This vibrant salad is the perfect summer side dish or light lunch. The sweetness of watermelon is balanced beautifully by the slight peppery bite of the radish, creating a refreshingly delicious combination. I came up with this recipe after a long day of hiking, and let me tell you, it was the best thing I could have eaten to revive myself! The bright, zesty lemon-basil dressing adds a fresh, herbaceous note that ties all the flavors together wonderfully. It’s unbelievably easy to make, and it looks super impressive. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
I love this recipe because it's so versatile. You can adjust the ingredients to your liking—add different cheeses, herbs, or even some grilled chicken or shrimp for a more substantial meal. I’ve found it's the perfect salad for a summer BBQ, a picnic in the park, or a light lunch with friends. Last summer I made this salad for my friends' birthday party and it was a huge hit! It's always refreshing to see people enjoying something you put your heart into.
Required Equipments
- Large bowl
- Whisk
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Small bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
Watermelon-and-Radish-Salad-with-Lemon-Basil-Dressing
A refreshing and vibrant salad combining sweet watermelon, peppery radish, and a zesty lemon-basil dressing. Perfect for summer!
⏳ Yield & Time
Yield: 1 servings
Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time:
🍽 Ingredients
📖 Instructions
- First, prep your watermelon and radish. Cut the watermelon into bite-sized cubes—about 1 inch. This is way easier if the watermelon is already chilled. Trust me on this one! Then, thinly slice the white radish—I like to use a mandoline slicer for even slices, but a sharp knife works just fine. Make sure you wash everything properly, including your hands. You don't want any sneaky dirt in your salad!
- Next, let's make that amazing lemon-basil dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the fresh lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Taste it; you might want a bit more lemon or salt, depending on your preferences. Oh, and don't forget the fresh basil leaves! Chop them finely and add them to the dressing. A little extra virgin olive oil never hurts either.
- Now for the fun part: assembling the salad! In a large bowl, gently combine the watermelon, radish, and crumbled feta cheese. Pour the lemon-basil dressing over everything and toss gently. Don't overmix or you'll mush up the watermelon! It’s a delicate dance. Taste and season further if needed. I sometimes add a dash of honey for extra sweetness, depending on the watermelon's sweetness. Once you're happy with it, give it a final gentle toss and... that’s it! You just made the most refreshing salad ever. Pretty impressive, huh?
- If you have extra time, cover the bowl and chill the salad in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and create an explosion of taste in your mouth. I'm not kidding, it's that good!
- Garnish and serve! Before serving, give the salad another gentle toss and then add some extra fresh basil leaves for garnish. If you're feeling fancy, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick. You've earned it, believe me! Serve chilled and enjoy this amazing salad. It’s my personal fave, maybe even better than ice cream (almost)! Seriously, go make this now!
📝 Notes
- For a sweeter salad, add a teaspoon of honey to the dressing.
- If you don’t have fresh basil, you can substitute 1 teaspoon of dried basil.
🍎 Nutrition
Calories: 150kcal
Protein: 3g
Fat: 7g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 2g
Calcium: 50mg
