Watermelon Salad with Goat Cheese is a refreshing and delightful dish that embodies the flavors of summer. Bursting with juicy watermelon, crisp baby cucumbers, tangy goat cheese, and a zesty lime dressing, this salad is a perfect combination of sweet and savory elements.
I know - a salad without lettuce that combines fruit and veggies is a little unconventional. But trust me, when I've made this, my guests have loved it. One of my favorite ways to serve this salad is as a main entree topped with grilled salmon or shrimp. As they say, don't knock it 'til you try it.
I adore salads that combine vegetables and add a hint of sweetness from fruit. Our Broccoli Salad with Craisins and Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad are great examples of these dishes.
Whether you're hosting a summer barbecue, enjoying a light lunch, or looking for a unique side dish, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser that's as easy to make as it is delicious.
If you need help selecting the perfect watermelon for this salad, I walk you through the important things to look for with my post, How To Tell If A Watermelon Is Bad (A Simple Guide).
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Refreshing Flavor - The juicy watermelon and zesty lime dressing create a refreshing and hydrating salad that's perfect for hot summer days.
- Balanced Taste - The combination of sweet watermelon, creamy goat cheese, and the brightness of lime juice strikes a harmonious balance of flavors.
- Quick and Easy - This salad comes together in a matter of minutes, making it a hassle-free addition to any meal.
- Versatile - You can enjoy this salad as a side dish, appetizer, or even a light main course. It pairs well with grilled meats, seafood, or as a standalone dish.
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Manual Juicer
- Shaker jar or small mixing bowl for the dressing
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Serving plate or bowl
Ingredients
- Limes
- Granulated Sugar
- Kosher Salt
- Black Pepper
- Olive Oil
- Seedless Watermelon
- Baby Cucumbers
- Red Onion
- Goat Cheese
- Mint Leaves
*For specific ingredient amounts, please scroll down to the recipe card.
Substitutions
- Lime Juice - If you don't have fresh limes, you can use bottled lime juice, but fresh is preferred for the best flavor.
- Sugar - Adjust the amount of sugar to taste. You can use honey or agave syrup as a substitute for granulated sugar.
- English Cucumbers - These can be used as an alternative to the baby version. Ones without seeds are the key.
- Goat Cheese - If you're not a fan of goat cheese, feta cheese is a great alternative. It offers a similar tangy creaminess.
- Mint Leaves - Fresh basil or cilantro can be used instead of mint if you prefer different herb flavors.
Variations
- Arugula - As mentioned, a salad that features a fruit as its main ingredient instead of lettuce can seem a bit odd to some. If this is the case for you, I have a suggestion - toss a handful or two of arugula in and mix it up. I've found about 2-3 cups works well. The peppery taste of arugula is a wonderful balance to the sweet watermelon and lime dressing.
Instructions
Step 1. Place lime juice and sugar in a shaker jar with a tight-fitting lid. Shake or stir until they are completely dissolved. Add salt, pepper, and olive oil. Shake again until well mixed. Set aside.
Step 2. In a large mixing bowl, place watermelon, cucumbers, onion, half of the goat cheese, and mint leaves. Gently toss until combined.
Step 3. Add about ⅔rds of the dressing, and gently toss.
Step 4. Transfer to a serving plate or bowl. Top with the remaining half of the goat cheese and more mint if desired. Drizzle with the rest of the dressing if desired.
Storage and Freezing
This salad is best served when made, but you may refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for a day or two.
You can proceed through step 2, combine the salad ingredients, and cover for 30-45 minutes before serving. You will need to pour off any accumulated juices before putting the dressing on the salad, or it may dilute the dressing.
Freezing is not recommended.
Pro Tip
If you have trouble getting juice from your lime, you can microwave the lime for 10-15 seconds. Then, roll the lime on the counter, applying firm pressure before cutting it. Citrus fruits like limes contain pectin, a natural substance found in the cell walls. Microwaving can help break down some of the pectin, making it easier to extract the juice.
FAQs
It's best to assemble and dress the salad just before serving to maintain its freshness. To prevent your watermelon salad from becoming too watery, it's best to prepare and dress it just before serving. This way, the watermelon retains its crisp texture, and the salad stays fresh. However, you can prepare the dressing in advance and refrigerate it. Bring to room temperature beforehand (the olive oil kind of solidifies, but you need to keep the lime juice fresh). Combine all the ingredients when you're ready to eat.
Look for a watermelon that feels heavy for its size, has a uniform shape, and has a creamy yellow spot (the field spot) on one side. Tapping it should produce a deep, hollow sound.
Grilled meats like chicken or fish
Vegetable Stir-Fry
Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Lamb or Pork Chops
Watermelon Salad with Goat Cheese
Equipment
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Manual Juicer
- Shaker jar or small mixing bowl for the dressing
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Serving plate or bowl
Ingredients
For the Dressing
- ⅓ cup freshly squeezed lime juice about 6 small limes
- 2 Tablespoons granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup olive oil
For the Salad
- 4-5 cups cubed seedless watermelon about half a large watermelon
- 1 cup baby cucumbers sliced in half moons (about 3 small)
- ⅓ cup thinly sliced red onion
- 8 ounce goat cheese crumbled
- 2 Tablespoons torn mint leaves
Instructions
- Place lime juice and sugar in a shaker jar with a tight-fitting lid. Shake or stir until they are completely dissolved. Add salt, pepper, and olive oil. Shake again until well mixed. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, place watermelon, cucumbers, onion, half of the goat cheese, and mint leaves. Gently toss until combined.
- Add about ⅔rds of the dressing, and gently toss.
- Transfer to a serving plate or bowl. Top with the remaining half of the goat cheese, and more mint if desired. Drizzle with the rest of the dressing if desired.
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