Strawberry watermelon salad

Tips: Improving your strawberry watermelon salad

Learn how to perfect your strawberry watermelon salad with our essential tips. Choose the juiciest fruits and present your salad with style for a truly refreshing and enjoyable experience.

Selecting perfectly ripe fruits

To guarantee your strawberry watermelon salad is full of sweetness and juice, pick a watermelon that is heavy for its size. This heaviness is a good sign of lots of water and sweetness. A ripe melon should look even in shape, showing it grew properly, and have a yellow spot underneath, which tells you it ripened in the sun while lying on the ground. Steer clear of watermelons with green stems; this means they were picked too early and might not be sweet. When you knock on the watermelon, listen for a deep hollow sound, indicating it is full of water and ready for your salad. Finally, when you cut the watermelon open, it should show bright red flesh and taste very sweet.

When it comes to strawberries, the perfect ones are fully coloured and bright red from top to bottom without any white or green patches near the stem. A ripe strawberry will also emit a strong, sweet aroma; a lack of fragrance suggests they are not quite ready. Ripe berries are firm but not hard; those that are overly soft or mushy might be overripe. Additionally, look for strawberries with a glossy appearance that reflects their freshness and quality.

Choosing avocados depends more on the timing of when you plan to use them. If you need an avocado ready to eat, look for ones that have turned from bright green to dark green or black, though some types maintain a green hue even when ripe. A ripe avocado should yield slightly to a gentle squeeze, applied without using your fingertips to avoid bruising. Flick off the small stem or cap at the top of the avocado. If it comes away easily and you see a green underneath, it is ripe. If the area under the stem appears brown, the avocado is overripe, and if the stem does not detach easily, the fruit needs more time to ripen.

Dress the salad just before serving

For the most vibrant flavours in your strawberry watermelon salad, add the dressing right before you serve. This keeps the fruits crisp and prevents them from getting soggy, ensuring each bite is fresh and full of zest. Use just enough dressing to lightly coat the salad and enhance the flavours without dominating.

Try this juicy strawberry watermelon salad

Immerse yourself in the flavours of summer with our strawberry watermelon salad. The strawberries offer a sweet yet slightly tart flavour that complements the cool, crisp texture of the watermelon. These bright red berries are not only juicy but also contribute to the refreshing nature of the salad. Watermelon brings a grainy yet smooth texture along with an inherent sweetness and juiciness that makes every forkful even tastier. It is a perfect choice for any summer gathering.

With buttery avocado, tangy white cheese, and fresh mint

With its rich, creamy texture, avocado adds a luxurious mouthfeel to the salad. Its buttery flavour balances the sweetness of the fruits while providing a smooth contrast to the crispier textures. The tangy white cheese introduces a bold flavour that contrasts with the natural sweetness of the fruits. Its slightly crumbly texture and spicy notes add a complex flavour that tickles the palate. Fresh mint provides a final, refreshing touch. Its leaves impart a cool, peppery flavour that cuts through the richness of the avocado and the intensity of the cheese.

Zesty lime dressing with garlic

The salad comes alive with a zesty lime and olive oil vinaigrette. The zest and juice of lime add a bright, tangy kick, enhancing the natural sweetness of the fruits. The garlic introduces a subtle heat and pungency that goes very well with the citrusy sparkle of lime. This combination, emulsified with olive oil, clings to each component of the salad, marrying the flavours together in the most wonderful way. The optional sprinkle of roasted sesame seeds adds a nutty crunch and a toasty flavour, perfect for the fresh, zesty dressing.

Perfect for grilled meat, lunch, or as part of a tapas menu

This strawberry watermelon salad is ideal for summer events and can be a refreshing side to various dishes. It is excellent for picnics, BBQs, and potlucks, adding a light and fresh element to your spread. It pairs excellently with grilled meats and seafood, but you can also enjoy it on its own for a quick lunch. If you are serving a range of dishes, include it in a tapas selection for a touch of freshness.

If you want to try more of our salad recipes, take a look at our courgette and asparagus salad, couscous tabbouleh, and grilled salmon salad.

Ideas for varying the recipe

If you want to vary the recipe, here are a few ideas to inspire you.

To make the strawberry watermelon salad even more striking, try shaping the watermelon into balls with a melon baller. This not only refines the appearance but also adds an inviting texture, turning a simple mix into an elegant centrepiece, ideal for any event.

While white cheese with red peppers and chilli brings a delicious tang and warmth, feel free to try other cheese types to find out what you like best. Goat cheese offers a tangy alternative, while mozzarella has a gentler flavour.

To add an exciting crunch, sprinkle roasted pistachios, sliced almonds, or walnuts on top. These nuts offer a delightful crunch and pair well with sweet fruits. Thinly sliced Persian cucumbers also add crispness and refresh your palate with each bite. For extra texture, sprinkle some chia seeds over the salad.

If Moroccan mint does not suit your taste or is unavailable, consider using fresh basil instead. Basil brings a refreshing flavour that balances well with the sweet fruits and tangy cheese without being overwhelming.