The Viral Watermelon Summer Salad You Need To Make
Looking for a refreshing and tasty salad to enjoy this summer? Look no further than this viral watermelon salad! Packed with juicy watermelon, crunchy cucumbers, tangy feta, and a zesty lime dressing, this salad is a perfect blend of flavors that will have you coming back for more.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Bursting with flavors: The combination of sweet watermelon, savory feta, and fresh herbs creates a flavor explosion in every bite.
- Quick and easy to make: This salad comes together in minutes, making it perfect for a last-minute BBQ or potluck dish.
- Versatile and customizable: You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.
Ingredient Notes:
Dressing:
- Lime (juice and zest): Adds a bright and citrusy flavor to the dressing.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Provides richness and helps bind the ingredients together.
- Sea salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness of the watermelon.
Salad:
- Jalapeño (finely chopped): Optional for a spicy kick.
- Fresh basil and mint (chopped): Adds a refreshing and aromatic touch.
- Mini watermelon (cubed): The star ingredient that gives the salad its sweetness.
- Persian cucumbers (cut into half-moons): Adds crunch and freshness.
- Crumbled feta: Adds a creamy and tangy element to the salad.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, lime zest, olive oil, and sea salt to make the dressing.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine jalapeño, basil, mint, watermelon, cucumbers, and feta.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat.
- Serve the salad chilled and enjoy!
Helpful Tips:
- For a sweeter salad, choose a ripe and juicy watermelon.
- Add a sprinkle of black pepper for an extra kick.
- Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Use fresh herbs for maximum flavor.
- Adjust the amount of jalapeño based on your spice tolerance.
- Let the salad marinate in the dressing for at least 30 minutes for the flavors to meld.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve this watermelon salad as a side dish to grilled chicken or fish. Pair it with a crisp white wine or a fruity cocktail for a perfect summer meal.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
Store any leftovers in the fridge, but note that the salad is best enjoyed fresh due to the water content in the ingredients. Do not freeze.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use regular cucumbers instead of Persian cucumbers? Yes, but peel and seed them before adding to the salad.
- How can I make this salad vegan? Substitute the feta cheese with a vegan alternative or omit it altogether.
- Can I make the dressing ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the dressing and store it in the fridge for up to a week.
- Can I add other fruits to this salad? Yes, feel free to experiment with adding other fruits like strawberries or mango.
Conclusion:
Don’t let summer pass you by without trying this irresistible watermelon salad! Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or looking for a light and refreshing meal, this salad is sure to impress. Give it a try and share your feedback with us!
PrintThe Viral Watermelon Summer Salad You Need To Make
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 0 mins
- Total Time: 15 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salads
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This refreshing watermelon summer salad is a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors. The juicy watermelon, crisp cucumbers, and tangy feta cheese are complemented by a zesty lime dressing, making it a must-have dish for your next summer gathering.
Ingredients
Dressing:
- 1/2 lime, juice and zest
- 3–4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
Salad:
- 1 teaspoon jalapeño, finely chopped (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
- 1 mini watermelon, cubed
- 3 Persian cucumbers, cut into half-moons
- 3/4 cup crumbled feta
Instructions
- Prepare Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, lime zest, olive oil, and sea salt until well combined.
- Assemble Salad: In a large serving bowl, combine jalapeño, basil, mint, watermelon, cucumbers, and feta. Toss gently to mix.
- Add Dressing: Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss again to coat everything evenly.
- Serve: Garnish with additional herbs if desired and serve chilled.
Notes
- You can adjust the spiciness by adding more or less jalapeño to suit your taste preferences.
- Feel free to add other fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for extra flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg