Watermelon Raspberry Salad

Name: Watermelon Raspberry Salad
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 4 cups watermelon (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

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This Watermelon Raspberry Salad is definitely a summer staple and perfect for a hot day!

It includes white Raspberry Balsamic Vinegar, roasted and salted pepitas (pumpkin seeds), creamy goat cheese crumbles, fresh raspberries and a hint of arugula.

You'll want to keep this summer salad recipe on hand all summer-long!

Watermelon salad is always a hit at summer gatherings, on a hot summer day or at your favorite summer BBQs!

Why this recipe works

Flavor combination

The combination of the sweet fruit with the tangy balsamic vinegar, 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.

Why there's no Feta cheese in this watermelon salad recipe

The reason this recipe has no Feta cheese is due to the white raspberry balsamic vinegar - when I used Feta cheese during recipe development, I found the saltiness of the Feta over powered the raspberry flavor. That's why I use goat cheese instead.

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

A seedless watermelon, cubed, white raspberry balsamic vinegar, red wine vinegar, honey, toasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas), arugula, goat cheese, fresh raspberries and a pinch of salt.

If you can't find pepitas, try substituting with roasted sunflower seeds, crushed pistachios or pecans.

How to make it

Combine the balsamic vinegar, red wine vinegar and honey in a small bowl and whisk together; this makes a delicious balsamic glaze!

Put diced melon in a large bowl, then pour the balsamic glaze 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 use chilled watermelon!)

If you want a pretty fruit salad use a melon baller !

Recipe FAQs

How to pick a ripe watermelon

I like to go to farmer's markets to get the best, sweetest watermelons! If you can't get to a local grower, grab one from the grocery store.
The best way to pick a sweet watermelon is to look for a creamy yellow "field" spot on the melon-usually on the side.
This is where the melon has rested on the ground and, as it ripens, this field spot turns yellow. The larger, more creamy yellow field spot indicates the watermelon is sweet.

Can I make this in advance?

This easy recipe can absolutely be made in advance! Simply make the dressing and refrigerate in an airtight container.
On the day of serving, cut the melon, pour the dressing over it, and let it chill in the fridge for about 15 minutes. Then, add the toasted pepitas, crumbled goat cheese and arugula and you're good to go!

What can I substitute for goat cheee?

Any mild cheese works great in this refreshing salad; you might try crumbled Queso Fresco, Mozzarella or shredded Parmesan.

I'm allergic to nuts. Can I eat pepitas?

Pepitas, or pumpkin seeds, are generally safe for those with nut allergies, however, in some instances the pepitas may have been co-mingled with nuts. For the most part, pumpkin and sunflower seeds are safe to consume if there is an allergy to nuts.

How to roast pumpkin seeds (pepitas)

Simply heat a cast-iron skillet on medium-high heat. (Do NOT add any oil; the oil from the seeds releases when the seeds get hot enough.)
Allow the seeds to lightly brown, tossing and stirring them occasionally. When you can smell them, they're done.
Remove from heat immediately and lightly salt if desired. Allow to cool, then add to salad.

What can I substitute for pepitas?

Any roasted salted nut pairs well - try sunflower seeds, walnuts, macadamia nuts or smoked almonds!

What can I substitute for honey?

You can use agave nectar, sugar, maple syrup or molasses.

This no Feta watermelon salad is quick, easy and always delicious at your favorite summer gathering or picnic!

Variations

There are many variations you can add to this fresh watermelon recipe: red onion, a little bit of extra-virgin olive oil, lemon juice, lime juice, 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, add a little fresh mint, some salty feta cheese, cherry tomatoes and a few Kalamata olives-these add salty flavors to the salad.

Watermelon Raspberry salad is the perfect salad on a hot summer day! 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!

If you make this recipe, please scroll down and leave a comment and rating! I love to hear from you!