Watermelon Arugula Salad is the perfect summer dish! This refreshing salad combines juicy watermelon with peppery arugula and creamy feta cheese, making it a delightful addition to any picnic, barbecue, or casual dinner. Its vibrant colors and unique flavor profile truly stand out, creating a visually appealing and appetizing experience. Enjoy this versatile salad as a light meal or a side dish, suitable for all occasions.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Refreshing Flavor: The combination of sweet watermelon and salty feta creates a tantalizing taste that is perfect for hot summer days.
- Quick and Easy: With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up this salad in under 10 minutes.
- Healthy Choice: Packed with nutrients, this watermelon arugula salad is low in calories while being rich in vitamins and minerals.
- Versatile Dish: Serve it as an appetizer, side dish, or even as a light main course; it pairs well with various proteins.
- Eye-Catching Presentation: The bright colors of the salad make it an attractive centerpiece for your dining table.
Tools and Preparation
To prepare your Watermelon Arugula Salad efficiently, having the right tools on hand is essential.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large salad bowl
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cup
Importance of Each Tool
- Large salad bowl: A spacious bowl allows you to toss the ingredients properly without spilling.
- Chef’s knife: A sharp knife makes cutting the watermelon into cubes quick and easy, ensuring uniform pieces.
- Cutting board: Protect your countertop while providing a stable surface for cutting fruits and vegetables.
Ingredients
Watermelon Arugula Salad is the most amazing summer salad! Juicy and sweet watermelon and salty feta cheese on a bed of peppery arugula. Yum!
For the Salad
- 2 cups cubed watermelon
- 5 oz baby arugula
- 3 oz feta cheese
- sea salt
- pepper
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- balsamic reduction / glaze
For Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
How to Make Watermelon Arugula Salad
Step 1: Prepare the Watermelon
Cut the watermelon into cubes until you have about 2 cups full.
Step 2: Assemble the Salad
Add cubed watermelon and crumbled feta on top of arugula in a large salad bowl.
Step 3: Season the Salad
Season the salad with sea salt and pepper to taste. Then drizzle extra virgin olive oil and balsamic reduction over it.
Step 4: Toss and Serve
Give the salad a good toss to combine all ingredients evenly. Enjoy your refreshing Watermelon Arugula Salad!
How to Serve Watermelon Arugula Salad
Watermelon Arugula Salad is a refreshing dish that can be served in various delightful ways. Whether you’re having a casual picnic or a fancy dinner, these serving suggestions will elevate your meal.
As a Light Lunch
- Serve the salad in individual bowls for a quick and healthy lunch option. Pair with whole grain crackers for added texture.
With Grilled Proteins
- Top your salad with grilled chicken or shrimp for a protein boost. The flavors of the grilled meat complement the sweetness of the watermelon.
As a Side Dish
- This salad makes an excellent side dish for barbecues or potlucks. Its vibrant colors and fresh taste will impress your guests.
On a Bed of Quinoa
- For a heartier meal, serve the salad over cooked quinoa. This adds extra nutrients and makes it more filling.
With Fresh Herbs
- Garnish the salad with fresh mint or basil leaves. These herbs enhance the flavor profile and add an aromatic touch.
How to Perfect Watermelon Arugula Salad
Creating the perfect Watermelon Arugula Salad involves attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your salad shines.
- Choose ripe watermelon: Select a watermelon that feels heavy for its size and has a uniform shape for the best sweetness.
- Use fresh arugula: Look for vibrant green leaves without wilting. Fresh arugula adds peppery notes that balance the sweetness of the watermelon.
- Crumble feta just before serving: To maintain its texture, crumble feta cheese right before adding it to the salad.
- Drizzle olive oil lightly: A little goes a long way. Start with a small amount of olive oil and adjust to taste.
- Experiment with dressings: While balsamic reduction is delicious, try citrus vinaigrette for a zesty twist.
- Add nuts for crunch: Toasted walnuts or almonds enhance flavor and provide an enjoyable crunch.
Best Side Dishes for Watermelon Arugula Salad
Watermelon Arugula Salad pairs beautifully with several side dishes that can complement its flavors. Here are some great options to consider:
- Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet and smoky grilled corn adds a burst of flavor that matches well with the salad.
- Caprese Skewers: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil on skewers provide an Italian twist that’s easy to prepare.
- Pasta Salad: A light pasta salad with cherry tomatoes and olives offers additional carbs without overwhelming flavors.
