This Easy Peach Watermelon Salad is a refreshing treat for summer! It combines sweet peaches and juicy watermelon, making it the perfect tasty snack or side dish on hot days.
Honestly, who can resist that perfect mix of flavors? When I make this salad, I can’t help but sneak a few bites before serving it! 🍑🍉
I love how quick this salad is to whip up. Just chop the fruit, toss it together, and you’re ready for a light, fruity delight that everyone will enjoy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Watermelon: Look for a seedless variety for easier eating. If watermelon isn’t available, try cantaloupe or honeydew for a similar sweet flavor.
Peaches: Ripe peaches add a lovely sweetness. If they’re out of season, you can use nectarines or even juicy pears as a substitute.
Cucumber: I recommend English cucumbers for their mild flavor and crisp texture. If you want more color, try adding cherry tomatoes or bell peppers for a nice crunch.
Feta Cheese: Feta gives this salad a salty kick. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, try crumbled tofu or omit cheese altogether for a lighter version.
Mint Leaves: Fresh mint is fragrant and bright. If mint isn’t to your taste, basil or cilantro can be interesting alternatives with a different flavor profile.
How Do I Properly Prepping Watermelon and Peaches?
Preparing fruits is key for a great salad. For the watermelon, using a melon baller creates nice, bite-sized pieces. Otherwise, cubing is quick and easier. Have your peaches ripe but firm for better slicing. Here’s how:
- For the watermelon, cut it in half, scoop out the flesh, and create either balls or cubes.
- For peaches, slice them along the pit, remove the seed, and cut into thin wedges.
- Make sure to handle them gently to keep the pieces intact!
Easy Peach Watermelon Salad Recipe for Summer
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Fruit and Vegetables:
- 4 cups watermelon, balled or cubed
- 2 ripe peaches, sliced
- 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
For the Cheese:
- 1 cup feta cheese, cut into small cubes
For the Garnish:
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped or whole for garnish
For the Dressing:
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime or lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon honey or agave syrup (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional Crunch:
- 2 tablespoons chopped nuts or seeds (e.g., toasted walnuts or pistachios)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This refreshing salad takes about 15-20 minutes to prepare. You can serve it immediately, or you can let it chill in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Perfect for those hot summer days!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Fruits and Vegetables:
Start by cutting the watermelon into balls or cubes using a melon baller or a knife. Then, slice the peaches into thin wedges and thinly slice the cucumber. Having everything ready makes assembly quick and easy!
2. Combine in a Large Bowl:
In a big salad bowl, add the watermelon pieces, peach slices, and cucumber slices. Let the bright colors show off how delicious this salad is going to be!
3. Add the Feta Cheese:
Now, gently fold in the cubed feta cheese. The saltiness of the feta complements the sweetness of the fruits beautifully.
4. Prepare the Mint:
If you’re using fresh mint, roughly chop the leaves and mix them into the salad. You can also hold back a few whole leaves for garnishing later to add a lovely touch.
5. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime or lemon juice, honey (if you wish), and a pinch of both salt and pepper. This dressing will brighten up the flavors!
6. Dress the Salad:
Drizzle the dressing over the salad and gently toss everything together to make sure all the ingredients are coated evenly without breaking up the fruit pieces.
7. Adjust Seasoning:
Give the salad a taste. If it needs more zing, add a bit more salt, pepper, or lime juice to your liking.
8. Add Optional Crunch:
If you’re using nuts or seeds, sprinkle them over the top for some extra crunch and healthy goodness. This is completely optional but recommended!
9. Garnish and Serve:
Top the salad with fresh mint leaves for a beautiful finish before serving.🌿
10. Chill (Optional):
You can serve the salad right away, or let it chill in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes for a more refreshing taste.
Enjoy this easy and colorful peach watermelon salad, a delightful dish perfect for any summer gathering!
FAQ About Easy Peach Watermelon Salad
Can I Use Frozen Watermelon or Peaches for This Salad?
While fresh watermelon and peaches provide the best texture and flavor, you can use frozen if necessary. Just thaw them in the fridge overnight and drain any excess moisture before adding them to the salad to avoid a watery mixture.
How Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the watermelon, peaches, and cucumber ahead of time. Just keep them in an airtight container in the fridge. However, it’s best to mix in the feta and dressing right before serving to keep everything fresh and crunchy!
What’s a Good Substitute for Feta Cheese?
If you’re looking for a dairy-free alternative, try crumbled tofu mixed with a dash of nutritional yeast for flavor. Alternatively, goat cheese can work well too for a similar creamy texture.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The dressing can make the ingredients slightly soggy over time, but the flavors will still be delicious!
