📖 Instructions

1. First, let's prep that watermelon. Grab your cutting board and a sharp knife. Cut the watermelon into bite-sized cubes. You want them to be easy to eat, about 1-inch in size. Place the cubed watermelon in a large bowl.
2. Now, onto the cucumber. Wash it well, and then dice it into pieces roughly the same size as the watermelon cubes. Add the cucumber to the bowl.
3. Next up: the chickpeas! If you're using canned chickpeas, make sure to drain and rinse them thoroughly. This gets rid of any extra sodium and makes them taste fresher. Toss the chickpeas into the bowl with the watermelon and cucumber.
4. Time for the red onion. This adds a lovely bit of sharpness to the salad. Finely dice about a quarter of a red onion. If you're sensitive to raw onion, you can soak the diced onion in cold water for about 10 minutes to mellow its flavor. Add it to the bowl.
5. Now for some fresh herbs. Roughly chop the fresh mint and cilantro. Don't be shy with the herbs – they add so much flavor! Add them to the salad bowl.
6. Let's make the tahini dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, maple syrup (or honey), and a pinch of salt and pepper. If the dressing is too thick, add a tablespoon or two of water until it reaches your desired consistency. It should be creamy and pourable.
7. Pour the tahini dressing over the salad. Gently toss everything together to make sure all the ingredients are nicely coated. Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. You might want to add a bit more lemon juice for brightness or a pinch more salt to bring out the flavors.
8. If you're serving the salad right away, you're all set! If not, you can cover the bowl and chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together. I find it tastes even better after it's had a little time to sit.
9. Before serving, give the salad another gentle toss. You might notice some liquid has settled at the bottom of the bowl – that's perfectly normal. Serve chilled and enjoy every bite! This salad is fantastic on its own, but it also pairs well with grilled chicken or fish. Get creative and have fun with it!