Watermelon Tomato Salad Recipe

This watermelon and cherry tomato salad is my new go-to summer hack for staying refreshed and impressing my friends with minimal effort. It’s got that perfect mix of sweet, savory, and tangy vibes, thanks to the juicy watermelon, ripe tomatoes, and a zesty olive oil and balsamic drizzle—plus, feta makes everything a party!

How I love how the sweet juiciness of watermelon pairs with the tartness of cherry tomatoes in this refreshing salad. I think the red onion and fresh basil leaves add a nice touch—pop and color, flavor, and feel.

Feta, a fresh cheese, adds that creamy medial flavor. A drizzle of olive oil and balsamic vinegar rounds this out perfectly.

Watermelon Tomato Salad Recipe Ingredients

• Watermelon, cubed: Naturally sweet, hydrating, rich in vitamins A and C.
• Cherry tomatoes, halved: Juicy, tangy, excellent source of antioxidants.
• Red onion, thinly sliced: Adds crunch and sharp flavor, boosts immunity.
• Fresh basil leaves, torn: Aromatic, refreshing, supports digestion.
• Crumbled feta cheese: Creamy, salty, high in calcium and protein.
• Olive oil: Heart-healthy fats, enhances flavors, anti-inflammatory properties.
• Balsamic vinegar: Sweet and sour, adds depth, low in calories.

Watermelon Tomato Salad Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 4 cups watermelon, cubed
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

How to Make this Watermelon Tomato Salad Recipe

1. In a big mixing bowl, mix the cubed watermelon and the cherry tomatoes cut in half.

2. Place the bowl in front of you. Add to it the red onion, which you have sliced thinly.

3. With a gentle touch, combine the watermelon, tomatoes, and red onion. Tossing is preferred, but you may stir if you must.

4. Place the fresh basil leaves, which have been torn, over the salad.

5. Top with crumbled feta cheese.

6. Whisk the olive oil and balsamic vinegar together in a small bowl until they have formed a good emulsion.

7. Douse the salad with the olive oil and balsamic mixture.

8. Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste in the salad.

9. Toss the salad with care to make sure that all the components are equally dressed with the vinaigrette.

10. Serve right away, or cool in the fridge for 15 to 20 minutes so that the flavors can blend together. Enjoy!

Watermelon Tomato Salad Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Large mixing bowl
2. Knife
3. Cutting board
4. Small bowl
5. Whisk or fork
6. Measuring cups
7. Measuring spoons
8. Serving utensils or salad tongs

FAQ

• Q: Can I use a different type of cheese instead of feta?You can use goat cheese or queso fresco instead of feta. Yes, you can.
• Q: How can I make this salad vegan?A: Skip the feta cheese, or swap it for a vegan cheese option.
• Q: Can I prepare this salad in advance?A: The optimal way to serve it is fresh, but you can ready the components beforehand and mix them just prior to serving.
• Q: What is the best way to store leftovers?A: Store uneaten food in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. The salad may become mushy; eat it ASAP.
• Q: Can I add a protein to this salad?A: Definitely! This salad is sweet and zesty, and it could easily accompany chicken or shrimp, grilled or otherwise, for a heartier meal.
• Q: Is there a substitute for balsamic vinegar?Alternative options are red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar.

Watermelon Tomato Salad Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Watermelon: Instead, use cantaloupe or honeydew melon. Both sharing a melon’s texture, they serve up an equally refreshing dish. But while the latter duo are just as sweet as watermelon, they offer distinctly different flavors that promise a unique take on a classic.
Grape tomatoes or heirloom tomatoes can be used to make cherry tomatoes for variety in taste and texture.
Red sweet onion: Use green onions for a milder onion flavor.
Substituting with fresh mint leaves gives you a refreshing twist on using fresh basil.
Feta cheese can be replaced by either goat cheese or ricotta salata. Both alternatives can introduce a different kind of creamy, salty taste to your dish.

Pro Tips

1. Chill the Ingredients For a refreshing salad, chill the watermelon, cherry tomatoes, and feta cheese in the refrigerator before assembling the salad. This will enhance the overall flavor and provide a crisp texture.

2. Seedless Watermelon Use seedless watermelon to avoid the hassle of removing seeds. This makes preparation quicker and ensures a smooth eating experience.

3. Optimize Basil Flavor Tear the basil leaves gently by hand rather than cutting them. This prevents bruising and helps retain their aromatic oils for a more pronounced flavor.

4. Marinate the Onion To mellow the sharpness of the red onion, soak the thin slices in cold water for about 10 minutes before adding them to the salad. This will reduce their pungency while keeping their crisp texture.

5. Balsamic Reduction For a more intense flavor, consider using a balsamic reduction instead of regular balsamic vinegar. It adds a sweeter, more concentrated taste that complements the sweet watermelon and the tangy feta.