Watermelon, Vegan Feta & Blueberry Salad with Lemon Olive Oil 🍉🫐🍋

This Watermelon, Vegan Feta & Blueberry Salad with Lemon Olive Oil is a refreshing summer dish packed with juicy fruit, creamy plant-based feta, fresh mint, and a bright citrus dressing. Sweet watermelon and blueberries pair beautifully with the salty, tangy flavor of vegan feta, while lemon and extra-virgin olive oil bring everything together.

It’s perfect for summer lunches, picnics, backyard gatherings, or a light Mediterranean-inspired side dish. Best of all, this colorful salad takes just 15 minutes to prepare, with no cooking required!

15 min

Prep time

4

Servings

Easy

Difficulty

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fresh and refreshing: Juicy watermelon and sweet blueberries make every bite delicious.
• 100% plant-based: Vegan feta keeps this salad dairy-free.
• Bright Mediterranean flavors: Lemon juice, olive oil, and fresh mint create a simple, flavorful dressing.
• Quick and easy: Ready in just 15 minutes without turning on the stove.
• Beautiful presentation: The red, blue, green, and white colors make it perfect for entertaining.

Ingredients

For the salad

• 4 cups seedless watermelon, cut into bite-sized cubes
• 1 cup fresh blueberries, washed and dried
• ¾ cup vegan feta cheese, crumbled
• ¼ small red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
• ¼ cup fresh mint leaves, roughly chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil leaves, optional

For the lemon olive oil dressing

• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1½ tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon maple syrup, optional
• ⅛ teaspoon sea salt, or to taste
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Ingredient tip: Choose a vegan feta that has a creamy, tangy flavor and holds its shape when crumbled. For the best taste, use ripe watermelon, firm blueberries, and freshly squeezed lemon juice.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the watermelon

Cut the watermelon into bite-sized cubes and remove any seeds if necessary. If the watermelon is especially juicy, place the cubes in a strainer for a few minutes to remove excess liquid. Transfer them to a large salad bowl.

Step 2: Add the blueberries and vegan feta

Gently rinse and thoroughly dry the blueberries. Add them to the watermelon, followed by the crumbled vegan feta. If using red onion, slice it very thinly and add it to the bowl.

Step 3: Make the lemon olive oil dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, maple syrup if desired, sea salt, and black pepper. Continue whisking until the ingredients are well combined.

Step 4: Add the fresh herbs

Sprinkle the chopped mint and optional basil over the fruit and vegan feta. The mint adds a cooling freshness, while basil provides a delicate, aromatic flavor.

Step 5: Dress and serve

Drizzle the lemon olive oil dressing over the salad just before serving. Toss gently to avoid breaking up the watermelon and blueberries. Taste and adjust the seasoning, then serve immediately while everything is fresh and chilled.

Tips for the Best Watermelon Vegan Feta Salad

• Choose a sweet watermelon: A ripe, juicy watermelon provides the best contrast to the tangy feta and lemon dressing.
• Keep the fruit cold: Chill the watermelon and blueberries before assembling the salad for a refreshing result.
• Add the dressing at the last minute: This prevents the watermelon from releasing too much liquid.
• Don’t overmix: Gently fold the ingredients together to keep the fruit intact and the vegan feta crumbly.
• Customize the flavors: Add cucumber, toasted pumpkin seeds, or a few thin slices of avocado for extra texture.

Variations and Substitutions

Add cucumber: Diced cucumber gives the salad extra crunch and a refreshing Mediterranean touch.

Make it sweeter: Add a few more blueberries or a small drizzle of maple syrup to the dressing.

Add a little heat: A tiny pinch of chili flakes creates an interesting contrast with the sweet fruit.

Try a balsamic twist: Replace half the lemon juice with a small amount of balsamic vinegar for a deeper, tangy flavor.

Add extra crunch: Sprinkle toasted pistachios or pumpkin seeds over the salad just before serving.

What to Serve with This Salad

This watermelon, blueberry, and vegan feta salad pairs beautifully with:

• Grilled vegetables and corn on the cob
• Mediterranean chickpea bowls
• Grilled tofu or plant-based kebabs
• Lemon herb roasted potatoes
• Crusty sourdough bread
• Vegan pasta or quinoa dishes

It also makes a lovely side dish for summer barbecues, picnics, potlucks, and outdoor dinners.

Storage Instructions

For the freshest flavor, serve this salad immediately after adding the dressing.

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. The watermelon will release liquid as it sits.
• Make ahead: Cut the watermelon, wash the blueberries, and prepare the dressing separately. Refrigerate them in separate containers for up to 24 hours.
• Freezing: Freezing is not recommended because the watermelon and blueberries will lose their fresh texture when thawed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the fruit, herbs, and dressing separately and refrigerate them. Combine everything just before serving for the best texture.

Is this watermelon blueberry salad vegan?

Yes. Use a certified plant-based feta and maple syrup instead of honey to keep the entire recipe vegan.

Can I use frozen blueberries?

Fresh blueberries are best because they hold their shape. If using frozen blueberries, thaw and drain them thoroughly first, although the finished salad may be softer.

What can I use instead of vegan feta?

Try a firm, tangy vegan cheese alternative. For a whole-food option, add diced avocado or a few seasoned tofu cubes, keeping in mind that the flavor will be different from feta.

Is this salad suitable for a Mediterranean-style menu?

Yes. Watermelon, fresh herbs, lemon, and extra-virgin olive oil fit naturally into a Mediterranean-inspired meal. The vegan feta adds a salty, creamy contrast.

Nutrition Information

Estimated per serving, based on 4 servings.

Nutrition information is approximate and will vary depending on the vegan feta brand and the exact ingredients used.

Recipe Summary

Watermelon, Vegan Feta & Blueberry Salad

Fresh, fruity, tangy, and plant-based.

Prep: 15 minutes · Serves: 4

Quick method: Combine watermelon, blueberries, vegan feta, and fresh herbs. Whisk the lemon olive oil dressing, drizzle over the salad, toss gently, and serve chilled.

Enjoy this bright and beautiful summer salad! 🍉🫐🍋 Its sweet fruit, tangy vegan feta, fragrant herbs, and fresh lemon dressing make it an easy addition to any healthy-inspired meal.