Watermelon Arugula Goat Cheese Salad
This Watermelon Arugula Goat Cheese salad recipe is definitely a summer staple! It includes a handful of simple ingredients: white Raspberry Balsamic Vinegar, roasted and salted pepitas (pumpkin seeds), creamy goat cheese crumbles, fresh raspberries and a hint of peppery arugula which offers a different and unique alternative to the typical or basic watermelon salad recipe.
Watermelon salad is always a hit at summer gatherings, on a hot summer day or at your favorite summer BBQs! You’ll want to keep this summer salad recipe on hand all summer-long!
Why this recipe works
- It’s different – made with simple ingredients. You’ll find the basic watermelon feta salad at just about every outdoor picnic. Some include red onion or fresh basil while others rely on a good ole juicy watermelon with a hint of lime juice, but most summer potlucks include one offering of this summer fruit with feta crumbles. This watermelon salad without goat cheese is always a hit at a summer BBQ!
- Terrific Flavor combination
- The combination of the sweet fruit with the tangy balsamic vinegar dressing, and a hint of salt from the roasted pumpkin seeds pairs beautifully with the hint of spicy arugula, sweet raspberries and creamy goat cheese crumbles.
This recipe yields about 4 cups of diced watermelon; for a really big watermelon, double the recipe.
Serve with your favorite grilled protein, as a healthy snack or a side to homemade chicken salad and a big glass of sweet tea!
What you’ll need
- Ripe watermelon – seedless is preferred, but you can use one with seeds
- White Raspberry Balsamic Vinegar- make sure it’s “white raspberry balsamic vinegar” not dark
- Red Wine Vinegar
- Honey-or agave nectar
- Toasted Pumpkin Seeds (Pepitas)-If you can’t find pepitas, try substituting with roasted sunflower seeds, crushed pistachios or pecans.
- Arugula – a peppery green found in the produce department of your grocery store
- Fresh raspberries
- Salt- to taste
Why this watermelon salad recipe doesn’t use Feta cheese
The reason this recipe has no Feta cheese is due to the white raspberry balsamic vinegar – when I used the tangy Feta cheese during recipe development, I found the saltiness of the Feta cheese overpowered the raspberry flavor. That’s why I use goat cheese which is milder in flavor and pairs best with the peppery arugula.
How to make it
My favorite way to make this easy watermelon salad is to combine the balsamic vinegar, red wine vinegar and honey in a small bowl, whisk together and combine with salad ingredients. The vinegar and honey make a delicious balsamic glaze that you can use for other summer salad!
With a sharp knife and a sturdy cutting board cut the melon in half, then slice it into bite sized pieces- about 1-inch cubes. (If you aren’t using a seedless watermelon, just remove the watermelon seed)
Combine watermelon cubes and the balsamic vinaigrette mixture over diced melon and refrigerate for 15-20 minutes; garnish with roasted/salted pepitas, fresh raspberries, arugula and crumbled goat cheese! (It tasted best when you serve a cool, crisp watermelon!)
If you want a pretty fruit salad use a melon baller !
Watermelon salad is always a hit at summer gatherings, on a hot summer day or at your favorite summer BBQs! Serve with fresh fruit kabobs with cantaloupe, prosciutto, mozzarella with a honey infused raspberry dipping sauce!
Storage
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Variations
There are many variations you can add to this delicious watermelon salad recipe: red onion, a little bit of extra-virgin olive oil, lemon juice, lime juice, fresh mint leaves, basil leaves or other fresh herbs (sage, basil, dill or thyme), black pepper, English cucumbers, or regular cucumbers. Add any of these to provide a more savory flavor.
If you want to put a Mediterranean spin on this side dish, add a little fresh mint, some salty feta cheese, cherry tomatoes and a few Kalamata olives!
This Watermelon Arugula Goat cheese salad is quick, easy and always delicious at your favorite summer gathering or picnic!
Put a big serving bowl of this near your outdoor grill and enjoy this delicious side dish with your favorite barbecued meats or Grilled Sesame chicken kabobs!
This is one of the best ways to offer your guests a healthy side dish!
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- Orange Olive Oil Cake
- Vermicelli Summer Salad
- Broccoli Crunch Salad
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If you make this recipe, please scroll down and leave a comment and rating! I love to hear from you!
Watermelon Arugula Goat Cheese Salad
Ingredients
- 4 cups watermelon cute into bite size pieces
- ⅓ cup white raspberry balsamic vinegar
- ⅓ cup red wine vinegar
- ⅓ cup honey
- ½ cup toasted pumpkin seeds
- ½ cup goat cheese
- 2 pints fresh raspberries
- ½ cup arugula , finely chopped
- salt to taste
Instructions
Balsamic Dressing
- Combine white raspberry balsamic vinegar, honey and red wine vinegar; whisk till blended⅓ cup white raspberry balsamic vinegar, ⅓ cup red wine vinegar, ⅓ cup honey
Salad Assembly
- Cut watermelon into bite-size pieces4 cups watermelon
- Pour balsamic dressing over watermelon; combine well, cover and allow to rest in fridge for about 15 minutes
- When ready to serve, lightly salt watermelon; add goat cheese crumbles, toasted pumpkin seeds, raspberries and fresh arugula; serve immediately½ cup toasted pumpkin seeds, ½ cup goat cheese, salt to taste, ½ cup arugula, 2 pints fresh raspberries
Notes
- Add the goat cheese right before you serve the dish
