Summer has finally arrived, and with it, the sweet and refreshing taste of watermelon! There’s nothing quite like biting into a juicy slice of ripe watermelon on a hot day to quench your thirst and satisfy your taste buds. But why not take that refreshing flavor to the next level by combining it with some equally delicious ingredients? In this article, we’ll explore 20 refreshing watermelon salad recipes perfect for sizzling summer days. From classic combinations like grilled watermelon and feta cheese to more adventurous pairings like spicy watermelon and cucumber, there’s something on this list for everyone.
Whether you’re looking for a light and easy side dish or a satisfying main course, these watermelon salads are sure to hit the spot. And with their bright colors and refreshing flavors, they’re perfect for a summer cookout or potluck. So grab your favorite ingredients and get ready to dive into the world of watermelon salad recipes!
Grilled Watermelon and Feta Salad with Mint
Sweet and savory, this refreshing salad combines the flavors of grilled watermelon, crumbled feta cheese, and fragrant mint. Perfect for a light and satisfying summer meal or as a unique side dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 ripe watermelon, cut into 1-inch thick slices
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Brush watermelon slices with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill for 2-3 minutes per side, or until slightly charred.
3. In a large bowl, combine grilled watermelon, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped mint.
4. Toss gently to combine and adjust seasoning as needed.
5. Serve immediately, garnished with additional mint leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Spicy Watermelon Cucumber Salad with Lime Dressing
Beat the summer heat with this refreshing and flavorful salad that combines the sweetness of watermelon, the crunch of cucumber, and a kick of heat from jalapeño peppers.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups diced watermelon
– 1 large cucumber, peeled and thinly sliced
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine diced watermelon, cucumber slices, and chopped cilantro.
2. Add the chopped jalapeño pepper and toss gently to distribute evenly.
3. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the salad and toss again to coat.
4. Season with salt to taste.
5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes (prep only)
Watermelon Arugula Salad with Balsamic Glaze
This sweet and tangy salad combines the freshness of watermelon, peppery flavor of arugula, and rich balsamic glaze, perfect for a light and satisfying summer meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups diced seedless watermelon
– 4 cups arugula leaves
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 tbsp balsamic glaze
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine arugula leaves, diced watermelon, crumbled feta cheese (if using), and chopped fresh mint leaves.
2. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Drizzle balsamic glaze over the salad, tossing gently to combine.
4. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Watermelon and Halloumi Salad with Basil
Watermelon and Halloumi Salad with Basil: A refreshing summer salad that combines the sweetness of watermelon with the salty creaminess of halloumi cheese, all tied together with fresh basil leaves.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups diced watermelon (seedless)
– 1 block of halloumi cheese, sliced into 1/4-inch thick pieces
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the diced watermelon and sliced halloumi cheese.
2. Sprinkle the chopped basil leaves over the top of the salad.
3. Drizzle the olive oil over the salad and season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Toss gently to combine all the ingredients.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Thai-Inspired Watermelon Salad with Chili and Peanuts
Beat the summer heat with this refreshing and spicy Thai-inspired watermelon salad, combining sweet and tangy flavors with a kick of chili heat. Perfect for a light and easy lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
– 3 cups diced seedless watermelon
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 2 tablespoons lime juice
– 1 tablespoon fish sauce (optional)
– 1-2 teaspoons Thai red chili flakes (depending on desired heat level)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup chopped roasted peanuts
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine watermelon, cilantro, lime juice, fish sauce (if using), and chili flakes.
2. Toss gently to coat the watermelon evenly with the flavors.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Sprinkle chopped peanuts over the top of the salad.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Watermelon, Avocado, and Quinoa Salad
Refreshing Watermelon, Avocado, and Quinoa Salad Recipe
This sweet and savory salad is perfect for a light and refreshing meal or as a side dish for your favorite summer gatherings.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked quinoa
– 1 medium watermelon, diced
– 1 ripe avocado, diced
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves
– 2 tablespoons lime juice
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa and diced watermelon.
2. Add the diced avocado and stir gently to combine.
3. Sprinkle the chopped fresh mint leaves over the top of the salad and squeeze with lime juice.
4. Season with salt to taste.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
This salad is best served immediately, but it can be refrigerated for up to 2 hours before serving. Enjoy!
