Tired of heavy meals? Craving something refreshing and bursting with flavor? Then look no further! This vibrant watermelon salad with basil is the perfect healthy meal, quick dinner idea, and delicious dish for those hot summer days. It’s surprisingly easy to make, requiring minimal cooking time, making it ideal for even the busiest weeknights. This homemade cooking creation is a testament to how simple ingredients can create a truly unforgettable culinary experience. Get ready to elevate your summer salads with this best recipe!
Ingredients:
- 4 cups cubed seedless watermelon (about half a small watermelon)
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional, but highly recommended!)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
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Prep the Watermelon: Gently cube your watermelon, removing any seeds. Aim for bite-sized pieces for easy eating.
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Prepare the Aromatics: Thinly slice the red onion. If you find red onion too pungent, you can soak it in ice water for 10 minutes to mellow the flavor. Chop the fresh basil leaves.
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Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, gently toss together the cubed watermelon, red onion, and basil.
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Dress the Salad: In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Pour the dressing over the watermelon mixture and toss gently to coat. Be careful not to over-toss, as you don't want to break up the watermelon.
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Add Feta (Optional): Just before serving, crumble the feta cheese over the salad. This adds a delightful salty and creamy contrast to the sweetness of the watermelon.
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Serve & Enjoy: Serve immediately for the freshest flavor. This salad is best enjoyed chilled, so you can pop it in the fridge for a short while before serving if you prefer.
Tips for the Best Watermelon Salad:
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Choose Ripe Watermelon: Selecting a ripe watermelon is key to a delicious salad. A ripe watermelon will have a deep red interior and a slightly sweet aroma. Gently thump it – a dull sound indicates ripeness.
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Don't Overdress: A little dressing goes a long way. Start with less and add more if needed, as you can always add more, but you can’t take it away!
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Fresh is Best: Using fresh basil makes all the difference. The vibrant flavor is crucial to this recipe.
Variations:
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Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
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Mint Twist: Substitute fresh mint for some or all of the basil.
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Cucumber Crunch: Add some diced cucumber for extra refreshing crunch.
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Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken or shrimp for a heartier salad.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 150-200 (depending on feta cheese inclusion)
- Fat: 5-10g
- Protein: 5-8g
- Carbohydrates: 25-30g
- Fiber: 1-2g
This easy recipe is a wonderful way to enjoy the sweetness of summer. It’s perfect as a light lunch, a side dish, or a refreshing dessert. The combination of sweet watermelon, savory feta, and fragrant basil creates a symphony of flavors that will leave you wanting more. Enjoy this healthy and delicious addition to your summer food recipes repertoire!