. think the classic Italian prosciutto and melon, or a watermelon and feta salad, or even fried halloumi with hami melon. Melon salads are refreshing, satisfying, and ridiculously fast to throw together. And honestly? That’s everything I want in a summer side dish.
I’m a big fan of melon is salads. The sweet melon pairs so well with a salty component.
Why You’ll Love This Cantaloupe Salad
- Quick to make – It takes 10 minutes, tops. You can even have everything prepped ahead of time, and then it really takes no time to throw together
- No cooking required – No stove, no sweat, and perfect to throw together after a log day the beach.
- Sweet, salty, crunchy, and juicy – All the things you want in a summer salad.
- Perfect for warm-weather meals – This is your go-to for picnics, BBQs, or an impromptu outdoor dinner.
- Switch it up – This recipe works with other melons, cheeses, or herbs. Get creative with it.
Whether you’re searching for a new cucumber cantaloupe salad, a twist on melon salad recipes, or just an excuse to use up that half cantaloupe chilling in your fridge—this is the one.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this refreshing and simple feta cantaloupe cucumber salad, here’s what you’ll need:
- ¼ ripe cantaloupe – Seeded, peeled, and thinly sliced
- 2 small Persian cucumbers – Thinly sliced
- 2 oz feta cheese – Crumbled
- 1 small shallot or onion – Thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp toasted pistachios – Roughly chopped
- 1 lime – Juiced
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Flaky salt – I like Maldon
- Fresh ground black pepper
- Fresh basil – Torn (or substitute with mint, dill, or cilantro)
How to Make Cantaloupe Salad with Feta and Pistachios
- Thinly slice your cantaloupe and cucumbers. Try to keep the thickness consistent so the salad layers evenly and looks pretty on the plate.
- Arrange the melon and cucumbers on a chilled platter. Not essential, but definitely a nice touch.
- Top with the crumbled feta, sliced shallots, and chopped pistachios.
- Squeeze the lime juice over the salad, then drizzle generously with some really good extra virgin olive oil.
- Season with lots of flaky salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste. Scatter lots of torn basil over the top.
- Serve right away, preferably with a cold drink and something grilled.
Ingredient Swaps and Variations
Want to make this salad your own? Here are some ideas to play with:
- Use different melons – Honeydew, watermelon, or a mix of melons all work here.
- Try another cheese – Goat cheese, ricotta salata, or even creamy burrata would all be great alternatives.
- Swap the herbs – Basil is classic, but mint, dill, or even parsley can bring a fresh spin.
- Add protein – A few slices of prosciutto or pieces of grilled chicken or poached shrimp can make it a full meal.
- Get spicy – Add a pinch of Aleppo pepper, red chili flakes, or a sliced fresno chili in for heat.
FAQs
Can I make this cantaloupe salad ahead of time?
You can prep the melon, cucumbers, and shallots ahead, but wait to add the feta, pistachios, herbs, and dressing until just before serving to keep everything crisp and fresh.
What other herbs can I use besides basil?
Mint, dill, or cilantro would all be great. Soft, leafy herbs are best here.
Can I make this salad without cheese?
Absolutely. Just bump up the salt slightly.
More Fresh Summer Salad Recipes
If you love this cantaloupe feta salad, try these too:
Watermelon Salad With Feta – This watermelon salad with feta has lots of Castelvetrano olives, fresh basil, cracked black pepper and delicious quick pickled onions.
Stone Fruit Caprese Salad – This stone fruit caprese salad is a delicious twist on the classic! Juicy peaches, plums, tomatoes and fresh mozzarella get topped with fresh mint and oregano.
Cucumber Peach Salad With Basil, Wild Rice & Chicken – A refreshing cucumber and peach salad with basil, wild rice, and chicken. Perfect for a summer meal with a quick and easy dressing!
Cucumber and Tomato Salad – It’s the classic salad of summer. Perfect ripe tomatoes paired with chopped cucumbers, onions, basil and dressing simply with oil and vingear.
Grilled Halloumi Cheese With Hami Melon – Pan grilled halloumi cheese is paired with hami melon for a quick and delicious summer salad.
Prosciutto e Melone – The classic Italian prosciutto and melon salad. This version gets a little update using piel de sapo melon instead of the typical cantaloup.
Chipotle Watermelon Salad With Queso Fresco & Pepitas – This refreshing chipotle watermelon salad combines smoky chipotle powder, crisp radish, creamy queso fresco, and crunchy pepitas for a refreshing summer side dish.
Greek Watermelon Salad with Feat and Mint – A greek inspired watermelon salad topped with crumbled feta cheese, fresh mint and Kalamata olives.
Celery Apple Fennel Salad – A quick and easy celery salad with fresh fennel, radishes, parsley, toasted sesame and a five spice dressing.
Did you make this recipe?
Did you try this Cantaloupe Salad recipe? Leave a comment and start rating below with your thoughts or share your version on Instagram by tagging @TheMostHungry. I’d love to see how you made it your own!
Cantaloupe Salad with Cucumber and Feta
Ingredients
- 1/4 cantaloupe seeded, skinned and thinly sliced
- 2 Persian cucumbers thinly sliced
- 2 oz feta crumbled
- 1 small onion or shallot - thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp pistachios toasted and chopped
- 1 lime juiced
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- Salt flakey salt is ideal here, I like Maldon
- Pepper fresh ground
- basil leaves
Instructions
- Start by thinly slicing the cantaloupe and cucumbers—aim for even slices so everything layers nicely. Arrange them on a chilled platter for bonus points.
- Top the melon and cucumbers with crumbled feta, sliced shallots or onions, and a generous sprinkle of chopped toasted pistachios.
- Squeeze the lime juice over the salad, then drizzle with the olive oil. Season well with flaky salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Finish with lots of fresh basil. Serve right away.
Did You Make This Recipe?
Leave a comment with your thoughts or share your version on Instagram by tagging @TheMostHungry. I’d love to see how you made it your own!
