How to Make a Refreshing Watermelon Salad (Easy & Healthy!)

Looking for a light, healthy, and hydrating dish to beat the summer heat? This Watermelon Salad is the perfect choice! Bursting with juicy watermelon, fresh mint, and creamy feta, it’s a refreshing combination that’s both simple and satisfying. Whether you’re hosting a BBQ, planning a picnic, or just need a quick side dish, this salad comes together in minutes and always impresses. For the ultimate summer pairing, try it with our Refreshing Watermelon Passion Drink — the duo makes a delicious, cooling combo you’ll want all season long.

📝 Ingredients

• Watermelon – 4.4 lbs (1.7 kg), cubed
• Iceberg lettuce – 3.3 cups (180 g), chopped
• Speck – 2.5 oz (70 g), sliced (or substitute with prosciutto)
• Peeled almonds – 0.6 cup (80 g), roughly chopped
• Pumpkin seeds – 1.4 oz (40 g), shelled
• Extra virgin olive oil – 2 tbsp (30 g)
• Fresh mint – to taste, chopped
• Fine salt – to taste
• Black pepper – to taste
• Balsamic vinegar – 1⅓ tbsp (20 g)

Step-by-Step Watermelon Salad :

To start preparing the watermelon salad, trim the speck by removing the fatty part with a knife. Then, slice it into thin strips and cut them into small cubes. Set aside. Next, prepare the iceberg lettuce by cutting it in half and removing the central core.

Next, toast the almonds in a hot pan over medium heat for about 3 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning. In a separate pan, toast the pumpkin seeds for about 1 minute, as they require less time. Stir often, then set both aside to cool.

Cut the watermelon in half to portion out the amount needed for the recipe. Slice it into rounds approximately ¾ inch (2 cm) thick, then remove the rind along with the pale, hard inner layer, which can be bitter. This will give you about 1.5 lbs (700 g) of sweet, juicy watermelon flesh.

Cut each slice of watermelon into ¾ inch (2 cm) cubes and carefully remove any seeds. Once the watermelon is prepped, you’re ready to assemble the salad. In a large bowl, combine the chopped iceberg lettuce and the toasted almonds. This creates a crisp, nutty base that will perfectly complement the sweetness of the watermelon and the other ingredients to come.

Add the toasted pumpkin seeds and diced speck, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Drizzle with olive oil to finish.

Mix everything together, then gently fold in the watermelon cubes. Season with balsamic vinegar and toss again to blend all the flavors. Finally, garnish with fresh mint leaves. Your refreshing watermelon salad is now ready to serve!

Pro Tip:

Get creative with your watermelon salad by trying different ingredients! Add salty black olives or flavorful cheeses like Pecorino, feta, or Asiago for a tasty twist. Swap out almonds and pumpkin seeds for walnuts or pistachios for extra crunch. You can also experiment with fresh additions like cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, or juicy peaches to discover new delicious combinations!

This refreshing watermelon salad is the perfect blend of sweet, savory, and crunchy—ideal for hot summer days or anytime you want a light, flavorful dish. Easy to prepare and endlessly customizable, it’s sure to become a favorite at your table. Give it a try, and don’t forget to pair it with our Refreshing Watermelon Passion Drink for the ultimate summer experience!

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