- Stuffed Peppers: Colorful stuffed peppers filled with rice and vegetables make for an exciting presentation alongside your salad.
- Garlic Bread: Crunchy garlic bread serves as comfort food, creating a satisfying contrast to the fresh salad.
- Roasted Vegetables: A medley of roasted seasonal vegetables adds warmth and complements the coolness of your watermelon arugula salad.
- Chickpea Hummus: Creamy hummus served with pita chips provides protein while enhancing your meal’s texture profile.
- Couscous Salad: Fluffy couscous mixed with herbs can serve as another light side option that balances out rich flavors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoiding common mistakes can make your Watermelon Arugula Salad even better. Here are a few key points to keep in mind.
- Using stale ingredients: Always use fresh watermelon and arugula for the best flavor. Check for any signs of spoilage before preparation.
- Overdressing the salad: Too much olive oil or balsamic reduction can overpower the salad’s natural flavors. Start with a little and add more if needed.
- Skipping seasoning: Failing to add salt and pepper can lead to a bland salad. Season your salad generously for the best taste.
- Cutting watermelon improperly: Large chunks can be difficult to eat. Aim for bite-sized cubes to ensure a pleasant eating experience.
- Not chilling the salad: Serving it warm can alter the refreshing quality of this summer dish. Chill the salad in the refrigerator before serving for optimal enjoyment.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Keep watermelon separate from arugula if possible to maintain freshness.
- Use within 24 hours for best texture and flavor.
Freezing Watermelon Arugula Salad
- Freezing is not recommended, as it alters the texture of both watermelon and arugula.
- If necessary, freeze cubed watermelon separately and thaw before use, but do not freeze the assembled salad.
Reheating Watermelon Arugula Salad
- Oven: Not recommended as this dish is best served cold.
- Microwave: Avoid reheating; serve fresh for optimal taste.
- Stovetop: Not suitable; this salad is designed to be enjoyed cold.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Watermelon Arugula Salad so refreshing?
The combination of juicy watermelon and peppery arugula creates a delightful contrast that refreshes your palate, making it perfect for hot summer days.
Can I add other ingredients to my Watermelon Arugula Salad?
Yes! Consider adding nuts like walnuts or almonds, or swapping feta cheese for goat cheese for a different flavor profile.
How should I serve Watermelon Arugula Salad?
Serve chilled as a side dish or light main course. It pairs well with grilled meats or seafood for a complete meal.
Is Watermelon Arugula Salad healthy?
Absolutely! This salad is low in calories and packed with vitamins, making it a nutritious choice for anyone looking to eat healthy.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
It’s best made fresh, but you can prepare ingredients ahead of time. Keep them stored separately until you’re ready to assemble.
Final Thoughts
Watermelon Arugula Salad is an incredibly appealing dish that combines sweet and savory flavors. Its versatility allows you to customize it with various toppings or dressings based on your preference. Try this refreshing recipe today and enjoy its delightful taste during your summer meals!
Watermelon Arugula Salad
Watermelon Arugula Salad is a vibrant and refreshing summer dish that seamlessly blends the sweetness of juicy watermelon with the peppery kick of arugula and the creaminess of feta cheese. Perfect for picnics, barbecues, or light dinners, this salad not only tantalizes your taste buds but also impresses with its eye-catching presentation. With minimal prep time, you can whip up this nutritious salad in under 10 minutes, making it an ideal choice for hot days when you crave something light yet satisfying. Serve it as a side dish, appetizer, or even as a light main course, and enjoy the versatility of flavors that will delight your guests.
- Total Time: 8 minute
- Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients
- 2 cups cubed watermelon
- 5 oz baby arugula
- 3 oz feta cheese
- Sea salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- Balsamic reduction/glaze
Instructions
- Prepare the Watermelon: Cut the watermelon into bite-sized cubes until you have about 2 cups.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large salad bowl, layer the arugula first, then add cubed watermelon and crumbled feta on top.
- Season: Lightly season with sea salt and pepper. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and balsamic reduction.
- Toss & Serve: Gently toss to combine all ingredients evenly before serving chilled.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: None
- Category: Salad
- Method: No cooking required
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: For added texture, consider including nuts like walnuts or almonds. Experiment with different cheeses such as goat cheese for a unique flavor twist. Chill the salad in the refrigerator before serving for a refreshing experience.