Watermelon Caprese Salad with Burrata
This salad combines the sweetness of watermelon with the creaminess of burrata, all wrapped up with fresh mozzarella and basil. Perfect for hot summer days or as a light and refreshing side dish.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups diced seedless watermelon
– 1 ball burrata cheese
– 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cut the watermelon into bite-sized cubes.
2. Slice the mozzarella cheese into thin rounds.
3. Place a slice of mozzarella on a serving plate or platter.
4. Top with a few pieces of diced watermelon, followed by a spoonful of burrata cheese.
5. Sprinkle with chopped basil leaves and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Repeat the layers one more time, finishing with a layer of mozzarella on top.
7. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: None! This salad is best served fresh.
Watermelon and Cucumber Salad with Feta and Olives
This light and refreshing salad is perfect for hot summer days. The combination of sweet watermelon, crunchy cucumber, salty feta, and savory olives creates a delightful flavor profile that’s sure to quench your thirst.
Ingredients:
– 3 cups diced seedless watermelon
– 2 medium cucumbers, peeled and thinly sliced
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1/4 cup pitted green olives, sliced
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or dill for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the watermelon and cucumber.
2. Crumble the feta cheese over the top of the salad.
3. Add the sliced olives and toss gently to combine.
4. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice, season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Garnish with fresh parsley or dill, if desired.
6. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Watermelon Radish Salad with Honey-Lime Dressing
This refreshing salad combines the sweetness of watermelon with the crunch of radishes, all tied together with a tangy honey-lime dressing.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups diced seedless watermelon
– 1 cup thinly sliced radishes (such as daikon or beet)
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1 tablespoon pure honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the watermelon and radish slices.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice and honey until well combined.
3. Pour the dressing over the watermelon mixture and toss to coat.
4. Sprinkle with chopped cilantro and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve immediately, or refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: None needed! This salad is ready in just a few minutes.
Watermelon and Jicama Salad with Tajín
This refreshing salad combines the sweetness of watermelon with the crunch of jicama, all tied together with a tangy and spicy kick from Tajín. Perfect for hot summer days, this light and revitalizing recipe is sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups diced seedless watermelon
– 1 large jicama, peeled and diced
– 1/4 cup Tajín seasoning blend
– Salt, to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the diced watermelon and jicama.
2. Sprinkle the Tajín seasoning blend evenly over the top of the salad.
3. Add salt to taste, if desired.
4. Toss gently to combine.
5. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves, if desired.
6. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes (prep time only)
Watermelon, Blueberry, and Goat Cheese Salad
This refreshing salad combines the sweetness of watermelon and blueberries with the tanginess of goat cheese, perfect for hot summer days. With minimal preparation required, this recipe is ideal for a quick and easy lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups diced watermelon
– 1 cup fresh blueberries
– 8 oz crumbled goat cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves
– 2 tbsp lemon juice
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine diced watermelon and blueberries.
2. Crumble the goat cheese over the fruit mixture.
3. Sprinkle chopped fresh mint leaves over the salad.
4. Drizzle with lemon juice and season with salt to taste.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: None required – this salad is ready in minutes!
Watermelon and Tomato Salad with Fresh Herbs
A refreshing summer salad that combines the sweetness of watermelon with the tanginess of tomatoes, all tied together with a hint of fresh herbs.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups diced seedless watermelon
– 1 cup diced heirloom tomatoes
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the watermelon and tomatoes.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and lemon juice.
3. Pour the dressing over the watermelon mixture and toss to coat.
4. Sprinkle the chopped fresh mint leaves over the top of the salad and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve immediately, or refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: None! This salad is ready in just a few minutes.
Watermelon and Grilled Shrimp Salad with Cilantro
This sweet and savory salad combines the juiciness of watermelon with the smokiness of grilled shrimp, all tied together with a burst of fresh cilantro. Perfect for a light and satisfying summer meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups diced seedless watermelon
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 lime, juiced
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Grill shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and cooked through.
3. In a large bowl, combine watermelon and lime juice.
4. Add grilled shrimp and toss to coat with watermelon mixture.
5. Sprinkle cilantro on top and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Watermelon and Spinach Salad with Pistachios
A refreshing summer salad that combines sweet watermelon, peppery spinach, and crunchy pistachios for a deliciously light and healthy treat.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups fresh baby spinach leaves
– 4 cups diced seedless watermelon (about 1 small melon)
– 1/2 cup chopped fresh mint leaves
– 1/4 cup shelled pistachios, toasted
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine spinach leaves and diced watermelon.
