Summer is knocking on the door and we are ready to welcome it with wide arms since it will include lots of this refreshing and simple Summer Watermelon Salad recipe. Juicy watermelon, salty feta, extra virgin olive oil and fresh basil combine to form this incredible summer salad in minutes.
Simple Summer Recipes
We try not to play favorites, but it we had to choose, summer would be our favorite season. The sunshine, break from school and warm summer evenings just take us to our happy place.
One of our favorite reasons is all the fresh summer produce. Berries galore, sweet summer corn and juicy stone fruits are high on our list of favorites. And then there is the quintessential summer fruit…ripe, sweet, juicy watermelon.
This Watermelon Salad Recipe could not be easier. It only requires 5 simple ingredients – watermelon, feta, basil, olive oil and black pepper. Not cooking required, making it perfect for summer days when it’s just too hot too cook.
Adding Watermelon to Salad Recipes
We are no strangers to adding watermelon to salads. The texture and flavor just pairs well with so many types of salads and ingredients.
One of our favorites is our Watermelon Panzanella Salad recipe. Toasted breadcrumbs, juicy watermelon and peppery arugula are a winning trio of flavors.
This watermelon salad recipe is similar but doesn’t require toasting any bread or even any salad greens. It’s light, refreshing and would make a great side dish for lunch, dinner or even an afternoon snack.
This is a great article on How to Pick a Watermelon to ensure you get a fresh, ripe one.
Health Benefits of Watermelon
This juicy fruit isn’t just delicious, it’s also nutritious.
- 1 cup of watermelon contains ~5 ounces of water, which adds to your daily fluid consumption. Ensuring adequate hydration (including from water rich foods) support healthy skin, digestion, circulation, body temperature, metabolism and GIi function
- Supports immune function, thanks to the Vitamin A and C found in watermelon
- May help lower blood pressure by helping blood vessels relax
- Defend against disease – thanks to the high levels of lycopene, which is an antioxidant found in red/pink colored foods
Refreshing Summer Watermelon Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 medium watermelon, cubed (about 4 cups)
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp basil, chopped
Instructions
- Place the cubed watermelon in a large bowl
- Sprinkle with feta cheese, drizzle with olive oil, add black pepper nad top with chopped basil
- Mix to combine and enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
I’ve only ever tested this recipe with feta cheese but I think it would work just as well with goat cheese or fresh mozzarella as well. If using another type of cheese you may need to add a pinch of salt
I would hold off on adding the olive oil until just before serving but otherwise, yes you could prepare in advance and just dress with oil right before serving.
If you don’t want to add fresh basil, you could also substitute with fresh mint
More Summer Fresh Meal Ideas
If you are looking for even more fresh, summer time meal ideas then check out our Summertime Meal board on Pinterest.
https://www.pinterest.com/thedomesticdietitian/summertime-meal-ideas/
Hello, I’m new to the Mediterranean Diet, and I’m looking for a good book for a beginner. Can you recommend a book? Thanks!
Hi Tom and welcome to the Mediterranean diet! Last year I published a cookbook called The Mediterranean Diet Made Easy that is a great book for beginners. Avaialbe pretty much wherever books are sold, including on amazon here – https://amzn.to/3xouWy9
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