Watermelon basil salad is the ultimate summer dish, combining red and green leaf lettuces with the sweetness of fresh watermelon. It has a basil vinaigrette drizzled over the top with a sprinkling of feta cheese.
Refreshing Watermelon Basil Salad: A Taste of Summer
As summer approaches, it’s the perfect time to indulge in light and refreshing salads. One of my all-time favorites is Watermelon Basil Salad, inspired by a dish from Elizabeth on 37th Restaurant in Savannah, Georgia. This quick and easy salad brings together the crispness of lettuce, the sweetness of watermelon, and the tangy flavor of feta cheese, making it a go-to option for warm-weather meals.
Watermelon Basil Salad: Quick Preparation for Busy Days
One of the best things about Watermelon Basil Salad is how quickly you can whip it up. Within just ten minutes, you can have a beautiful salad ready to serve. Simply wash and tear the lettuce, slice the watermelon, and blend the dressing—it’s that straightforward! This makes it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or spontaneous gatherings.
Customizable Ingredients
While the basic ingredients work harmoniously together, you can easily customize this salad to suit your taste. For instance, if you’re not a fan of feta, replace it with goat cheese or another cheese, or leave it out entirely for a dairy-free option. Similarly, feel free to experiment with different herbs or even add nuts for an extra crunch. Personalizing this salad allows you to make it uniquely yours.
Other Salads You Might Like
Click on each name or photo to link to the recipe.
Watermelon Basil Salad
Equipment
- small blender or immersion blender
Ingredients
Salad Dressing Ingredients
- â…“ cup white wine vinegar
- â…“ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- ¼ teaspoon dried basil flakes
- 1 pinch of black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
Salad Ingredients
- 1 head green leaf lettuce
- 1 head red leaf lettuce
- 8 5-inch watermelon spears
- 2 tablespoons feta cheese, crumbled
- fresh basil sprigs for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Salad Dressing Directions
- Place all salad dressing ingredients in a food processor (or use an immersion blender). Blend well. Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
Salad Instructions
- Wash and tear the lettuce. Break into smaller pieces and place on the salad plates.
- Top with two watermelon spears.
- Place 2-3 tablespoons of salad dressing on each salad.
- Sprinkle feta cheese on each salad. Garnish with fresh basil sprigs.
Nutrition
