One of my favorite summertime fruits, the watermelon, recently hit its peak this past July in North Carolina. Before watermelon season ends, I hope that you try at least one of three watermelon salad recipes that I share below. Scroll down for all the info!
There is no other local fruit that I find as juicy and refreshing on a hot summer day like a watermelon. While the fruit is perfect on its own, I have incorporated the summer watermelon into both sweet and savory dishes. The crisp sweetness of a watermelon is a perfect accompaniment for sharp cheeses, salty olives, and other fresh herbs and vegetables. Before you scroll to the bottom, read each one of my watermelon salad recipes. Each variation is distinct and is tossed in a dressing or glaze to highlight the cheeses and herbs used.
3 DELICIOUS AND REFRESHING WATERMELON SALAD RECIPES:
1) Watermelon Gorgonzola Salad Recipe with Mint-Lime Dressing
This first watermelon salad recipe is possibly my favorite of the three. The combination of a sharp Gorgonzola cheese against the sweetness of the watermelon is divine. The mint lime dressing pulls all the ingredients together and elevates the mint leaves used in the salad. Among other ingredients, a Mint Simple Syrup is used the Mint Lime Dressing. Click here for the Mint Simple Syrup Recipe.
Watermelon Gorgonzola Salad with Mint-Lime Dressing
Ingredients
Watermelon Gorgonzola Salad with Mint-Lime Dressing
- 4 mini seedless watermelons or one medium seedless watermelon
- 1 medium to large cucumber
- ¾ cup Kalamata Olives whole or sliced
- 5 mint stems
- 4-6 oz Gorgonzola
- ¼ cup Mint-Lime Dressing
Mint Lime Dressing
- 2 tbsp mint simple syrup
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp fresh lime juice
- ⅛ tsp sea salt
Instructions
Watermelon Gorgonzola Salad with Mint-Lime Dressing
- Clean the watermelon's exterior before carving. If you are using mini watermelons and would like to use the rind as a salad bowl, cut a mini watermelon in half. Gently scoop out the watermelon and cut the fruit in 1-2 inch bite size cubes. Place the fruit in a bowl and set aside. If you are using a regular sized watermelon, simply carve the rind and cut the fruit in 1-2 inch bite size pieces.
- Carefully slice one medium whole cucumber using a mandolin. Set cucumber slices aside.
- Cube Gorgonzola into small bite sized cubes. If you prefer to crumble cheese, that works as well. Using 4-6 oz of Gorgonzola in this recipe will be driven by your love of this cheese. As a fanatic of strong and stinky cheeses, I prefer to add 6 oz of this cheese while preparing this recipe.
- If you are using whole Kalamata olives in this recipe, divide them in half. Slice half of the olives horizontally. I incorporate both whole and sliced olives in this recipe because it adds to the presentation.
- After gently rinsing the five mint springs, carefully remove the mint leaves and set aside. The stems can be discarded. While you can chiffonade the mint leaves, I prefer to leave them whole.
- In a large bowl gently combine all ingredients gently. Once the ingredients have been combined, drizzle ¼ cup of the mint-lime dressing on the salad.
- Serve the watermelon salad in the watermelon rind bowls set aside in step one. I hope that you enjoy this salad as much as I do. It is refreshing, delicious and is the perfect summer dish.
Mint-Lime Dressing
- The juice of one lime should yield approximately 3 tablespoons to ¼ cup of lime juice. If the lime you are using is dry, consider using an additional lime.
- Combine all ingredients and lightly whisk. Drizzle the Mint-Lime Dressing over the Watermelon Gorgonzola Salad and enjoy!
Even though the summer salad can be enjoyed alone, it pairs perfectly with proteins such as shrimp, salmon, roasted chicken or grilled steak. While proteins as considered the staple in most meals, this beautiful watermelon salad steals the show. Not only is the salad pretty, but the nuanced flavors are guaranteed to excite your taste buds.
2) Watermelon Basil Goat Cheese Salad with a Balsamic Glaze
I love the versatility of this summer salad recipe because of the multiple cheese and herb combinations that complement the flavors of a watermelon. If Gorgonzola and mint do not strike your fancy, goat cheese and basil are lovely substitutes. To dress the Watermelon Goat Cheese Basil Salad, I recommend a homemade Balsamic Glaze. The sweet and tangy reduction gives the summer salad a Mediterranean flair. Click here for the Homemade Balsamic Glaze recipe.
TOOLS USED IN THESE WATERMELON SALAD RECIPES
3) Watermelon Basil Feta Salad Recipe
While the recipes for the Mint Simple Syrup and Balsamic Glaze are easy to make, time is required to prepare and chill both ingredients. A sprinkle of kosher salt and fresh lime juice is a fresh and wonderful alternative that can be used to dress any version of the watermelon salads I have shared. I particularly like a light drizzle of lime juice and a sprinkle of sea salt on a Watermelon Basil Feta Salad. The saltiness of Greek feta cheese and freshness of the basil leaves also marries beautifully with the Homemade Balsamic Glaze.
I hope that you are able to enjoy one or all versions of these salads before watermelon season ends. If you are a melon fan like me, another fruit that is currently at its peak is the cantaloupe. I use the summer melon to make a refreshing Agua de Melon that is inspired by the wonderful aguas frescas found in Mexico. Click here, for the full recipe.
