Description
Watermelon Arugula Salad is a vibrant and refreshing summer dish combining juicy watermelon cubes with peppery arugula, creamy feta cheese, and a zesty lime dressing. This quick and easy salad balances sweet, tangy, and salty flavors, making it perfect for light lunches, barbecue sides, or impressive summer gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh watermelon, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 4 cups fresh arugula leaves, washed and dried
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Optional Ingredients
- 1/4 cup toasted nuts (walnuts or pistachios)
- Fresh mint leaves, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Watermelon: Start by cutting fresh watermelon into uniform bite-sized cubes to ensure every bite delivers juicy, sweet refreshment.
- Wash and Dry the Arugula: Rinse arugula thoroughly under cold water, then spin or pat dry completely—dry greens prevent the salad from becoming soggy.
- Combine Ingredients in a Bowl: In a large mixing bowl, gently toss the watermelon cubes and arugula leaves to distribute the fresh ingredients evenly.
- Add Feta and Optional Ingredients: Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the salad, then add toasted nuts or mint leaves if desired for extra flavor and texture.
- Dress the Salad: Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and freshly squeezed lime juice, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Toss and Serve: Give everything a gentle toss to combine the flavors without bruising the delicate watermelon or greens, then serve immediately for the best texture and taste.
Notes
- Choose ripe watermelon for the best sweetness and juiciness.
- Dry greens thoroughly to avoid a watery salad.
- Add dressing just before serving to keep the salad fresh.
- Use fresh lime juice rather than bottled for brighter flavor.
- Toast nuts lightly to enhance their flavor and crunch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1.5g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: watermelon salad, arugula salad, summer salad, healthy salad, refreshing salad, gluten free, no-cook salad