Summer Peach Watermelon Salad Recipe

If summer had a flavor, it would taste exactly like this Summer Peach Watermelon Salad: sunshiney, vibrant, and impossibly refreshing! With juicy watermelon, sweet peaches, crisp cucumbers, and a zippy lemon-balsamic dressing, this salad is your ticket to beating the heat in the most delicious way possible.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Summer Peach Watermelon Salad is how simple yet impactful each ingredient is. Every component has a role to play, from bursts of sweetness to crunchy texture and a rainbow of colors that practically demand a photo before your first bite.

• Watermelon (half a small): Ultra hydrating and sweet, watermelon is the juicy base of this summer salad—choose a ripe one for maximum flavor.
• Cucumber (1): Adds cooling crunch and a subtle savory note that balances out the fruitiness.
• Tomatoes (3): Their acidity and juiciness meld beautifully with the sweet fruit and grassy herbs.
• Peaches (2): Sliced thin, peaches bring irresistible sweetness and perfume to every forkful.
• Zaatar (2 tbsp): This tangy, herbaceous spice blend lifts the salad with a savory, slightly tart kick.
• Pine nuts (a handful): They add buttery crunch—toast them lightly for extra flavor if you like.
• Goji berries (a handful): These ruby-red gems provide a pleasant tartness, plus interesting chewy texture.
• Fresh basil (4 sprigs): Torn or chopped basil infuses the salad with an aromatic, herbal freshness.
• Lemon juice (from one lemon): The base for the dressing, adding a needed citrus tang.
• Balsamic vinegar (2 tbsp): Its mellow sweetness deepens all the flavors and pairs gorgeously with fruit.
• Olive oil (2 tbsp): Choose extra-virgin for a peppery, rich finish to the vinaigrette.
• Sea salt (1/4 tsp): Just enough to bring out all the other flavors.
• Ground black pepper (1/4 tsp): For little pops of heat and complexity in every bite.

Variations

One of the best parts about Summer Peach Watermelon Salad is how flexible it is. Swap in your favorites or whatever you have on hand—the results are always vibrant, refreshing, and uniquely yours!

• Dressing Switch-Up: Swap balsamic for pomegranate molasses to give the salad a sweet-tart Middle Eastern flair.
• Herb Lovers’ Upgrade: Use mint instead of basil, or try a blend—mint brings extra coolness and a mojito-like vibe.
• Hearty Addition: Add cubes of salty feta for a creamy contrast that pairs perfectly with the fruit.
• Nuts & Seeds: Swap pine nuts for pistachios or slivered almonds for a different crunch.
• Make It a Meal: Toss in cooked quinoa or a scoop of creamy burrata for a more substantial lunch salad.

How to Make Summer Peach Watermelon Salad

Step 1: Prep and Slice the Produce

Start by slicing the watermelon into small, playful triangles (think bite-sized for easy eating). Next, slice your cucumber, tomatoes, and peaches into thin, even slices. For a beautiful presentation, try to keep them all relatively similar in thickness—this helps everything layer nicely on the plate.

Step 2: Arrange the Salad

Arrange the watermelon, peach, cucumber, and tomato slices on a large serving platter or individual plates, slightly overlapping for a mosaic effect. This way, every bite is a mix of flavors, and the colors really pop—presentation is half the fun!

Step 3: Whisk the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, sea salt, and black pepper until the mixture emulsifies. This tangy vinaigrette will wake up all those summery flavors!

Step 4: Dress and Season

Drizzle the dressing generously over the arranged salad. Sprinkle the zaatar over everything, then finish with an extra pinch of flaky sea salt and a few cracks of fresh black pepper. The zaatar’s earthy, lemony notes tie the salad together beautifully.

Step 5: Add Toppings & Serve

Scatter the pine nuts, goji berries, and freshly chopped or torn basil over the top. If you’re feeling extra fancy, drizzle with a bit more balsamic vinegar or a thread of pomegranate molasses. Serve immediately and enjoy that burst of summer in every bite!

How to Serve Summer Peach Watermelon Salad

Garnishes

Garnishing is where you can really let your inner artist shine! Sprinkle extra zaatar, a pinch of flaky sea salt, a shower of pine nuts, and a few more torn basil leaves just before serving. For an extra pop of color, add a handful of edible flowers—the salad will be as stunning as it is flavorful.

Side Dishes

Summer Peach Watermelon Salad makes a perfect companion to grilled dishes—think herby chicken skewers, garlicky shrimp, or simple fish. For picnics, add some crusty bread and creamy cheeses, or serve alongside grilled halloumi for an easy vegetarian feast.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party, try assembling the salad in individual glass jars or parfait cups—so pretty and portable! Or go rustic and arrange your ingredients in rows on a long platter for a “rainbow” effect. For a brunch buffet, layer everything in a wide bowl and let guests help themselves.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover Summer Peach Watermelon Salad, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1-2 days. The fruit will release a bit more juice as it sits, so expect a slightly softer texture, but the flavors will still be delicious and refreshing!

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended for this salad. Watermelon, peaches, and cucumbers all contain a lot of water and will lose their lovely texture if frozen and thawed. It’s truly best enjoyed fresh!

Reheating

This vibrant salad is meant to be served cold, so reheating isn’t necessary. If your leftovers are a bit too chilled from the fridge, simply let them sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving for the best flavor.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dish that truly captures the essence of summer, give this Summer Peach Watermelon Salad a try. It’s the kind of salad you’ll want to share with every friend, bring to every picnic, and savor long after the sun goes down. Happy summer eating!

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