Refreshing Watermelon and Cucumber Salad Recipe

Name: Refreshing Watermelon and Cucumber Salad Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 2 servings
Cuisine: Islamic
Ingredients: 400g seedless watermelon; 200g cucumber; 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; ¼ teaspoon sea salt flakes, plus extra for finishing; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 10g fresh mint leaves; Juice of ½ lemon, freshly squeezed (about 1½ tablespoons)

Sweet watermelon meets crisp cucumber in this brilliantly refreshing salad that tastes like summer in a bowl. Fresh mint and zingy lemon juice brighten every mouthful, whilst olive oil and sea salt flakes enhance the natural flavours beautifully. Discover how to make this quick and easy recipe that's perfect for picnics and barbecues.

Prep10 mins

Cook0 mins

Serve2

Kcal95

Ingredients

400g seedless watermelon, cut into 2cm cubes and chilled (about ¼ of a small watermelon)
200g cucumber, halved lengthways and sliced into ½cm thick crescents (about 1 large cucumber)
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, cold-pressed for best flavour
¼ teaspoon sea salt flakes, plus extra for finishing
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
10g fresh mint leaves, roughly torn (about 8-10 leaves, optional but lovely)
Juice of ½ lemon, freshly squeezed (about 1½ tablespoons)

Directions

Step 1
Prepare your watermelon by cutting it into generous 2cm cubes, making sure to remove any seeds you encounter and discarding the rind completely. Pop the cubes into a large mixing bowl and place them in the refrigerator whilst you prepare the cucumber, as serving this salad cold is absolutely crucial for maximum refreshment. The watermelon should be firm enough to hold its shape but juicy enough to release its sweet flavour when you bite into it.
Step 2
Prepare the cucumber by halving it lengthways, then slice each half into ½cm thick crescents to create beautiful half-moon shapes that will nestle perfectly amongst the watermelon. Don't peel the cucumber as the skin provides a gorgeous colour contrast and adds a lovely textural element to the salad. If your cucumber has particularly large seeds, you can gently scrape them out with a teaspoon, though this isn't essential for most varieties.
Step 3
Remove the chilled watermelon from the refrigerator and gently add the cucumber crescents to the bowl, being careful not to break up the watermelon cubes as they're quite delicate. This is where the magic happens as the two Sunnah ingredients come together in perfect harmony. Gently toss them together with your hands or a large spoon, being mindful to maintain the shape and integrity of both ingredients.
Step 4
Drizzle the cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil over the watermelon and cucumber mixture, followed by the freshly squeezed lemon juice which will brighten all the flavours beautifully. The olive oil adds a luxurious mouthfeel and helps carry the flavours, whilst the lemon juice provides a subtle tang that enhances the natural sweetness of the watermelon. Don't be shy with the olive oil as it's a blessed Sunnah ingredient that brings everything together.
Step 5
Sprinkle the sea salt flakes and a few good grinds of black pepper over the salad, then gently toss everything together using a light touch to combine the ingredients without bruising the watermelon. The salt is absolutely crucial here as it intensifies the watermelon's natural sweetness and draws out the fresh flavour of the cucumber. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed, remembering that a little salt goes a long way.
Step 6
If using fresh mint leaves, tear them roughly with your hands rather than chopping them with a knife, as this releases their aromatic oils without bruising them too much. Scatter the torn mint leaves over the top of the salad just before serving, as they provide a wonderful aromatic freshness that complements both the watermelon and cucumber perfectly. The mint is optional but highly recommended for that extra layer of flavour.
Step 7
Transfer the salad to a beautiful serving platter or divide between two shallow bowls for individual servings, making sure to drizzle any remaining juices from the bottom of the bowl over the top as they're absolutely delicious. Finish with an extra tiny pinch of sea salt flakes and perhaps another small drizzle of olive oil if you fancy. This salad is best served immediately whilst everything is cold and crisp, though it will hold for up to an hour in the refrigerator if needed.
Step 8
Serve this refreshing salad as a light side dish alongside grilled meats, as a palate cleanser between courses, or simply enjoy it on its own as a hydrating, healthy snack. The combination of sweet watermelon and crisp cucumber is incredibly refreshing and provides excellent hydration, making it perfect for warm weather or after physical activity. Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 hours, though the texture is best when freshly made.

