Watermelon salad

Watermelon salad

15 min
Get ready to savour the very essence of summertime with this mouth-watering watermelon salad recipe. Bursting with juicy sweetness, vibrant colours, and refreshing flavours, this culinary gem is the ideal companion for summer afternoon menus and barbeque nights. Its crowning touch is the homemade balsamic syrup and fresh mint leaves, adding both a subtle acidic note and a refreshing and cooling flavour. So, grab your sun hat and a ripe watermelon and create the ultimate summertime sensation that will leave your guests wanting more!
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https://www.arlafoods.co.uk/recipes/watermelon-salad/

Instructions

Balsamic syrup
  • In a pot, boil balsamic vinegar and sugar over high heat for about 1 minute.
  • Pour the syrup into a bowl and let it cool down.
Toasted pumpkin seeds 
  • Toast pumpkin seeds in a dry pan over medium heat for about 2 minutes.
  • Let them cool.
How to arrange
  • Arrange watermelon and cheese on a flat platter and drizzle a little balsamic syrup on top.
  • Sprinkle with pumpkin seeds and garnish with mint leaves. Serve the remaining syrup in a small bowl on the side.
Recommended information

Serving suggestion

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1 h
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Enjoy!
Tips

The key to a delicious watermelon salad starts with the right watermelon. Look for one that is firm, symmetrical, and free from bruises or flat sides. You may want to pick it up and give it a gentle tap – you should hear a deep, hollow sound, which indicates a ripe and juicy fruit. Also, pay attention to the sugar spot, a creamy, yellowish spot on the watermelon's surface. This is where the fruit rested on the ground and ripened in the sun, and a warm yellow, pronounced sugar spot means it is ripe and sweet.

Tips

Let the watermelon chill before cutting and preparing it. Place it in the fridge for a few hours, allowing the fruit to cool and the flavours to become more pronounced. Chilled watermelon is not only more pleasant to eat on a hot summer day, but it also holds its shape better when mixed with other ingredients.

Questions about watermelon salad

A refreshing watermelon salad is the epitome of summer cuisine. In our humble opinion, we have the perfect recipe for watermelon salad that you can easily prepare in just a few minutes using only a handful of ingredients. Read on to learn more about this tasty summer dish.

How to make a watermelon salad?
Start by preparing balsamic syrup by boiling balsamic vinegar and sugar in a saucepan for 1 minute, then let it cool. Roast pumpkin seeds in a dry pan over medium heat for 2 minutes and allow them to cool. Arrange the diced watermelon and cubed salad cheese on a flat platter, drizzle with the balsamic syrup, and sprinkle with the roasted pumpkin seeds. Garnish with fresh mint leaves and serve the remaining syrup in a small bowl on the side for extra flavour.
How long does watermelon salad last?
A watermelon salad typically lasts for 3-4 days when stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container. However, it is best to enjoy it fresh, as the watermelon can become soggy, and the other ingredients may lose their crunch and vibrant flavours over time. If you plan on storing it for later, it is best to keep the different ingredients separate and assemble the salad just before serving to maintain optimal taste and texture.
Can you make watermelon salad ahead?
Yes, you can make watermelon salad ahead of time. However, to maintain the best taste and texture, you may want to prepare the components separately and assemble everything just before serving. You can cut the watermelon into cubes and store them in the fridge. You can also prepare the pumpkin seeds and the balsamic syrup ahead of time and store the latter in a container in the fridge. When you are ready to serve, simply arrange everything in a dish and garnish with fresh mint leaves for a final flourish.
What to serve with watermelon salad?
A juicy sweet watermelon salad pairs well with various dishes, including grilled or barbecued meat. The refreshing and light nature of the salad complements the richness of the meat, providing a delightful contrast in taste and texture. Additionally, you could serve it alongside other summery dishes such as cold pasta salads, fresh green salads, or grilled vegetables.
What meat goes with watermelon salad?
Watermelon salad pairs well with various types of meat, particularly those with a light or slightly sweet flavour profile. Grilled or barbecued meats, such as chicken or pork, are excellent choices as they complement the refreshing taste of the salad. Marinating the meat in a citrus or herb-based marinade can further enhance the flavours and create a harmonious balance with the colourful salad. Additionally, thinly sliced prosciutto or other cured meats also make for a great pairing, as the saltiness contrasts nicely with the sweet and juicy flavour of watermelon.

Ingredients

Balsamic syrup
Black balsamic vinegar
100 ml
Sugar (100 ml)
85 g
Toasted pumpkin seeds
Pumpkin seeds (approx)
30 g
Small, diced watermelon (approx. 1 kg)
1
Apetina® Original White Cheese In Brine – drained Apetina® Original White Cheese In Brine – drained
300 g
Garnish 
Fresh mint leaves
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Sweet and refreshing watermelon salad with salad cheese

Dive into a world of vibrant colours and flavours with this sweet and refreshing watermelon salad featuring salad cheese. It is not only visually stunning but also a true taste bud tantaliser. The juicy, succulent watermelon adds a natural sweetness that mingles with the creamy, tangy salad cheese, creating an irresistible combination. To elevate the experience further, we pair the watermelon salad with balsamic syrup, adding an extra layer of depth to this delightful ensemble.

Garnished with toasted pumpkin seeds and fresh mint

No dish is complete without a touch of garnish to tie everything together. This vibrant summer watermelon salad is no exception, adorned with the nutty crunch of toasted pumpkin seeds and the refreshing zing of fresh mint leaves. The toasted pumpkin seeds add a warm, earthy undertone, balancing the sweetness of the watermelon and the tanginess of the salad cheese. Fresh mint leaves provide a cool, herbal note that complements the juicy watermelon and enriches the entire salad. These finishing touches not only add contrasting textures but also contribute to layers of delectable flavours, making each bite a symphony for the palate.

Serve as a light starter or juicy side dish

This watermelon salad with mint and salty cheese is bound to become a cherished addition to your favourite recipes! You will easily impress your guests, teasing their taste buds with its delightful fusion of sweet, tangy, and crunchy goodness.

Whether you are planning a grand summer feast or a casual get-together with family and friends, this watermelon salad is the perfect choice to serve as a light starter or a juicy side dish. You can serve it alongside an array of grilled meats and different salads or vegetables. As an example, serve it with our grilled pork roast, bacon-wrapped asparagus, grilled spareribs, or chilli-buttered corn on the cob.

Experiment with green salad and different herbs

Let your creativity shine by incorporating different herbs and greens into the recipe. The addition of basil provides a subtle hint of sweetness along with a peppery aroma that complements the natural sweetness of the watermelon and pairs beautifully with the mint leaves. You can also consider adding spinach or rocket to the mix. The spinach will contribute a delicate earthy taste, while the rocket is known to add a peppery kick. Finally, consider adding thinly sliced red onion. The pungent, bold bite of red onion goes well with the other ingredients and provides a tasty contrast to the sweetness of the watermelon.

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