Watermelon Salad

Have some pool side party or BBQ get together coming up? Make this super easy and quick fruit salad, which is refreshing and inviting to every single person.

This vibrant Watermelon Salad is just what you need on any hot summer day. Our watermelon salad recipe is a perfect balance of sweet, juicy watermelon chunks, fresh mint leaves, tangy feta cheese, and a hint of lemon and honey for an added zesty kick.

Plus we have one unique ingredient that really elevates this watermelon salad to the top. Yes, pistachios!! You’re going to love this…

Seriously, you don’t need tons of add-ins in this simple summer salad. Just the inherent sweetness of watermelon needs to get complimented by a dash of salty and sweet elements.

The vibrant red of the watermelon combined with the green mint leaves, nutty pistachios and the white feta creates a visually appealing dish that is sure to impress your guests and family.

You Will Make this Easy Watermelon Salad all Summer. Why?

1. Refreshing and hydrating: Watermelons are made up of about 92% water. Its very refreshing and hydrating, making it a perfect choice for hot summer days.
2. Easy to prepare: With minimal ingredients and no cooking required, a watermelon salad can be made quickly and easily. This is perfect for those lazy summer days when you don’t want to spend much time in a hot kitchen.
3. Versatile: Watermelon salad can be served as an appetizer, side dish, or dessert. It pairs well with grilled meats, making it an excellent side dish for summer barbecues. Plus, you can always experiment with ingredients like cheese, herbs, and other fruits to create different flavor profiles.
4. Healthy: Watermelon is not only low in calories, but also high in vitamins, such as vitamins A and C.
5. Impressive, yet simple: While easy to make, a well-presented watermelon salad can be a stunning addition to any meal. The vibrant colors of the ingredients make this salad visually appealing, and sure to impress guests at summer parties or gatherings.

Tips to Pick the Best Watermelon

What is the biggest tip for making The BEST Watermelon Salad? Of course, buying the juiciest and sweetest watermelon you can lay hands on. A good, vibrant red watermelon is the star of this recipe. Buying the perfect watermelon can be a bit of a challenge, but here are some tips to help you pick the best one:

1. Look for uniformity: Choose a watermelon that has a uniform shape. It should be symmetrical, whether it’s round or oval. Irregularities might mean that the watermelon grew unevenly, which can affect its taste and texture.
2. Check the field spot: The field spot is the part of the watermelon that was resting on the ground while it was growing. It should be a creamy yellow color. If it’s white or green, the watermelon might not be ripe enough.
3. Tap it: Give it a tap. When you knock on a ripe watermelon, it should have a deep, hollow sound. If it sounds dull, it might be overripe or underripe.
4. Pick it up: Watermelons should feel heavy for their size, no matter how big or small they are. Comparing the weight among several similar-sized watermelons can help you find the ripest one.
5. Inspect the skin: The skin of the watermelon should be relatively smooth and slightly dull. If it’s too shiny, it might not be ripe. Also, check for any cuts, bruises, or blemishes.
6. Check the sugar spots: Sugar spots, or dark rough patches where sugar has seeped out and crystallized, indicate sweetness. However, too many sugar spots can mean the melon is overripe.
7. Uniform color: Look for consistent coloring all over the watermelon. If it has uneven coloring or white streaks, it might not have ripened properly.

Easy Watermelon Salad Ingredients

• Watermelon – We used half of a large watermelon, peeled and cut into cubes. For fancier looking watermelon salad, you can use a melon baller.
• Honey – Accentuates the sweetness.
• Lemon juice – You can use lime juice instead if you prefer.
• Feta Cheese – It’s a must to add the creamy, salty component.
• Mint Leaves – Gives great herby, fresh, cool notes.
• Pistachios – This is what makes our watermelon salad unique with salty, nutty flavor.
• Kosher Salt – Just a pinch for the easy homey, lemon dressing.

Quick Summer Watermelon Salad Recipe

This watermelon salad will be as quick as just cutting your melon and tossing it with a quick dressing and a few toppings.

1. Make honey + lemon dressing: In a bowl, whisk together the honey, lemon juice and a pinch of salt.

2. Toss the salad: In a large bowl, gently toss the watermelon cubes with the above dressing and mix in feta cheese, mint leaves and pistachios. Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator and serve.

Watermelon Salad Variations

Watermelon salad is very versatile, and you can easily make it your own by making a few ingredient additions or substitutions. Here are some of our favorite ideas:

• Watermelon and Cucumber Salad: The most common add-in to watermelon salad is another cool ingredient… cucumber!! Simply chop the cucumber into bite sized pieces and add it to the mix.
• Watermelon and Berry Salad: For a fruitier take, mix your watermelon with blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries.
• Asian Inspired Watermelon Salad: Toss your watermelon with a soy-ginger dressing, then mix in some cucumber, green onions, and sesame seeds. You can even add grilled chicken or tofu for protein.
• Watermelon Caprese Salad: Replace tomatoes with watermelon in a traditional Caprese salad. Pair the watermelon with fresh mozzarella, basil, balsamic glaze, and a drizzle of olive oil.
• Watermelon and Arugula Salad: The peppery arugula contrasts beautifully with the sweet watermelon. Add goat cheese or feta, and perhaps some toasted pine nuts or almonds for crunch.

Tips for the BEST Watermelon Salad

Watermelon salad is pretty much no-fail, as long as you follow three simple tips:

1. Choose the right watermelon: As I mentioned earlier, choosing a ripe, sweet watermelon is crucial for the best watermelon salad. A watermelon that is ripe and juicy will give your salad the sweet and refreshing flavor that it needs.
2. Balance the Flavors: A good watermelon salad depends on a balance of flavors. The sweetness of the watermelon pairs beautifully with salty and tangy elements.
3. Chill before serving: Watermelon salad tastes best when it’s chilled. After preparing your salad, let it chill in the refrigerator for an hour or so. This will help the flavors to meld together, and make the salad even more refreshing.

Leftovers and Storing

Watermelon salad is best eaten the day it’s made, because the watermelon tends to release juices over time, which can make the salad a bit soggy. However, if you have leftovers, they should be still good to eat within 2 days, if properly stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

If it releases liquid over time, simply drain and sprinkle fresh herbs and mix in a dash of fresh lemon juice and honey to keep the flavors going.

Watermelon Salad, a perfect dish to celebrate summer!! This can be your gorgeous centerpiece for your next potluck or pool side party. This can be your summer time snack when you are looking to cool off. Or, it can be the perfect beach snack the next time you’re heading for some beach picnic.

Make this super easy watermelon salad the next time you lay your hands on a sweet watermelon. You sure don’t need much to create this stunning beauty. Keep cool and keep munching…

Watermelon Salad, in our Gypsy Bowl… enjoy!

Try these other summer time favorites!
Pineapple Salsa
Mango Salsa
Peach Salsa
Classic Coleslaw
Cherry Tomato Confit
Rainbow Pasta Salad
Hawaiian Mac Salad
Asian Cucumber Salad