Easy Watermelon Salad Recipe with Basil

What says summertime more than a delicious watermelon salad? This refreshing salad is easy to throw together, and the flavors of the watermelon are enhanced with basil, mozzarella, and balsamic vinegar. This is a great way to use up some extra watermelon from your last BBQ!)

Watermelon is one of my very favorite fruits – especially during the summer! As much as I enjoy some cubed watermelon or eating it right of the rind, sometimes it’s fun to mix things up – that’s where this delicious watermelon salad comes in. While most watermelon salads have mint and feta, this is a watermelon salad without feta or mint. Don’t worry though – even if you love those ingredients, you’ll go crazy over this new rendition!

Watermelon Salad without Feta

This is a fun twist on a fruit salad with sophisticated flavors that everyone will love. It only has four ingredients, and you can easily make it for a crowd.

It’s incredibly easy to throw together, and it’s really quite refreshing. It’s sophisticated enough for a dinner party but kid-friendly enough for a family BBQ. We’re sure everyone at your next gathering will go crazy over it!

How long will Watermelon Salad stay good for?

This salad can be kept in the fridge for up to three days. However, be aware that it may get mushy with time. We definitely recommend eating this on the same day it is prepared. However, you need to choose the right watermelon to ensure its freshness even if it will take a while before eating it.

How healthy is watermelon salad?

This recipe is pretty healthy! Watermelon has a higher sugar content than some fruits, but it is natural sugar. Mozzarella is a good source of protein, and basil has many positive benefits.

Can you make this ahead of time?

Yes! We actually recommend making this a few hours before serving just so it can chill in the refrigerator for awhile. I wouldn’t make this more than about 12 hours before, though, as it may get mushy.

Recipe for watermelon salad

Watermelon Salad Ingredients:

• 5 cups cubed watermelon
• 8 ounces mozzarella balls or cubed watermelon
• .5 ounces fresh basil, chopped coarsely
• 1/2 cup Balsamic glaze with a little extra for dressing

Instructions

1. Cube watermelon and chop basil leaves coarsely.
2. Add the watermelon, mozzarella balls, and basil to a bowl and gently combine.
3. Pour the balsamic glaze and carefully fold in.
4. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve – this tastes much better cold!
5. Drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving

Where can I find mozzarella balls?

Mozzarella balls can be found in the refrigerated deli section. If you can’t find balls, just buy fresh mozzarella and cube it.

Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?

We would not use dried basil in this recipe. It will not taste the same or have the same texture. Fresh basil is key for this recipe!

How do you cube a Watermelon?

It can be tricky to cube a watermelon, but once you’ve got the technique down, it should be a pretty quick process.

1. Cut a thin slice off of on side of the watermelon
2. Lay the melon and it’s side and slice into 1 1/2 inch slices.
3. Take each of these slices and trim the rind off.
4. Cube watermelon into desired size

Watermelon Salad Variations

While we love this salad in the recipe as written, it is pretty versatile. Here are a few ways to mix it up:

1. Mint alongside or in place of basil
2. Use crumbled feta cheese
3. Add more fruits and vegetables, such as cucumbers, onion, or strawberries
4. Add some nuts – walnuts or cashews would be fantastic!
5. Throw in more veggies and fruit- cucumbers, red onion, strawberries, or avocado would be delicious
6. If you want to have more crunch add chopped walnuts or cashews

What does this go recipe go well with?

This is a great recipe for BBQs and potlucks! Because this is a bit healthier/lighter, it would make a great complement to a meal that might be a little heavier, such as hamburgers, brats, and brisket. However, it would also be quite lovely with a side of grilled chicken!

More Fruit Side Dishes You May Enjoy:

• Easy Grilled Watermelon – AKA Watermelon Steak
• Easy Strawberry Jello Salad with Cool Whip
• Easy Low Sugar No Pectin Strawberry Jam
• Tropical Fruit Salad with Whipped Cream
• The Best Fruit Dip with Cool Whip
• Fruit Salad Dressing
• How to Make the Perfect Fruit Salad (And What Fruits to Choose)
• The BEST Strawberry Pretzel Jello Salad

Watermelon Salad will become your favorite way to eat watermelon this summer! It is light and fresh and the perfect summer salad with delicious flavor. This recipe is simple and and is perfect for feeding a crowd!