Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it’s refreshing, light, and perfect for warm days. The watermelon and cantaloupe bring sweetness, the cucumber and tomatoes add crunch, the blackberries give a juicy pop, and the feta ties everything together with creamy saltiness. I also enjoy how easy it is to assemble and how impressive it looks on the table.
Ingredients
(Note: All ingredient amounts are listed in the recipe card below.)
Watermelon
Cantaloupe
Cucumber
Medley Tomatoes
Feta
Blackberries
Fresh Mint
Olive Oil
Lemon
Black Pepper
Directions
- I start by cutting the watermelon and cantaloupe into small cubes for a neat mosaic effect.
- I slice the cucumber into thin half-moons and cut the medley tomatoes into halves or quarters, depending on their size.
- I arrange the watermelon, cantaloupe, cucumber, and tomatoes on a platter in a colorful, patterned layout.
- I scatter blackberries over the top for extra bursts of sweetness.
- I crumble feta evenly across the salad.
- I drizzle olive oil and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice over everything.
- I finish with a sprinkle of black pepper and fresh mint leaves.
Servings and Timing
This recipe serves about 6 people as a side dish. I usually spend 15 minutes preparing and arranging it, so it’s quick and easy to make.
Variations
Sometimes I add strawberries or blueberries for even more color. I’ve also swapped the feta for goat cheese or burrata when I want a creamier texture. If I want extra flavor, I drizzle balsamic glaze instead of lemon juice. For a savory twist, I include thinly sliced red onion or avocado.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Since the fruit releases liquid over time, I sometimes drain excess juice before serving again. I don’t reheat this salad it’s best served chilled.
FAQs
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, I prep the fruit and vegetables earlier in the day, but I assemble and dress the salad just before serving to keep it fresh.
What type of cucumber works best?
I like using English cucumbers since they’re crisp and have fewer seeds.
Can I use a different cheese?
Yes, goat cheese, ricotta salata, or mozzarella all work well as substitutes for feta.
How do I keep the fruit from getting soggy?
I cut the fruit close to serving time and avoid overdressing the salad.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Fresh lemon juice tastes best, but bottled juice works in a pinch.
Can I make this vegan?
Yes, I leave out the feta or use a plant-based cheese alternative.
What other herbs go well in this salad?
I sometimes use basil instead of mint for a different fresh flavor.
Can I add protein to make it a meal?
Yes, grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas pair nicely with this salad.
Can I use lime instead of lemon?
Absolutely, lime adds a slightly sharper citrus note that works beautifully.
How do I serve this salad at a party?
I often arrange it on a large platter for a striking display, or I layer it in small cups for individual servings.
Conclusion
Mosaic Fruit Salad is one of my favorite ways to showcase fresh seasonal produce. I love the mix of textures, the sweet-and-savory flavors, and the vibrant presentation that always stands out. Whether I serve it at a summer barbecue, brunch, or holiday table, it’s a refreshing dish that everyone enjoys.
PrintMosaic Fruit Salad
Mosaic Fruit Salad is a vibrant mix of watermelon, cantaloupe, cucumber, tomatoes, blackberries, and feta, arranged like a colorful mosaic and finished with fresh herbs, olive oil, and lemon for a refreshing sweet-and-savory dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad, Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Watermelon, cubed
Cantaloupe, cubed
Cucumber, sliced into half-moons
Medley tomatoes, halved or quartered
Feta, crumbled
Blackberries
Fresh mint leaves
Olive oil
Lemon juice
Black pepper
Instructions
- Cut watermelon and cantaloupe into small cubes.
- Slice cucumber into thin half-moons and cut medley tomatoes into halves or quarters.
- Arrange watermelon, cantaloupe, cucumber, and tomatoes on a platter in a mosaic pattern.
- Scatter blackberries over the top.
- Crumble feta evenly across the salad.
- Drizzle with olive oil and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
- Finish with black pepper and garnish with fresh mint leaves.
Notes
Add strawberries or blueberries for more color and sweetness.
Swap feta with goat cheese, burrata, or ricotta salata for variation.
Drizzle balsamic glaze instead of lemon for a richer flavor.
Add sliced red onion or avocado for a savory twist.
Best served fresh, as fruit releases liquid over time.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 10mg