Watermelon Arugula Salad

Watermelon Arugula Salad is a refreshing delight perfect for warm days and gatherings. This vibrant salad combines juicy watermelon with peppery arugula, creating a delightful contrast of flavors. Topped with creamy feta cheese and a drizzle of balsamic reduction, it’s an ideal dish for picnics, barbecues, or simple weeknight dinners. The best part? It’s quick to prepare and packed with nutrients.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just a few ingredients, you can whip up this salad in under 10 minutes!
• Refreshing Flavor: The sweet watermelon perfectly complements the peppery arugula for a taste that’s irresistible.
• Versatile Dish: This salad pairs beautifully with grilled meats or can stand alone as a light meal.
• Nutrient-Rich: Packed with vitamins and minerals, this salad is a healthy choice for any diet.
• Beautiful Presentation: The bright colors make it an eye-catching addition to any table.

Tools and Preparation

To create your Watermelon Arugula Salad, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment will make your preparation easier and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large salad bowl
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring cup

Importance of Each Tool

• Large salad bowl: Perfect for tossing ingredients together without spilling.
• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface to chop your watermelon into cubes.
• Sharp knife: Ensures clean cuts for even-sized watermelon pieces.
• Measuring cup: Helps ensure accurate portions when adding olive oil.

Ingredients

Watermelon Arugula Salad is the most amazing summer salad! Juicy and sweet watermelon and salty feta cheese on a bed of peppery arugula. Yum!

For the Salad

• 2 cups cubed watermelon
• 5 oz baby arugula
• 3 oz feta cheese
• sea salt
• pepper

For the Dressing

• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• balsamic reduction/glaze

How to Make Watermelon Arugula Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Watermelon

Start by cutting the watermelon into cubes until you have about 2 cups full.

Step 2: Assemble Your Salad

In a large salad bowl, add the cubed watermelon and crumbled feta on top of the baby arugula.

Step 3: Season Your Salad

Season the salad with sea salt and pepper to taste. Then, drizzle extra virgin olive oil and balsamic reduction over the top.

Step 4: Toss and Serve

Give the salad a good toss to combine all ingredients thoroughly. Enjoy this refreshing dish immediately!

How to Serve Watermelon Arugula Salad

Watermelon Arugula Salad is a refreshing dish perfect for hot summer days. Here are some creative ways to serve this delightful salad that will impress your guests.

As a Light Lunch

• Pair the salad with whole grain bread or pita for a satisfying meal that keeps you energized throughout the day.

At a Barbecue

• Serve it alongside grilled chicken or turkey for a delicious complement to smoky flavors, making it an excellent side dish at outdoor gatherings.

As an Appetizer

• Spoon small portions into appetizer cups for elegant bites that are sure to please your guests before the main course.

With Grilled Vegetables

• Add roasted or grilled vegetables on the side for a vibrant and colorful plate that enhances both taste and presentation.

How to Perfect Watermelon Arugula Salad

To make your Watermelon Arugula Salad truly outstanding, consider these helpful tips.

• Choose ripe watermelon: Select a sweet and juicy watermelon for maximum flavor. Look for a uniform shape and a yellow spot indicating ripeness.

• Fresh arugula is key: Use fresh baby arugula leaves, as they add peppery notes that balance the sweetness of the watermelon.

• Feta cheese options: Opt for high-quality feta cheese. Crumbled or cubed, it adds a salty richness that enhances the salad’s overall flavor.

• Chill ingredients: For an even more refreshing experience, chill the watermelon and arugula before assembling the salad.

• Drizzle wisely: When adding olive oil and balsamic glaze, start with less; you can always add more to reach your desired flavor balance.

Best Side Dishes for Watermelon Arugula Salad

Serving Watermelon Arugula Salad alongside complementary dishes can elevate your meal. Here are some great options:

1. Grilled Chicken Skewers: Juicy, marinated chicken cooked on skewers adds protein and pairs beautifully with the salad’s flavors.

2. Quinoa Pilaf: A nutty quinoa dish with herbs provides a hearty base that contrasts well with the lightness of the salad.

3. Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes bring warmth and earthiness to your meal, creating a delightful combination when served together.

4. Couscous Salad: A light couscous salad with lemon vinaigrette adds brightness and texture, making it an excellent sidekick to the Watermelon Arugula Salad.

5. Grilled Vegetable Platter: A mix of seasonal vegetables grilled to perfection offers additional flavors and complements the freshness of the salad.

6. Chickpea Salad: A protein-rich chickpea salad with tomatoes and cucumbers provides a satisfying crunch while enhancing nutritional value.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a Watermelon Arugula Salad can be simple, but there are common mistakes that could affect the flavor and presentation. Here are some pitfalls to avoid:

• Ignoring freshness: Using old or overripe watermelon can ruin your salad. Always select fresh, firm watermelon for the best taste.

• Overdressing the salad: Too much dressing can overwhelm the flavors. Start with a small amount of olive oil and balsamic reduction, then adjust to your liking.

• Neglecting seasoning: A little salt and pepper can bring out the flavors in your salad. Don’t skip this step; season your salad just before serving.

• Cutting ingredients unevenly: Uniform pieces not only look better but also ensure even flavor distribution. Take the time to cube the watermelon and crumble the feta evenly.

• Using low-quality feta cheese: The quality of your feta impacts the overall taste. Opt for a good quality, creamy feta for a richer flavor profile.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Best consumed within 1-2 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing Watermelon Arugula Salad

• Freezing is not recommended as it alters texture.
• If you must freeze, do so without dressing and consume within a month.

Reheating Watermelon Arugula Salad

• Oven: Not recommended; salads are best served cold.
• Microwave: Avoid using it; will wilt arugula.
• Stovetop: Not suitable; this salad should be enjoyed fresh.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making a Watermelon Arugula Salad:

Can I make Watermelon Arugula Salad ahead of time?

You can prepare components like cubed watermelon and arugula in advance. However, it’s best to assemble and dress the salad just before serving to keep it fresh.

What other ingredients can I add to Watermelon Arugula Salad?

Feel free to customize with nuts, seeds, or other cheeses like goat cheese. Fresh herbs such as mint or basil also pair well.

Is Watermelon Arugula Salad healthy?

Yes! This salad is packed with vitamins from watermelon and arugula while being low in calories, making it a great healthy option.

Can I substitute feta in Watermelon Arugula Salad?

Absolutely! You can use vegan cheese or omit cheese entirely for a lighter version of this salad.

Final Thoughts

This Watermelon Arugula Salad is perfect for summer gatherings or picnics. Its refreshing flavors and vibrant colors make it appealing and versatile. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite ingredients or adjusting the dressing to suit your taste!