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When the summer months roll around, there’s nothing quite like a vibrant, refreshing salad to cool you down. This Strawberry Watermelon Salad is the perfect summer salad—light, colorful, and packed with sweet fruit. Imagine juicy strawberries, sweet watermelon, and fresh herbs all brought together with a tangy honey lime dressing. It’s an absolute hit at any summer potluck, picnic, or pool party!
I can't help but think back to the late 80s and early 90s when the mall was the ultimate hangout spot for us teens in Clear Lake, a cozy suburb of Houston. One of my favorite spots was Thirsty's, a little drink stand known for its fresh, smoothie-like drinks. My absolute favorite was the strawberry-watermelon blend. They’d use fresh strawberries and sweet watermelon, a bit of ice, and maybe a splash of juice, blending it all into a frosty, refreshing drink. Pure bliss, especially on those blistering Texas summer days.
This strawberry melon salad takes me right back to those carefree times. It's a simple salad that packs a punch with its refreshing flavors and vibrant colors.
The Perfect Salad for Summer
Using fresh summer produce to create delicious, simple dishes is one of my favorite things about the season. This Strawberry Watermelon Salad combines some of my favorite summer fruits in one bowl. It's the perfect side dish for any meal, bursting with the sweetness of the watermelon, the juiciness of strawberries, and the aromatic hint of fresh basil and mint.
Instructions for Preparation
This refreshing salad is a breeze to make—ready in less than 10 minutes and perfect for those hot summer days!
Prepare the Fruit:
- Cut the Watermelon: You can chunk the fruit with a knife, or if you're feeling fancy, use a melon baller to scoop out bite-sized pieces of watermelon and place them in a large mixing bowl.
- Add Strawberries: Hull and slice the juicy strawberries, then add them to the bowl with the watermelon.
- Sprinkle Fresh Herbs: Finely slice (chiffonade) fresh basil and mint leaves, then sprinkle them over the fruit for a burst of freshness.
Make the Dressing:
- Mix the Dressing Ingredients: In a small bowl, combine honey, fresh lime juice, lime zest, and sea salt.
- Whisk in Olive Oil: Gradually whisk in the olive oil until the dressing is well blended and smooth.
Combine:
- Drizzle the Vinaigrette: Drizzle about half of the honey lime dressing over the watermelon and strawberry mixture.
- Store Remaining Dressing: Pour the remaining dressing into an airtight container and store it in the fridge—it’ll keep for up to a week.
This simple salad with honey lime dressing will become your go-to summer dish, offering a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors.
Storage Tips
This salad is best enjoyed the day it's made for the freshest taste, but it will stay delicious for 1-2 days if stored properly. I personally love serving it chilled, but it’s just as good at room temperature.
Make Ahead Tip: If you want to prep in advance, cut up the watermelon and strawberries separately and store them in the fridge. This keeps them from getting mushy. You can also whisk together the dressing ingredients ahead of time and keep it in a separate container. When you're ready to serve, simply combine everything in a large serving bowl and enjoy!
This strawberry melon salad is a delightful blend of fresh fruits and herbs, making it a standout dish for any summer potluck or family gathering.
The cool watermelon and juicy strawberries create a perfect balance of flavors, complimented by the tangy, sweet honey lime dressing. With its simple ingredients and quick preparation, this salad is a refreshing and vibrant addition to your summer recipe collection. Enjoy!
Ingredients Used to Make Strawberry-Watermelon Salad
- Strawberries
- Watermelon
- Mint leaves
- Basil leaves
- Sea salt
- Honey
- Lime zest
- Fresh lime juice
- Olive oil
- Fresh cracked black pepper
Equipment Used
- Cutting board
- Chef Knife
- Large mixing bowl
- Small mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring spoons
- Airtight container (for storing dressing)
- Serving bowl
- Melon baller (optional)
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More Salad Recipes
- Classic Homemade Caesar Salad
- Fresh Tomato Salad
- Spring Greens with Pears, Sugared Walnuts & Gorgonzola
- Green Salad with Mandarin Oranges & Candied Almonds
Please let me know how this delicious salad turns out for you in the comments! I love hearing from you!
Strawberry Watermelon Salad with Honey-Lime Vinaigrette
Equipment
- Melon Baller optional
Ingredients
- 1 pound strawberries hulled & sliced
- ½ seedless watermelon cubed or scooped with a melon baller
- 6 mint leaves thinly sliced
- 3 basil leaves thinly sliced
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
Honey Lime Vinaigrette:
- ⅓ cup honey
- 1 teaspoon lime zest
- ¼ cup fresh squeezed lime juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
Instructions
Prepare the Fruit:
- Cut the Watermelon: Chunk the fruit with a knife or use a melon baller to scoop out bite-sized pieces of watermelon and place them in a large mixing bowl.
- Add Strawberries: Hull and slice the strawberries, adding them to the bowl.
- Sprinkle Herbs: Slice mint and basil leaves, sprinkling them over the fruit.
Make the Vinaigrette:
Finish and Serve:
- Drizzle Vinaigrette: Pour half of the vinaigrette over the fruit mixture.
- Toss and Serve: Gently toss to coat and serve immediately.
Nutrition
*Nutrition information is automatically calculated based on ingredient data and should be considered an estimate. When multiple ingredient options are provided, the first listed is used for calculation. Optional ingredients and garnishes are not included in the nutrition analysis.
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