2. Sprinkle mint leaves over the top of the salad.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle pistachios evenly over the salad.
4. Squeeze lime juice over the salad and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 30 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a no-cook recipe!
Watermelon and Farro Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
This refreshing salad is perfect for hot summer days, combining the sweetness of watermelon with the nutty flavor of farro. The lemon vinaigrette adds a tangy touch to tie everything together.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked farro
– 3 cups diced watermelon (about half a small melon)
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
– 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 tsp honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook farro according to package instructions until al dente.
2. In a large bowl, combine cooked farro, diced watermelon, chopped mint leaves, and crumbled feta cheese (if using).
3. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice and honey until well combined.
4. Pour the vinaigrette over the farro mixture and toss to coat.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Watermelon and Mango Salad with Coconut Flakes
Beat the heat with this refreshing summer salad that combines the sweetness of watermelon and mango, topped with toasted coconut flakes. Perfect for potlucks or a light lunch!
Ingredients:
– 3 cups diced seedless watermelon
– 2 ripe mangos, diced
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 1 tablespoon lime juice
– 1 teaspoon honey
– Salt to taste
– 1/4 cup shredded coconut flakes
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the diced watermelon and mango.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice and honey until well combined.
3. Pour the lime-honey mixture over the fruit and toss to coat.
4. Sprinkle the chopped cilantro and salt over the salad and toss again.
5. Top with toasted coconut flakes.
6. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: None, just assemble and serve!
Watermelon and Chickpea Salad with Tahini Dressing
Beat the heat with this unique and refreshing salad that combines the sweetness of watermelon, the creaminess of tahini, and the crunch of chickpeas.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups diced watermelon
– 1 (15 oz) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
– 1/4 cup tahini
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine tahini, lemon juice, and garlic. Blend until smooth.
2. In a large bowl, combine diced watermelon and chickpeas.
3. Pour the tahini dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Garnish with fresh parsley or mint leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: None! This salad is ready in 10 minutes.
Watermelon and Prosciutto Salad with Arugula
Combine the sweetness of watermelon with the salty flavor of prosciutto and peppery arugula for a light and refreshing summer salad.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups arugula
– 3 cups diced seedless watermelon (about 1 small melon)
– 6 slices prosciutto, torn into strips
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine arugula and watermelon.
2. Arrange prosciutto strips on top of the salad.
3. Sprinkle feta cheese (if using) over the prosciutto.
4. Drizzle olive oil and balsamic vinegar over the salad.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve immediately, garnished with additional watermelon if desired.
Cooking Time: None! This salad is ready in just a few minutes.
Watermelon and Peach Salad with Basil Syrup
Beat the heat with this sweet and tangy salad that combines juicy watermelon, ripe peaches, and a hint of fresh basil. Perfect for a light and revitalizing summer meal or as a side dish for your next BBQ.
Ingredients:
– 3 cups diced seedless watermelon
– 2 ripe peaches, diced
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
– 2 tablespoons lime juice
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the watermelon and peaches.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, honey, and salt until well combined.
3. Stir in the chopped basil into the lime-honey mixture.
4. Pour the basil syrup over the fruit mixture and toss to coat.
5. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 30 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: None! This salad is ready in just a few minutes.
Watermelon and Pomegranate Salad with Mint Yogurt Dressing
This sweet and tangy salad is perfect for hot summer days, combining the refreshing flavors of watermelon and pomegranate with a cooling mint yogurt dressing.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups diced seedless watermelon
– 1 cup arils (seed pods) from pomegranate
– 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint leaves
– 2 tablespoons honey
– Salt to taste
– Fresh mint leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine diced watermelon and arils (pomegranate seeds).
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, chopped fresh mint leaves, and honey until smooth.
3. Pour the yogurt dressing over the watermelon mixture; toss to coat.
4. Season with salt to taste.
5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
6. Serve chilled, garnished with additional fresh mint leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: None
Summary
Get ready to beat the summer heat with these refreshing watermelon salad recipes! From classic combinations like grilled watermelon and feta, to spicy twists like Thai-inspired chili and peanuts, there’s something for everyone. Try pairing juicy watermelon with creamy avocado and quinoa, or add some crunch with radish and honey-lime dressing. For a more decadent treat, combine watermelon with burrata cheese and basil. With over 20 recipes to choose from, you’ll be all set for a summer of delicious and light meals. Treat yourself and your taste buds to these refreshing salad ideas!
