Watermelon Salad With Watercress
A vibrant, refreshing watermelon salad combined with peppery watercress, red onion, and mint, perfect for summer gatherings and light, flavorful meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut the watermelon in half horizontally, reserving one half for another use.
- Use a small paring knife to carefully cut around the remaining watermelon half, just inside the rind.
- Cut the fruit crosswise into 1-inch slices, leaving the rind intact.
- Remove each slice from the shell and pile the slices back into the shell.
- Cover and chill the watermelon slices for up to 6 hours.
- Before serving, arrange the watermelon slices on a serving platter.
- Sprinkle with snipped fresh watercress, red onion wedges, and chopped fresh mint.
- Drizzle with olive oil flavored with red pepper or plain olive oil.
- Season with sea salt and coarsely ground black pepper to taste.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding crumbled feta cheese or a sprinkle of chili flakes for heat. If watermelon isn't available, cantaloupe or honeydew can work as a substitute. Fresh herbs like basil or cilantro can replace mint, providing a different but delightful taste. Always taste your salad before serving to adjust seasonings as needed.
Serving Suggestions
This watermelon salad pairs beautifully with grilled meats or fish, making it a refreshing side for summer barbecues. Consider serving it alongside Mediterranean recipes like grilled chicken marinated in olive oil and herbs. For a complete meal, offer a side of Bulghur Wheat Casserole to complement the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover watermelon salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. The texture may change slightly, but the flavors will meld nicely. Avoid freezing, as it can alter the consistency of the watermelon. For best taste, consume it cold and fresh.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Watermelon Salad With Watercress contains roughly 60 calories, with 2g protein, 12g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (12% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 3g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare the salad in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the salad a few hours ahead of time. Just keep the watermelon slices covered and chilled until ready to serve. However, it’s best to add the watercress and dressing just before serving to maintain their freshness and texture.
What can I use instead of watercress?
If watercress is unavailable, arugula or baby spinach can be used as alternatives. Both options provide a similar peppery flavor that complements the sweetness of the watermelon. You can also experiment with mixed greens for a different texture and taste.
Is this salad suitable for vegans?
Yes, this watermelon salad is entirely vegan as it contains no animal products. To enhance its flavor, you can add some chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts for crunch, or even a drizzle of agave syrup for a touch of sweetness.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).