Refreshing Watermelon salad with basil and soy ginger vinaigrette hits all the right notes in this no-feta salad!
Watermelon salads feel like summer in a bowl. This one just got dressed up a bit with Asian flavors from sesame oil, rice wine vinegar, soy sauce, and ginger. But before you head into the kitchen, make sure you know what to look for when you buy your melon.
Remember when watermelons had seeds? If so, you’re showing your age! Seedless watermelons were created about 50 years ago. Today most watermelons are seedless. But what we really want is a good one!
How to pick a watermelon
In choosing a watermelon, The Watermelon Board suggests giving it the once over. You’re looking for a firm, symmetrical melon that is free from bruises, cuts, or dents. The underside should have a creamy yellow spot. That’s where it sat on the ground and ripened in the sun. After the viewing, pick it up – it should be heavy for it’s size. True to it’s name, watermelon is 92 percent water, which accounts for most of its weight.
How to store a watermelon
Rinse the melon under running water, no soap, and pat dry. Cut it with a clean knife. At my house watermelon cubes disappear much quicker than if I leave it whole. Seems tackling the melon is not what some people like to do! 🍉 Watermelons can be stored 7-10 days at room temperature but once it’s cut it should be refrigerated.
Watermelon nutrition
Watermelon is a lycopene leader among fresh fruit and vegetables.
A plant pigment found in only a few red plant foods such as tomatoes and watermelon, lycopene is thought to have powerful antioxidant capabilities and may help to prevent prostate cancer and reduce the risk of heart disease. A deep-red watermelon has more health promoting lycopene that a semi-ripe one.
How to make Watermelon Salad with Basil + Soy Ginger Vinaigrette
Cube the watermelon, then make a quick dressing. Sprinkle basil, shallot and bacon over top.
- Make vinaigrette by combining canola oil, olive oil, sesame oil, rice wine vinegar, soy sauce, ginger, honey and pepper. Stir together or shake in a jar to combine.
- Pile watermelon, fresh basil, shallot, and crumbled bacon in bowl.
- Drizzle vinaigrette over.
Refreshing, smoky, salty, and sweet, it hit all the right notes!
The ingredients
- 3 cups watermelon, cubed
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
- 1 tablespoon shallot, thinly sliced
- 1 piece bacon, crumbled
- 1 tablespoon canola oil
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 1/2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1/4 teaspoon honey
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Pin it for later!
More watermelon recipes
- Stand over sink and bite into slice.
- Cut watermelon into sticks (like fries) to dip in yogurt.
- Brush slices with lime juice, honey, and garlic chili sauce and then grill.
- Make a watermelon salsa, instead of, or with tomatoes.
- Puree cubes in blender. Pour into paper cups. Add sticks to cups and freeze until firm.
P.S. If you like this recipe, you may want more ideas on how to start eating healthier. Sign up for my newsletter here.
PrintWatermelon Salad with Soy Ginger Vinaigrette
Refreshing, smoky, salty, and sweet, it hits all the right notes!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: no cook
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 3 cups watermelon, cubed
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
- 1 tablespoon shallot, thinly sliced
- 1 piece bacon, crumbled
- 1 tablespoon canola oil
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 1/2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1/4 teaspoon honey
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Make vinaigrette by combining canola oil, olive oil, sesame oil, rice wine vinegar, soy sauce, ginger, honey and pepper. Stir together or shake in a jar to combine.
- Assemble salad ingredients in bowl. Drizzle vinaigrette over. You’ll have remaining vinaigrette. Refrigerate it for later use.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3/4 cup
- Calories: 130
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