Refreshing Peach Watermelon Salad

This Peach Watermelon Salad celebrates summer's juiciest fruits in a refreshing dish that takes just minutes to prepare. The natural sweetness of watermelon and peaches creates a perfect balance with aromatic mint and a touch of citrus. I've brought this to countless backyard gatherings where it disappears faster than anything else on the table.

I first created this salad during a particularly brutal heatwave when turning on the stove seemed impossible. The combination was so delightful that it became my signature summer potluck contribution every year since.

Ingredients

• Watermelon: choose a heavy one with a deep hollow sound when tapped for maximum sweetness
• Peaches: slightly firm but fragrant peaches work best they hold their shape without being too hard
• Fresh mint: the cooling flavor is essential to this recipe use the brightest greenest leaves
• Lime juice: adds brightness that balances the fruit's sweetness fresh is significantly better than bottled
• Sea salt: just a pinch enhances all the flavors without making the salad taste salty
• Feta cheese: optional but adds a wonderful salty creaminess that contrasts with the sweet fruit
• Red onion: optional adds a gentle bite and beautiful color contrast use sparingly
• Cucumber: optional provides extra refreshing crunch and hydration perfect on the hottest days

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Fruit:

Cut watermelon into consistent 1inch cubes making sure to remove all seeds. Slice peaches into thin wedges avoiding the pit. The fruit should be ripe but firm enough to maintain its shape when tossed.

Mix Base Ingredients:

Combine watermelon and peaches in a large bowl gently to avoid crushing the fruit. Stack mint leaves tear or chop them finely and scatter throughout the fruit mixture.

Add Seasonings:

Squeeze fresh lime juice evenly over the salad. The acid brightens the flavors and keeps the fruit looking fresh. Sprinkle sea salt across the top which enhances the natural sweetness of the fruit.

Incorporate Optional Add-ins:

If using fold in crumbled feta cheese thinly sliced red onion and cucumber slices. These ingredients add complexity and make the salad more substantial.

Chill Before Serving:

Place the salad in the refrigerator for 10 to 15 minutes. This brief chilling allows the flavors to meld together and ensures every bite is refreshingly cool.

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The mint in this recipe makes all the difference. When my garden mint is thriving I add extra sprigs as garnish. My family has a tradition of enjoying this salad on the porch after evening walks when we need something light yet satisfying.

Make It Ahead

While this salad is best enjoyed fresh you can prepare components ahead of time. Cube watermelon and store in an airtight container. Slice peaches just before assembly to prevent browning. Keep mint leaves whole until ready to use for maximum flavor. Assemble the entire salad no more than 4 hours before serving for optimal taste and texture.

Perfect Pairings

This versatile salad complements many summer dishes. Serve alongside grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. For a vegetarian option pair with grilled halloumi cheese or a quinoa salad. It also works beautifully as a light dessert following a spicy meal or as a refreshing brunch offering on hot mornings.

Seasonal Variations

Adapt this salad throughout summer as different fruits reach their peak. In early summer substitute strawberries for peaches. Mid-summer brings opportunities to add blueberries or blackberries. Late summer try incorporating plums or nectarines. The watermelon base works wonderfully with almost any stone fruit or berry keeping this recipe relevant all season long.

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Recipe FAQs

→ How long can I store this peach watermelon salad?

This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. The fruits will release more juice as they sit, so you may want to drain some liquid before serving leftovers.

→ Can I prepare this salad in advance for a party?

You can prepare the components ahead of time by cutting the watermelon and peaches and storing them separately. Combine everything and add the lime juice, salt, and mint just 15-30 minutes before serving for the freshest taste and texture.

→ What can I substitute for mint if I don't have any?

Fresh basil or cilantro make excellent substitutes for mint in this salad. Basil will provide a slightly sweeter note, while cilantro offers a more citrusy flavor that pairs well with the lime juice.

→ Is this salad suitable for people with dietary restrictions?

The base salad is naturally vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free. If adding feta cheese, the salad will no longer be vegan or dairy-free. You can substitute with a plant-based feta alternative if desired.

→ What main dishes pair well with this watermelon peach salad?

This refreshing salad pairs beautifully with grilled proteins like chicken, fish, or tofu. It also complements spicy dishes nicely, as the sweet, cooling fruits balance the heat. For a complete summer meal, serve alongside grilled corn and veggie skewers.

→ Can I add other fruits to this salad?

Absolutely! Berries like blueberries or strawberries, sliced nectarines, or even cubed mango would be delicious additions. Just keep the total fruit ratio similar to maintain the balance of flavors and textures.