Description
Refreshing watermelon and cucumber salad delivers cool Mediterranean flavors perfect for summer gatherings. Fresh herbs and tangy feta cheese create a delightful balance you’ll crave on hot afternoons.
Ingredients
Scale
Fruits and Vegetables:
- 1 small watermelon, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 6 cups or 1.4 kg)
- 4 medium cucumbers, peeled, seeded, and chopped (about 500 grams)
- 1/2 red onion, finely diced (about 50 grams)
- Handful chopped fresh mint (about 15 grams)
Dressing Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon (21 grams) honey
Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon (6 grams) kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon (3 grams) sea salt
- Pinch ground black pepper (about 0.5 grams)
Instructions
- Dice watermelon and cucumber into uniform, bite-sized cubes for consistent texture and balanced flavor profile.
- Thinly slice red onion to create delicate, translucent rings that will distribute subtle sharpness throughout the salad.
- Chop fresh mint leaves finely to release their aromatic oils and enhance the overall herbaceous quality of the dish.
- Create a vibrant vinaigrette by whisking red wine vinegar with extra virgin olive oil, blending in honey for a touch of sweetness, and seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Gently fold the prepared vegetables and herbs together in a spacious mixing bowl, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
- Drizzle the prepared vinaigrette over the salad, using a light hand to coat the ingredients without overwhelming their natural flavors.
- Toss the salad delicately to prevent crushing the tender watermelon and cucumber pieces, allowing the dressing to mingle with the fresh components.
- Refrigerate the salad for 15-20 minutes to allow flavors to meld and develop, serving chilled for maximum refreshment.
Notes
- Customize the sweetness by adjusting honey levels to suit personal taste preferences.
- Swap red wine vinegar with balsamic or apple cider vinegar for a different flavor profile.
- Add crumbled feta cheese for a creamy, tangy dimension that complements the fresh ingredients.
- Enhance texture by toasting pumpkin or sunflower seeds as a crunchy topping right before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: No cooking method
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 70 kcal
- Sugar: 13 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg