Peach Watermelon Salad Recipe

Refreshing Peach Watermelon Salad Recipe for Sunny Days

Summer heat melts away when you discover this vibrant peach watermelon salad that dances with refreshing flavors.

Cool ingredients become unexpected companions in a bowl of pure delight.

Sweet fruit slices intermingle, creating a symphony of colors and textures.

Crisp watermelon chunks complement juicy peach pieces, bringing unexpected harmony to each bite.

Mediterranean touches like fresh mint and crumbled feta add surprising depth to the mix.

Lightweight and hydrating, this salad promises to become your go-to summer sensation.

You will fall in love with how effortlessly these ingredients come together in one spectacular dish.

Peach Watermelon Salad That Screams Summer

Quick Summer Delight: Perfect for cooling down on hot days, this peach watermelon salad delivers instant refreshment with minimal kitchen effort.

Effortless Preparation: Whip up this vibrant dish in just 15 minutes, requiring basic slicing skills and simple blending for the dressing – ideal for home cooks of all levels.

Nutritious and Light: Packed with hydrating fruits and herbs, the salad offers a healthy alternative to heavy summer dishes, providing essential vitamins and a burst of natural sweetness.

Versatile Serving Option: Great as a side dish for barbecues, picnics, or a standalone light lunch, this recipe adapts easily to different meal settings and dietary preferences.

What You Use For Peach Watermelon Salad

Fresh Fruits:
  • Peaches: Sweet, juicy stone fruits that add natural sweetness and soft texture to the salad. Choose ripe, fragrant peaches for the best flavor.
  • Watermelon: Crisp and refreshing summer fruit that provides hydration and cool sweetness. Look for a ripe, vibrant red watermelon.
  • Cucumber: Adds crunch and a light, fresh element to the salad. English cucumbers are seedless and have a delicate skin.
Salad Dressing Components:
  • Avocado Oil, Olive Oil: Smooth base for the dressing that helps blend flavors and adds healthy fats. Choose high-quality, cold-pressed oils.
  • Maple Syrup: Natural sweetener that balances the tangy and herbal notes in the dressing. Pure maple syrup provides the best flavor.
  • Lemon Juice: Bright, acidic element that adds zesty freshness and helps balance the sweetness.
Herb and Seasoning Blend:
  • Basil Leaves: Aromatic herb with a peppery, sweet flavor that complements the fruits. Fresh basil provides the most intense taste.
  • Mint Leaves: Cool, refreshing herb that adds a bright, clean flavor to the salad.
  • Sea Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall flavor profile of the salad.

Peach Watermelon Salad Preparation Steps

Step 1: Prep Fresh Produce

Grab a sharp knife and slice peaches, watermelon, and English cucumber into delightful bite-sized cubes.

Make sure your cuts are even so each bite is perfectly balanced with different flavors.

Step 2: Create Fruit Base

Transfer all your beautifully chopped produce into a spacious mixing bowl.

Let the colors and textures mingle and dance together, creating a vibrant summer palette.

Step 3: Whip Up Zesty Dressing

Pull out your blender or food processor and toss in these ingredients:
  • Avocado oil
  • Maple syrup
  • Fresh lemon juice
  • Basil leaves
  • Mint leaves
  • Sea salt
  • Black pepper

Blend everything until you have a silky smooth, aromatic dressing that will make your taste buds sing.

Step 4: Combine and Coat

Gently pour the dressing over your fruit mixture.

Use a soft spatula to carefully toss and coat every piece, ensuring each cube gets a delicious flavor bath.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

For maximum refreshment, pop the salad into the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes.

This quick chill will enhance the flavors and give you a cool, crisp summer treat perfect for hot days.

Smart Tips for Peach Watermelon Salad

  • Refrigerate the salad for 15-20 minutes before serving to enhance the crisp, cool flavor and let the dressing meld with the fruits.
  • Cut peaches, watermelon, and cucumber into uniform bite-sized pieces to ensure every bite has a perfect balance of textures and flavors.
  • Swap avocado oil with extra virgin olive oil or use honey instead of maple syrup to personalize the dressing to your taste preferences.
  • Tear basil and mint leaves just before adding to the dressing to preserve their vibrant aroma and prevent wilting.
  • Prepare the salad just before serving to maintain the crispness of the fruits and prevent them from becoming watery.

Store Peach Watermelon Salad The Right Way

  • Store leftover salad in an airtight container for up to 2 days in the refrigerator.
  • Before storing, gently drain any excess liquid to prevent fruits from becoming soggy.
  • Consume chilled for best taste and texture, as fruits may release more water when stored.
  • Do not freeze this salad, as it will significantly change the fruit's texture and quality.

Serve Along Peach Watermelon Salad

  • Pair with Crisp White Wine: Complement the light, refreshing salad with a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, enhancing the fruity and herbal notes of the dish.
  • Serve with Grilled Protein: Match the salad with a light grilled chicken breast or seared fish to balance the sweet and tangy flavors, creating a perfect summer meal.
  • Add Creamy Goat Cheese Crumbles: Sprinkle fresh goat cheese on top to introduce a creamy, tangy element that contrasts beautifully with the sweet fruits and bright dressing.
  • Enjoy with Sparkling Water: Pair with a citrus-infused sparkling water to echo the salad's refreshing qualities and cleanse the palate between bites.

Peach Watermelon Salad Recipe Refreshing Add-On Options

  • Tropical Paradise Swap: Replace watermelon with mango and add diced pineapple for a vibrant Caribbean-inspired fruit salad.
  • Keto-Friendly Version: Substitute maple syrup with stevia or monk fruit sweetener and increase herbs to maintain flavor while reducing carbohydrates.
  • Herb Garden Remix: Experiment with different fresh herbs like tarragon or thyme instead of basil and mint to create unique flavor profiles.
  • Protein Power Boost: Add crumbled feta cheese or grilled chicken strips for a more substantial and protein-packed summer salad option.

FAQs

  • How can I make the dressing more tangy?

Add more lemon juice or include a splash of apple cider vinegar to give the dressing an extra zesty kick and enhance the bright flavors of the fruits.

  • Is it okay to substitute the herbs if I don't have fresh basil or mint?

Yes, you can use dried herbs, but use half the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated. Alternatively, try other fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for a different flavor profile.

  • Can I add protein to this salad to make it more filling?

Absolutely! Crumbled feta cheese, grilled chicken, or sliced almonds work great to add protein and give the salad more substance while complementing the fruit’s sweetness.

  • How do I choose the best peaches and watermelon for this recipe?

Look for peaches that are fragrant and give slightly when pressed, and watermelons that feel heavy for their size with a yellow spot where they rested on the ground, indicating ripeness.

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Peach Watermelon Salad Recipe

Peach Watermelon Salad Recipe


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4.9 from 9 reviews

  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Refreshing Mediterranean-inspired Peach Watermelon Salad combines sweet summer fruits with tangy feta and crisp mint leaves. Cool, zesty flavors dance together, creating a perfect light dish for hot days you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Fruits:

  • 3 peaches
  • 1 mini watermelon
  • 1 English cucumber

Herbs:

  • 1 cup basil leaves, tightly packed
  • 1/2 cup mint leaves, tightly packed

Dressing Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) avocado oil or olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Carefully dice peaches, watermelon, and cucumber into uniform, bite-sized cubes to ensure balanced texture and visual appeal.
  2. Transfer the chopped fruits into a spacious mixing vessel, creating a vibrant and colorful base for the salad.
  3. Prepare the aromatic dressing by blending avocado oil, maple syrup, freshly squeezed lemon juice, fragrant basil, delicate mint leaves, and a pinch of sea salt and black pepper until achieving a silky, smooth consistency.
  4. Delicately drizzle the prepared dressing over the fruit medley, using a gentle folding technique to coat each piece without crushing the delicate ingredients.
  5. For an optimal flavor profile and enhanced refreshment, refrigerate the salad for a brief 15-20 minute interval before serving, allowing the ingredients to meld and intensify their natural sweetness.

Notes

  • Swap avocado or olive oil with lighter options like grapeseed oil for a lower-fat version that still maintains a smooth, silky dressing texture.
  • Enhance protein content by adding crumbled feta cheese or toasted pumpkin seeds, making the salad more filling and nutritionally balanced.
  • Adjust sweetness levels by using honey instead of maple syrup, which can provide a more complex, floral flavor profile while keeping the dressing natural.
  • Maximize freshness by preparing the fruits and dressing separately, then combining just before serving to prevent sogginess and maintain crisp, vibrant textures.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Snacks, Appetizer
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 180
  • Sugar: 24g
  • Sodium: 120mg
  • Fat: 9g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg
Emily Harper

Emily Harper

Nutrition Consultant & Recipe Analyst

Expertise

Healthy Recipe Modification, Nutritional Analysis & Meal Planning, Global Cuisine & Dietary Adaptations​

Education

School: French Pastry School, Chicago, IL

Program: L’Art de la Pâtisserie

Focus: Intensive training in traditional French pastry techniques, baking theory, and confectionery arts. ​


Emily’s journey started in a pastry kitchen but took a detour into the world of health and flavor science.
Graduating from the French Pastry School and studying nutrition opened her eyes to a new mission: making healthy food taste like something you’d actually crave.
At Dining At Home, Emily’s the go-to for smart, feel-good recipes that don’t trade flavor for nutrition.
She’s all about adding a fresh spin on old favorites and finding small ways to make everyday meals a little brighter.
Outside of the kitchen, Emily is most at home walking forest trails, testing plant-based recipes, or sharing a picnic under a wide-open sky.

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