This Peach Watermelon Salad is a refreshing and vibrant dish that combines the juicy sweetness of ripe peaches with the crisp, hydrating nature of watermelon. Enhanced with crumbled feta, fresh mint, and a tangy lime-honey dressing, it's the perfect addition to any summer meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how this salad brings together the best of summer's bounty in one bowl. The sweetness of the peaches and watermelon pairs beautifully with the salty feta and the aromatic mint. The lime-honey dressing ties everything together with a zesty finish. It's quick to prepare, visually stunning, and incredibly satisfying.
Ingredients
(Here's a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Fresh peaches, ripe and juicy
- Seedless watermelon, cubed
- Feta cheese, crumbled
- Fresh mint leaves, chopped
- Red onion, thinly sliced
- Freshly squeezed lime juice
- Olive oil
- Honey
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions
- Wash and dry all the fruits and vegetables.
- Peel, pit, and slice the peaches.
- Cut the watermelon into cubes.
- Thinly slice the red onion and chop the mint leaves.
- In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- In a large bowl, gently combine the sliced peaches, cubed watermelon, red onion, and mint leaves.
- Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the salad.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine, ensuring all ingredients are well coated.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve the salad chilled and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
This recipe yields approximately 4 servings. Preparation time is about 15 minutes, and it's best to chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Variations
- Cheese: I sometimes swap the feta for goat cheese or a vegan cheese alternative.
- Herbs: Replacing mint with basil or cilantro offers a different flavor profile.
- Additions: Adding cucumber, arugula, or cherry tomatoes introduces extra crunch and color.
- Dressing: Occasionally, I use balsamic glaze or a splash of orange juice for a different twist.
Storage/Reheating
I recommend serving this salad fresh. However, if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. Note that the fruits may release juices over time, making the salad more watery.
FAQs
How do I choose the best peaches for this salad?
I look for peaches that are ripe and fragrant, yielding slightly to gentle pressure. Avoid peaches that are overly soft or have bruises.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, I often prepare the ingredients and dressing separately and combine them just before serving to maintain freshness.
What can I use instead of honey in the dressing?
I sometimes use maple syrup or agave nectar as a substitute for honey, depending on my preference.
Is there a vegan version of this salad?
Absolutely! I omit the feta cheese or use a plant-based alternative to make it vegan-friendly.
Can I add protein to make this a complete meal?
Yes, I occasionally add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas to turn this salad into a more substantial dish.
Conclusion
This Peach Watermelon Salad is a delightful celebration of summer flavors. Its combination of sweet, savory, and tangy elements makes it a standout dish for any occasion. Whether you're hosting a barbecue or looking for a light lunch, this salad is sure to impress.
Peach Watermelon Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Peach Watermelon Salad is a refreshing summer dish combining juicy peaches, crisp watermelon, salty feta, and fresh mint, all brought together with a zesty lime-honey dressing.
Ingredients
- 2 fresh peaches, ripe and juicy, sliced
- 3 cups seedless watermelon, cubed
- ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
- ¼ cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
- ¼ small red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Wash and dry all the fruits and vegetables.
- Peel, pit, and slice the peaches.
- Cut the watermelon into cubes.
- Thinly slice the red onion and chop the mint leaves.
- In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- In a large bowl, gently combine the sliced peaches, cubed watermelon, red onion, and mint leaves.
- Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the salad.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine, ensuring all ingredients are well coated.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve the salad chilled and enjoy!
Notes
- Use ripe but firm peaches to prevent them from getting mushy.
- Prepare ingredients and dressing separately if making ahead.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 1 day.
- Try different herbs like basil or cilantro for a flavor twist.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
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