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Watermelon basil salad is a refreshing and delicious summer dish that combines the sweet and juicy flavor of watermelon with the fresh salty taste of feta cheese and the aromatic taste of basil. This salad is perfect for hot summer days and is a great way to enjoy the fresh garden produce that is available during the summer months.
Getting kids to eat salads can be tricky, but what if were made from one of the most kid-friendly fruits … watermelon!! Full of summertime flavours, this quick and easy watermelon basil salad will keep your kiddos happy and have your friends begging to get the recipe!
Every bite of this salad is as refreshing and is as packed with flavor as it looks. Try it once, and you’ll have it all season long! Make sure you also try this easy green bean with goat cheese salad for summertime too!
Why We Love This Recipe
There are many reasons why we love watermelon basil salad. First, it’s a light and refreshing dish that is perfect for hot summer days. The juicy and sweet flavor of the watermelon is perfectly complemented by the fresh and aromatic taste of the basil, creating a unique and delicious flavor combination.
Additionally, watermelon basil salad is easy to make and requires only a few simple ingredients, making it a great option for a quick and healthy meal or side dish. Finally, watermelon basil salad is packed with nutrients, including vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants, making it a healthy and satisfying choice.
Ingredient Substitutes
If you don’t have all the ingredients for this salad, here are some ingredient substitutes you can use:
- Watermelon: If you don’t have watermelon, you can use other types of melons, such as cantaloupe or honeydew. You can also use other fruits, such as strawberries or peaches, for a different flavor profile.
- Feta cheese: If you don’t have feta cheese, you can use other types of cheese, such as goat cheese or blue cheese. You can also use crumbled queso fresco or cotija cheese for a similar salty flavor.
- Basil: If you don’t have fresh basil, you can use other fresh herbs, such as mint or cilantro. You can also use dried herbs, but the flavor may not be as fresh and aromatic.
- Lime: If you don’t have fresh lime, use other citrus fruit or balsamic vinegar. Other types of vinegar, such as red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar, will work, too. You can also use lemon juice for a tangy flavor.
Foods That Compliment Watermelon
Watermelon has a very easy, enjoyable sweet flavour to it. Therefore, there are so many different types of foods that pair well with with it. Due to the neutral, simple flavour watermelon has, foods with bolder flavours complement it very well. Some people find that a boost in acidity will in fact enhance the sweetness of watermelon. Below are a few different foods that go well with watermelon.
- Fruits and Veggies: avocado, pineapple, lemon, lime, red onion, shallots, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, coconut, jalapeño, other honey do melons, arugula lettuce, Romane lettuce, corn.
- Herbs & Spices: mint, chili pepper, salt, ginger.
- Savoury: pork, chicken, halibut, cod, shrimp, scallops, balsamic vinegar.
How to Make Watermelon Basil Salad
Ingredients
- 5 cups of Watermelon
- 1/2 cup of Feta Cheese
- 1 cup Fresh Basil
- Ground Pepper
- Pinch of Salt
- Juice of 1 Fresh Lime
Optional*
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp olive oil
This recipe is based on approximately half of a large watermelon (5 cups) of watermelon but can easily be doubled, tripled or halved.
Directions
- Cut and cube a watermelon into bite-size pieces. You’ll need to peel and cut the watermelon into cubes or bite-sized pieces, but you can also use a melon baller if you’re after a fancier look.
- Add crumbled feta cheese to the watermelon. For the best results, use feta packed in brine as it is creamier and more moist than feta without brine. If you buy feta in brine, it’s very easy to crumble it by hand.
- Roughly chop, cut or tear a handful or packed cup of fresh basil and add to watermelon and feta. You want to have some punch to this salad so you can be generous with the herbs.
- Add a dash of ground pepper and a pinch of salt to the salad.
- Squeeze the juice from a lime onto the salad. Approximately 1/4 – 1/3 cup of juice.
Deb’s Tips and Tricks
This salad tastes amazing no matter how you make it but there are some tips and tricks that can really make the flavor of this salad pop.
- Choose a ripe watermelon: Make sure the watermelon you choose is ripe and sweet. Look for a watermelon that is heavy for its size, has a uniform shape, and has a deep green color on the outside.
- Use fresh basil: Use fresh basil for the best flavor. Rinse the basil leaves in cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel before chopping them.
- Choose a good feta cheese: Use a high-quality feta cheese for the best flavor. Look for a feta cheese that is creamy and tangy, with a salty flavor.
- Keep the ingredients chilled: Make sure to chill the watermelon, feta cheese, and other ingredients before making the salad. This will help keep the salad crisp and refreshing.
- Add other ingredients: Add other ingredients to the salad, such as cucumber, red onion, or mint. These ingredients can add extra flavor and texture to the salad.
- Dress the salad lightly: Use a light dressing, such as olive oil and balsamic vinegar or lemon juice, to dress the salad. This will help enhance the flavors of the watermelon, basil, and feta cheese without overpowering them.
- Serve immediately: Serve the watermelon salad with basil and feta immediately after making it to ensure that it is fresh and crisp.
Hopefully you enjoyed this simple, easy watermelon basil salad. It seems to be a favorite for so many people. If you do try it, don’t forget to leave a review, share it on Pinterest, or let me know your thoughts in the comments below. You can always find me over on Instagram, too.
More Easy Recipes
- Pesto Potato Salad (Healthy and Easy)
- Tomato Mozzarella Basil Salad With Balsamic
- How To Make Homemade Fire Smoked Tomatoes
Frequently Asked
Watermelon and feta cheese are an amazing food combination! The saltiness of the feta cheese compliments the sweetness of watermelon perfectly!
Watermelon is a delicious and refreshing fruit that is high in nutrients and low in calories. There are some foods that you should avoid eating with watermelon to prevent digestive issues or other health problems including most dairy products, acidic or starchy foods, and alcohol.
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Ingredients
- 5 cups of Watermelon
- 1/2 cup of Feta Cheese
- 1 cup Fresh Basil
- Ground Pepper
- Pinch of Salt
- Juice of 1 Fresh Lime
Optional
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Cut and Cube a watermelon into bite-size pieces. You'll need to peel and cut the watermelon into cubes or bite-sized pieces, but you can also use a melon baller, if you're after a fancier look.
- Add crumbled feta cheese to the watermelon. For this recipe, use feta packed in brine as it is creamier and moister than feta without brine. If you get feta in brine, it's very easy to crumble it by hand.
- Roughly chop, cut or tear a handful or packed cup of fresh basil and add to watermelon and feta. You want to have some punch to this salad so you can be generous with the herbs.
- Add a dash of ground pepper and a pinch of salt to the salad.
- Squeeze the juice from a lime onto the salad. Approximately 1/4 – 1/3 cup of juice.