Sunnah

Learn simple practices and etiquettes found in the tradition that transform every meal into an act of worship, increase you in beneficial knowledge and add barakah into every bite.

Sacred Guidance

Melon

The Messenger of Allah ﷺ used to eat dates with melon.

— Sunan Ibn Majah 3326Sahih

Watermelon

I saw Allah's Messenger ﷺ combine watermelon and ripe dates.

— Ash-Shama'il Al-Muhammadiyya 198Sahih Isnad

Water

Gabriel washed my heart with Zamzam water in a golden basin.

— Sahih Muslim 162cSahih

Cucumbers

I saw the Messenger of Allah ﷺ eating cucumbers with dates.

— Sunan Ibn Majah 3325Sahih

Olive Oil

Season your food with olive oil and anoint yourselves with it, for it comes from a blessed tree.

— Sunan Ibn Majah 3319Sahih

Black Seeds

Use this black seed. For indeed it contains a cure for every disease except death.

— Jami' at-Tirmidhi 2041Sahih

✦

Prophetic Etiquette

Wash your hands and say:

بِسْمِ اللهِ وَ عَلَى بَرَكَةِ اللٰهBismillahi wa 'ala barakatillahIn the name of Allah and with the blessings of Allah

If you forget to say it at the beginning, say:

بِسْمِ اللهِ أَوَّلَهُ وَآخِرَهُBismillahi awwalahu wa akhirahuIn the name of Allah at its beginning and end

Sit down to eat, rather than eating while standing or walking.

Always eat with your right hand, as the Prophet ﷺ said:

Let every one of you eat with his right hand and drink with his right hand.

Eat in moderation, as the Prophet ﷺ advised:

One-third should be for food, one-third for drink, and one-third should be left empty for air.

Eat from what is nearest to you on the plate, and do not reach across for food that is distant.

Take small morsels of food, and chew your food well.

Do not blow on hot food or drinks; allow them to cool naturally.

Do not eat or drink from gold or silver utensils.

When finished, say:

الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ الَّذِي أَطْعَمَنَا وَسَقَانَا وَجَعَلَنَا مُسْلِمِينَAlhamdulillahil-ladhi at'amana wa saqana wa ja'alana MusliminPraise be to Allah who has fed us and given us drink and made us Muslims

Lick your fingers clean before wiping them, as there may be barakah in what remains on them. Then wash your hands.

Lamb & Ginger Curry Recipe

Tender lamb shoulder bathes in a vibrant ginger-spiked sauce where warming spices meld with sweet tomatoes. Each mouthful delivers layers of aromatic heat whilst fresh coriander and zingy ginger brighten the rich, deeply flavoured curry. A truly satisfying meal.

Celebratory Roast Lamb with Pomegranate and Honey Glaze Recipe

Succulent leg of lamb crowned with ruby pomegranate jewels and a golden honey glaze that caramelises to perfection. The sweet-tart flavour dances with fragrant ginger and garlic, creating a showstopping centrepiece worthy of any celebration.

Coconut and Ginger Tilapia Curry Recipe

Flaky tilapia fillets nestle in a silky coconut sauce infused with warming ginger, aromatic spices, and fresh coriander. Each tender bite delivers layers of creamy richness balanced by zesty lime and gentle heat. Serve with fluffy basmati rice to soak up every drop.

Garlic-Infused Chicken Shawarma Wrap Recipe

Tender chicken breast infused with fragrant garlic and warm spices creates an irresistible Middle Eastern-inspired wrap. Crisp vegetables and fresh herbs provide the perfect contrast, while a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil adds luxurious flavour to each bite.

