Description
This Strawberry Watermelon Salad is a refreshing and vibrant summer dish combining sweet strawberries, juicy watermelon, crisp cucumber, and fresh mint, all tossed in a light honey-balsamic dressing. Perfectly balanced with optional crumbled feta cheese for a salty contrast, this easy-to-make salad is ideal for picnics, barbecues, or as a cooling side dish on warm days.
Ingredients
Scale
Fruits and Vegetables
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 4 cups watermelon, cubed (seedless preferred)
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
Dressing
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey (or agave syrup for a vegan option)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
Instructions
- Wash the Fruits and Vegetables: Rinse strawberries, watermelon, cucumber, and mint leaves under cold water to ensure they are clean and fresh before preparation.
- Hull and Slice the Strawberries: Remove the green tops from the strawberries and slice them into thin, even pieces to distribute flavor in the salad.
- Cube the Watermelon: Cut the watermelon into manageable sections, remove the rind, and slice into bite-sized cubes for easy eating.
- Dice the Cucumber: Peel the cucumber if preferred, slice it lengthwise, remove seeds, and then chop into small cubes to add crispness to the salad.
- Slice the Red Onion: Thinly slice the red onion. For a milder flavor, soak the slices in cold water for 10 minutes, then drain well.
- Chop the Mint: Stack the mint leaves, roll them tightly, and slice into thin ribbons to distribute aromatic freshness throughout the salad.
- Prepare the Feta Cheese: If using, crumble the feta cheese into small pieces to provide a salty, creamy contrast in the salad.
- Combine the Dressing Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and honey until the dressing is smooth and emulsified.
- Season the Dressing: Add salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the sweetness or acidity to your preference for a balanced dressing.
- Combine the Fruits and Vegetables: In a large bowl, gently toss the strawberries, watermelon cubes, diced cucumber, and red onion slices to mix evenly.
- Add the Mint and Feta: Sprinkle the chopped mint and crumbled feta cheese over the mixed salad ingredients for added flavor and texture.
- Drizzle the Dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad and gently toss to ensure everything is well coated.
- Taste and Adjust: Sample the salad and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or a squeeze of lemon juice if desired for brightness.
- Chill the Salad: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill.
- Serve: Before serving, toss the salad gently again and transfer to serving bowls or plates, garnishing with extra mint if desired.
- Enjoy: Serve this salad as a refreshing side dish perfect for summer picnics or warm-day meals.
Notes
- Seedless watermelon is preferred to avoid any hard seeds in the salad.
- Soaking the red onion reduces its sharpness and mellows the flavor.
- For a vegan option, substitute honey with agave syrup and omit feta cheese or use a vegan cheese alternative.
- This salad tastes best when served chilled but can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
- Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or lime juice for an extra zing, if desired.
- Optional garnishes include additional mint leaves or a sprinkle of toasted nuts for added crunch.
