I could eat my weight in fruit during the hot summer months. Especially cold watermelon. I stinking love ice cold watermelon on a hot summer day. It’s like a sweet treat and a cold drink of water in one.
We have been lucky, summer came late to North Texas. Normally by this time sitting on the deck is like sitting in an oven. But, the afternoons are still bearable enough to enjoy outside. The grill is being fired up almost on a nightly basis. Which is great for me because can sit back with a cup of iced while OB grills my dinner.
Last night was a lazy Sunday night on the deck. There was a slight breeze and you could hear the neighbors outside watching television and the kids in the pool giggling. This is the time of year I most love living in an RV park.
It was dinner time which meant it was time to toss some steaks on the grill. But, at first, I was at a loss what to make to go with the steaks. My kitchen was already clean so I had no interest in making anything complicated. Then I remembered the mini watermelon we had in the refrigerator.
Have you ever had savory watermelon salads? Well, spoiler alert, they are awesome. Savory watermelon salads must be a part of your regular life. This salad is incredibly simple but it packs a lot of flavors. Sweet watermelon, fragrant dressing, salty cheese, tangy onions, and peppery arugula create a salad worth swooning over.
If you want to take the extra step you can grill the watermelon. But, I personally like the watermelon fresh and cold. There is something about the cold sweet watermelon against the salty cheese and pickled onions that are extra satisfying.
more summer salad love
- grilled peach and bacon pasta salad with honey herb vinaigrette
- big green salad with mint dill vinaigrette
- summer fruit dinner salad
- grilled summer vegetable salad
- summer arugula salad with basil vinaigrette
- southwest bbq chicken salad
Watermelon Summer Salad with Mint Basil Vinaigrette
This easy salad combines sweet watermelon, fragrant dressing, salty cheese, tangy onions, and peppery arugula create a salad worth swooning over.
Ingredients
- 2 1-1/2 inch slices seedless watermelon, rind removed cut into thirds, total of 6 wedges
- 9 cups arugula
- 1 cup crumbled queso fresco
Pickled Onions
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon of sugar
- 1 tablespoon of salt
- 3/4 cup of white vinegar
- 1/4 cup water
Mint Basil Vinaigrette
- 1/2 cup packed fresh basil leaves, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup packed fresh mint leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon grated orange zest
- 1 tablespoon orange juice
- 1/4 cup white wine vinegar, add more to taste
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Instructions
Pickled Onions
- In a small pot combine sugar, salt, vinegar, and water. Heat over medium-high heat and stir until sugar and salt have dissolved. In a small bowl combine pickling liquid and onions, set aside.
Vinaigrette
- Combine all ingredients in a food processor. Process until herb leaves are minced, and the vinaigrette is emulsified.
- If you do not have a food processor finely minced herb leaves. Combine all ingredients in an airtight container and shake until well combined and emulsified.
- Divide arugula evenly between six plates. Place a watermelon wedge on each plate, top with some pickled onions, sprinkle with queso fresco and drizzle salads with the desired amount of vinaigrette.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield:
6Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 290Total Fat: 23gSaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 17gCholesterol: 14mgSodium: 1607mgCarbohydrates: 15gFiber: 2gSugar: 10gProtein: 6g
Just wanted to tell you how great you look after all your hard work. Now I’ll look forward to recipes that enhance and maintain your new you. Great job, Mesaidy! I have a close Puerto Rican friend who has told me so much about her cultural food. I love when you blog a recipe for a food she has either told me about or a food she’s either cooked for me or we’ve ordered at a Latino restaurant. I’ve enjoyed your columns the past year and a half and look forward to what you’ll have in future. All the best to you, your husband, and your two pooches!