As the summer heat sets in, there’s nothing quite like a refreshing and light watermelon salad to quench your thirst and satisfy your taste buds. Watermelon is a staple ingredient during the warmer months, and when paired with a variety of other fruits, vegetables, nuts, and cheeses, it can elevate any meal from ordinary to extraordinary. In this article, we’ll explore 18 different refreshing watermelon salad recipes that are perfect for hot summer days.
From classic combinations like feta and mint, to spicy twists featuring cucumber and chili lime dressing, these salads offer a world of flavors and textures to choose from. Whether you’re in the mood for something simple and sweet, or bold and adventurous, we’ve got you covered with our collection of watermelon salad recipes. So go ahead, grab some fresh watermelon, and get ready to beat the heat with one of these 18 refreshing salads!
Classic Watermelon Feta Salad with Mint
A refreshing summer salad that combines sweet watermelon, tangy feta cheese, and fragrant mint for a perfect blend of flavors.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups diced seedless watermelon (about 1 small melon)
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the diced watermelon and chopped mint.
2. Crumble the feta cheese into small pieces and add it to the bowl.
3. Drizzle the olive oil and lemon juice over the salad and toss gently.
4. 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 cold salad!
Spicy Watermelon Cucumber Salad
A refreshing twist on traditional salads, this Spicy Watermelon Cucumber Salad combines the sweetness of watermelon with the coolness of cucumber and a kick from spicy peppers. Perfect for hot summer days!
Ingredients:
– 2 cups diced seedless watermelon
– 1 large cucumber, peeled and thinly sliced
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
– 2 tablespoons lime juice
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine diced watermelon and cucumber slices.
2. Add the chopped jalapeño pepper and sprinkle with salt to taste.
3. Stir in chopped cilantro and lime juice.
4. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Watermelon Arugula Salad with Balsamic Glaze
This Watermelon Arugula Salad with Balsamic Glaze is a perfect blend of sweet and tangy flavors, ideal for hot summer days. A simple yet impressive salad that’s sure to impress your friends and family.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups watermelon chunks
– 4 cups arugula leaves
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
– 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
– 2 tbsp balsamic glaze (see below for recipe)
Balsamic Glaze:
– 1 cup balsamic vinegar
– 1/4 cup honey
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine watermelon chunks and arugula leaves.
2. If using, sprinkle feta cheese and chopped nuts over the salad.
3. Drizzle Balsamic Glaze over the salad and toss to coat.
4. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: None! This salad is ready in 5 minutes or less.
Grilled Watermelon Salad with Goat Cheese
A refreshing summer salad that combines the sweetness of grilled watermelon with the tanginess of goat cheese, perfect for hot weather gatherings or a light lunch.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups diced seedless watermelon
– 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese (chèvre)
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 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.
3. Grill watermelon for 2-3 minutes per side, or until slightly caramelized.
4. In a large bowl, combine grilled watermelon, crumbled goat cheese, and chopped mint leaves.
5. Drizzle lemon juice over the salad and toss to combine.
6. Serve immediately, garnished with additional mint leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Watermelon Avocado Salad with Lime Dressing
This salad combines the sweetness of watermelon with the creaminess of avocado, all tied together with a zesty lime dressing. Perfect for hot summer days or as a light and refreshing side dish.
Ingredients:
– 3 cups diced seedless watermelon (about 1 small melon)
– 2 ripe avocados, diced
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine watermelon and avocado.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice and olive oil.
3. Pour the dressing over the watermelon-avocado mixture and toss to coat.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves, if desired.
6. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: None! This salad is ready in just a few minutes.
Watermelon Tomato Basil Salad
This refreshing Watermelon Tomato Basil Salad is a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors, ideal for hot summer days. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a delicious side dish or light lunch that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups diced watermelon
– 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the diced watermelon and halved cherry tomatoes.
2. Sprinkle the chopped basil leaves over the top of the fruit and vegetables.
3. Drizzle the olive oil over the salad and toss gently to combine.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Watermelon Jicama Salad with Chili Lime Dressing
Beat the heat with this refreshing summer salad featuring sweet watermelon and crunchy jicama, topped with a zesty chili lime dressing. Perfect for warm weather gatherings or a light lunch.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups diced seedless watermelon
– 1 medium jicama, peeled and diced
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine watermelon and jicama.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, honey, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
3. Pour the dressing over the watermelon mixture; toss to coat.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
5. Just before serving, garnish with fresh cilantro leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes (prep time only)
Watermelon Radish Salad with Honey Lime Dressing
This refreshing salad combines the sweetness of watermelon with the crunch and spiciness of radishes, all tied together with a zesty honey lime dressing. Perfect for hot summer days or as a light and satisfying side dish.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups diced seedless watermelon
– 1 cup thinly sliced watermelon radish
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the diced watermelon and sliced radish.
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 to taste.
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 Berry Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing
Beat the heat with this light and fruity salad that combines sweet watermelon, tangy berries, and a nutty poppy seed dressing.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups diced watermelon (rind removed)
– 1 cup mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 tablespoons poppy seeds
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine watermelon and berries.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper to make the dressing.
3. Pour the dressing over the watermelon mixture and toss to coat.
4. Sprinkle poppy seeds on top and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes (prep), 0 minutes (cooking)
Watermelon Quinoa Salad with Feta and Herbs
A refreshing summer salad that combines the sweetness of watermelon with the tanginess of feta, all on a bed of nutty quinoa. This light and flavorful dish is perfect for warm weather gatherings or as a quick lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked quinoa
– 2 cups diced seedless watermelon (about 1 small melon)
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook the quinoa according to package instructions.
2. In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, diced watermelon, and crumbled feta cheese.
3. Sprinkle the chopped fresh mint leaves over the top of the salad.
4. Drizzle the olive oil over the salad and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Watermelon Chickpea Salad with Tahini Dressing
This Watermelon Chickpea Salad with Tahini Dressing is a perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and creamy flavors that will quench your thirst on a hot summer day. With the combination of juicy watermelon, crunchy chickpeas, and a rich tahini dressing, this salad is sure to become your new go-to for outdoor gatherings or quick lunches.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups diced seedless watermelon
– 1 cup cooked chickpeas
– 1/4 cup tahini
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh mint leaves, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine watermelon and chickpeas.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, lime juice, and honey until smooth.
3. Pour the dressing over the watermelon-chickpea mixture and toss to coat.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Garnish with fresh mint leaves, if desired.
6. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: None! This salad is ready in just a few minutes.
Watermelon Pomegranate Salad with Mint
Summer’s sweetest flavors come together in this refreshing salad, perfect for hot days and outdoor gatherings. This vibrant combination of watermelon, pomegranate, and mint will quench your thirst and satisfy your taste buds.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups diced seedless watermelon
– 1 cup arils from pomegranate seeds
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves
– 2 tablespoons lime juice
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the diced watermelon and pomegranate arils.
2. Stir in the chopped fresh mint leaves.
3. Squeeze the lime juice over the salad and toss gently.
4. Season with salt to taste.
Cooking Time: None! This salad is ready in just 5 minutes.
Watermelon Spinach Salad with Candied Pecans
This refreshing summer salad combines sweet watermelon with peppery spinach and crunchy candied pecans, perfect for a light and satisfying meal or as a side dish.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups fresh baby spinach leaves
– 2 cups diced seedless watermelon (about 1 small melon)
– 1/2 cup candied pecans (see recipe below)
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Candied Pecans:
– 1/2 cup pecan halves
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon water
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine spinach and diced watermelon.
2. In a small saucepan, combine brown sugar, water, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
3. Add pecan halves to the saucepan and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes or until caramelized.
4. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil and white wine vinegar.
6. Pour dressing over salad and toss to combine.
7. Top with crumbled feta cheese (if using) and candied pecans.
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Watermelon Caprese Salad with Balsamic Reduction
Watermelon Caprese Salad with Balsamic Reduction: A refreshing twist on the classic caprese salad, this sweet and savory dish combines juicy watermelon, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil with a tangy balsamic reduction.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups diced seedless watermelon
– 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
– 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil
– Salt to taste
– 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine diced watermelon and sliced mozzarella.
2. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt to taste.
3. Top with chopped basil.
4. To make the balsamic reduction, bring balsamic vinegar to a boil in a small saucepan over medium-high heat.
5. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the glaze has thickened slightly.
6. Pour the balsamic reduction over the watermelon mixture and serve.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes (balsamic reduction only)
Watermelon Greek Salad with Kalamata Olives
This refreshing salad combines the sweetness of watermelon with the tanginess of feta cheese, the brininess of kalamata olives, and the crunch of mixed greens.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, lettuce)
– 2 cups diced seedless watermelon
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1/4 cup pitted and sliced Kalamata olives
– 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
– 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
– 1 tbsp white wine vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, watermelon, feta cheese, Kalamata olives, and red onion.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil and white wine vinegar.
3. Pour dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Watermelon Mango Salad with Coconut Lime Dressing
Refresh your senses with this sweet and tangy salad, perfect for warm weather gatherings or a light lunch.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups diced watermelon (seedless)
– 1 cup diced ripe mango
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves
– 1/4 cup shredded coconut
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine watermelon and mango.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice and honey until well combined.
3. Add the coconut and mint leaves to the dressing mixture; stir to combine.
4. Pour the dressing over the fruit mixture; toss gently to coat.
5. Season with salt to taste.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Watermelon Kale Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
This sweet and savory salad combines the freshness of watermelon with the earthiness of kale, all tied together with a zesty lemon vinaigrette. Perfect for a light lunch or dinner, this recipe is sure to become a summer favorite.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups curly kale, stems removed and discarded, leaves torn into bite-sized pieces
– 3 cups diced watermelon (about 1 small melon)
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, massage the kale leaves with your hands for about 2 minutes to help soften the fibers.
2. Add the diced watermelon to the bowl and toss gently to combine.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, and honey until well combined.
4. Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and toss to coat.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Watermelon Farro Salad with Basil and Parmesan
This light and refreshing salad is perfect for hot summer days. The combination of sweet watermelon, nutty farro, and tangy parmesan cheese, all tied together with fresh basil, will transport you to a state of culinary bliss.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked farro
– 2 cups diced seedless watermelon
– 1/4 cup freshly chopped basil leaves
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the cooked farro, watermelon, basil, and Parmesan cheese.
2. Drizzle the olive oil over the salad and toss gently to combine.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve immediately, or refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Summary
Beat the summer heat with these refreshing watermelon salad recipes! From classic combinations to unique twists, we’ve got you covered. Try pairing juicy watermelon with salty feta and minty freshness, or add some spice with cucumber and chili lime dressing. Other standouts include arugula with balsamic glaze, grilled watermelon with goat cheese, and a fruity mix of berries and poppy seed dressing. Whether you’re looking for light and easy or bold and exciting, these 18 recipes will quench your thirst for something new and delicious this summer.
