This easy and fresh watermelon and tomato salad is perfect for summer. It has a short list of flavorful ingredients like juicy watermelon, ripe tomatoes, crisp red onion and pungent basil. The dressing is a simple balsamic vinaigrette that ties all the flavors together. Sweet, tangy, and quick to make this no cook recipe will be on your rotation all summer long.
Do watermelon and tomato go together?
Watermelons and tomatoes are a match made and heaven. They are both juicy and hydrating, which makes them perfect for summer. Pairing them together creates a wonderful contrast between the sweetness of the melon and the tangy tomato. You will be surprised at just how well these two summer fruits go together.
Why you'll love this Watermelon and Tomato Salad
- This no-cook salad recipe is easy enough for a beginner and comes together super quick in less than 15 minutes
- It's fresh, juicy and full of sweet and tangy flavor
- It's naturally vegan, gluten free and allergy friendly
- What a great way to use up all those garden tomatoes!
- This recipe is perfect for a hot summer day, when cooking seems like and awful chore.
- It's so hydrating which is way more fun than drinking boring old water
- It's fresh and light, for days when even eating seems like too much effort
Watermelon Tip
To choose the best watermelon always look for a large golden or yellow spot on the melon that will indicate it had sufficient time on the ground for ripening. Heavy watermelons are juicy watermelons, go for the heaviest you can find!
Watermelon and Tomato Salad Ingredients
This salad has very few ingredients. It's simple yet the flavors are incredible.
- Watermelon: Sweet and juicy melon is the base of this salad
- Tomatoes: I like using a variety of different tomatoes both for flavor and visual interest.
- Red Onion: The contrast of the spicy bite of onion with the sweet watermelon is amazing. If you don't love onions, you can go with a milder scallion or chives instead.
- Fresh Herbs: I like using a combo of the herbs I have on hand or in my garden. Basil, Mint, Dill, parsley, any combo or single herb will do.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinegar: This simple vinaigrette makes all the flavors pop. Balsamic is particularly delicious with watermelon
- Salt and Black Pepper: these two staples enhance the flavor
Tomatoes tip: Never store tomatoes in the refrigerator. Just keep them on the counter to ripen at room temperature. Refrigeration destroys the texture and flavor of tomatoes. If you have ever eaten a mealy tomato, it's probably because it was refrigerated.
How to make Watermelon and Tomato Salad
This recipe is so easy that even a beginner can make it.
- First make the dressing by combining the olive oil, vinegar, salt and pepper
- Then put the tomatoes a in a salad bowl and season them with salt and pepper. They will begin to release juices that will add flavor to the dressing
- Then add watermelon, onion and herbs, and toss with the dressing
Tips for Making the Best Watermelon and Tomato Salad
- Use a fresh and juicy watermelon! see my tips above for selecting the best one
- The tomatoes should be the freshest you can find! Use a combination of different types for visual interest and flavor variation. Heirloom tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, kumato tomatoes, flavor bomb tomatoes, sweet 100s. There are so many tomatoes and so little time. Bonus points if they come from your garden
- Customize your salad and get creative. It's always ok to use what you have on hand for things like vinegars and herbs. No balsamic in the cabinet? No problem go ahead and use that cider vinegar or red wine vinegar. Same goes for the herbs, maybe you don't have basil but the mint is going nuts in your garden go ahead and use it!
- Make it a meal instead of a side salad. Add legumes like chickpeas, white beans or lentils to bump up the protein and fiber content. Or use this salad to top your favorite grilled proteins.
FAQs
Ideally this salad can be made about 4 hours in advance if you are making it for a party and you want it to look and taste it's best. Of course the leftovers are totally edible the next day but they are not at the peak of flavor and freshness.
This is a great side salad for a BBQ to have with grilled proteins, burgers or hot dogs. Or bring this to the beach to eat with your sandwiches and chips.
The short answer is yes you can, for the convenience factor. However, be aware that precut watermelon already has the clock ticking. Meaning it will already be less fresh than one you cut yourself so if you are trying to make this salad a few hours before a party, it may not look as pretty.
Other Delicious Sweet and Savory Salad Recipes
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Watermelon and Tomato Salad
Ingredients
- 2 cups mixed tomatoes cut in slices halves and quarters
- 1 pinch salt
- Black pepper to your preference
- ½ red onion sliced thin
- 4 cups watermelon cubed
- ½ cup fresh basil parsley, mint or dill any combo
- Dressing:
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- ½ tsp salt
- Copious black pepper
Instructions
- Make the dressing by combining extra virgin olive oil, vinegar, salt and black pepper.
- To a large salad bowl add the tomatoes, salt, pepper and mix.
- Next add the watermelon, onion and herbs, pour the dressing over the top and toss.
- Enjoy within 1-2 days for best taste and quality
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