Last updated on March 4th, 2024 at 08:21 pm
We are in full swing of hot summer here in America with BBQs being fired up left and right. This week I got the chance to whip up a batch of my balsamic watermelon salad to share with friends and family which is perfect for a BBQ or even an afternoon treat to cool off! The kids love it, minus the jalapeños and the adults are surprised at the tasty combination. There are many ways you can alter this too. I also love making homemade balsamic vinaigrette, it’s so easy and fast so I have added the recipe here too!
Balsamic Watermelon Salad
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 1 small watermelon
- 3/4 cup blueberries
- 1/4 cup cubed feta cheese
- 1 jalapeño
- 1/2 cup fresh arugula
- Balsamic dressing
Dressing Ingredients
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tbsp chopped shallot
- 1 tsp dijon mustard
- 1 tsp maple syrup
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
Instructions
Making the salad
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Cut watermelon into large pieces, save the rind for serving
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In large bowl, toss all ingredients together
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Pour ingredients out onto a large tray
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Drizzle balsamic vinaigrette dressing on top to your specifications
Making the dressing
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In a blender, mix vinegar, shallot, mustard, syrup on high
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Add olive slowly, while continuing to blend until combined
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Use up to 5 days, keep refrigerated.
Recipe Notes
*Serve on a plate, or on the watermelon rind
Balsamic Watermelon Salad
At first you might think this is a funny combination of flavors, but overall I think each ingredient really compliments each other. As with all my recipes, it’s fast, easy and family friendly.
Getting Jalapeño Off Your Hands Quickly
Be sure to not rub your eyes after cutting the jalapeños as I did, it isn’t pretty and so painful. A complete rookie mistake but a little trick my momma taught me, sprinkle salt on your hands and wash them under cold water. It should remove the jalapeño juice from them.
Serve On A Watermelon Rind
I love saving the watermelon rind, to serve on. Its a great way to display it for a buffet or at a BBQ. Also, makes it easy for people to get their own individual salads as I used mini watermelons, the rinds are small. If you use normal size watermelon it will be too big for serving but great to use as a platter. Why not try it on your 4th of July table?
I am not a huge fan of jalapeños but am of watermelon and this looks tasty. Could you make without the pepper? Definitely something I’d like to try…now we just need a really hot day to try it out.
Ya I leave the jalapeños out for the kids as they are really hot. Still taste great though. Try it and let me know what you think. Yes definitely more refreshing on a hot day. Lol
This is the sort of recipe that shouldn’t work based on the ingredients combo, but I bet it really does taste yum! #tastytuesdays
I thought the same thing the first few times I made it but the flavors really do go smoothly together. I love it. Thanks hun.
What I love about this recipe is how easy and simple it is–not cooking, roasting, or basting needed! I’m definitely trying this for our next bbq. Thanks for sharing.
Maria
cmntsblog.wordpress.com
Exactly, all my recipes are fast, friendly and perfect for the whole family! I am no chef! So easier the better.
I’d never think those ingredients go together but it sounds fantastic. I’m going to give this a try, especially with the jalapeños. And the presentation is gorgeous!
Thank you sweetie. Yes the combination sounds weird but I promise the flavors are amazing together. It’s one of my favorite dishes to make for a BBQ!!!
lovely styling on your photography
Thank you Helen. I am really trying hard to do better. I love food styling. Only wish I was a better cook so I had fancier food to photography and style! lol
I love using fruit in salads, there are so many herbs that complement fruit beautifully #TastyTuesday
I couldn’t agree more. This is one of my new favorites for sure for bbqs.