Refreshing and light, watermelon salad is a perfect summertime dish that beautifully combines the sweetness of watermelon with tangy and savoury flavours. Bursting with colours and textures, this salad is an absolute crowd-pleaser at picnics, barbecues, or as a side dish for any meal.
The juicy watermelon, crisp vegetables, and zesty dressing make for a delightful harmony of flavours. Here’s a simple and delicious recipe to create your mouthwatering watermelon salad:
Ingredients:
- 4 cups diced watermelon, seedless
- 1 cup cucumber, peeled and diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, torn
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
For the Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced watermelon, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and torn mint leaves. Toss gently to mix.
2. If using, sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the salad ingredients. Feta adds a creamy and salty element that pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the watermelon.
3. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, lime juice, honey, salt, and pepper to create the dressing. Adjust the amount of honey, salt, and pepper according to your taste preferences.
4. Pour the dressing over the watermelon salad and gently toss until all the ingredients are coated evenly.
5. Allow the salad to sit for about 10-15 minutes before serving. This helps the flavours to meld together and enhances the overall taste.
6. Serve the watermelon salad chilled, garnished with a few extra mint leaves for a fresh touch. It pairs well with grilled meats, and seafood, or as a standalone refreshing dish on a hot summer day.
Feel free to customize your watermelon salad by adding other ingredients such as sliced avocado, arugula, or thinly sliced radishes for an extra crunch. You can also experiment with different herbs like basil or cilantro to add additional layers of flavour.
Enjoy the vibrant and juicy watermelon salad, savouring the delightful combination of sweet, tangy, and refreshing flavours!