Wet Date and Watermelon Cooling Bites Recipe

Sweet, succulent dates meet refreshingly crisp watermelon in these stunning little bites that burst with natural sugars and hydrating juice. The chewy caramel richness of dates contrasts beautifully with cool, juicy watermelon creating the perfect balance.

Fragrant Garlic & Olive Oil Bread Dip Recipe

Fragrant garlic and Mediterranean herbs infuse golden olive oil in this luxurious bread dipping sauce. Warm crusty bread eagerly soaks up the aromatic flavours, whilst delicate sea salt flakes add a gentle sparkle. A rustic Italian classic that delights the palate.

Create your own recipe

inspired by Sunnah foods

Personalise recipes to your diet, allergies and kitchen

Refreshing Watermelon and Cucumber Salad Recipe

Prep10 mins

Cook0 mins

Serve2

Kcal95

Directions

Step 1

Prepare your watermelon by cutting it into generous 2cm cubes, making sure to remove any seeds you encounter and discarding the rind completely. Pop the cubes into a large mixing bowl and place them in the refrigerator whilst you prepare the cucumber, as serving this salad cold is absolutely crucial for maximum refreshment. The watermelon should be firm enough to hold its shape but juicy enough to release its sweet flavour when you bite into it.

Step 2

Prepare the cucumber by halving it lengthways, then slice each half into ½cm thick crescents to create beautiful half-moon shapes that will nestle perfectly amongst the watermelon. Don't peel the cucumber as the skin provides a gorgeous colour contrast and adds a lovely textural element to the salad. If your cucumber has particularly large seeds, you can gently scrape them out with a teaspoon, though this isn't essential for most varieties.

Step 3

Remove the chilled watermelon from the refrigerator and gently add the cucumber crescents to the bowl, being careful not to break up the watermelon cubes as they're quite delicate. This is where the magic happens as the two Sunnah ingredients come together in perfect harmony. Gently toss them together with your hands or a large spoon, being mindful to maintain the shape and integrity of both ingredients.

Step 4

Drizzle the cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil over the watermelon and cucumber mixture, followed by the freshly squeezed lemon juice which will brighten all the flavours beautifully. The olive oil adds a luxurious mouthfeel and helps carry the flavours, whilst the lemon juice provides a subtle tang that enhances the natural sweetness of the watermelon. Don't be shy with the olive oil as it's a blessed Sunnah ingredient that brings everything together.

Step 5

Sprinkle the sea salt flakes and a few good grinds of black pepper over the salad, then gently toss everything together using a light touch to combine the ingredients without bruising the watermelon. The salt is absolutely crucial here as it intensifies the watermelon's natural sweetness and draws out the fresh flavour of the cucumber. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed, remembering that a little salt goes a long way.

Step 6

If using fresh mint leaves, tear them roughly with your hands rather than chopping them with a knife, as this releases their aromatic oils without bruising them too much. Scatter the torn mint leaves over the top of the salad just before serving, as they provide a wonderful aromatic freshness that complements both the watermelon and cucumber perfectly. The mint is optional but highly recommended for that extra layer of flavour.

Step 7

Transfer the salad to a beautiful serving platter or divide between two shallow bowls for individual servings, making sure to drizzle any remaining juices from the bottom of the bowl over the top as they're absolutely delicious. Finish with an extra tiny pinch of sea salt flakes and perhaps another small drizzle of olive oil if you fancy. This salad is best served immediately whilst everything is cold and crisp, though it will hold for up to an hour in the refrigerator if needed.

Step 8

Serve this refreshing salad as a light side dish alongside grilled meats, as a palate cleanser between courses, or simply enjoy it on its own as a hydrating, healthy snack. The combination of sweet watermelon and crisp cucumber is incredibly refreshing and provides excellent hydration, making it perfect for warm weather or after physical activity. Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 hours, though the texture is best when freshly made.

Sunnah

Learn simple practices and etiquettes found in the tradition that transform every meal into an act of worship, increase you in beneficial knowledge and add barakah into every bite.