If you are searching for a refreshing way to celebrate the sunniest days, look no further than this vibrant and juicy Summer Peach Watermelon Salad Recipe. Bursting with sweet watermelon cubes, succulent peach slices, creamy mozzarella, and the fragrant hint of fresh basil, this salad is a celebration of summer’s best flavors. The drizzle of extra virgin olive oil paired with a tangy balsamic glaze elevates every bite, creating an irresistible harmony that you will find hard to put down. It’s simple, colorful, and packed with textures that make this salad a perfect starter or side dish for any warm-weather gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering just a handful of fresh, straightforward ingredients unlocks a world of flavor in this salad. Each component plays a vital role in balancing sweetness, creaminess, freshness, and acidity, making every mouthful truly delightful.
- 2 cups watermelon, diced: Make sure your watermelon is ripe and juicy for the best sweet crunch that defines this salad.
- 2 large ripe peaches, sliced: Choose peaches that are soft but firm enough to hold their shape, adding a luscious, fragrant sweetness.
- 1/4 cup fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini), halved: Creamy mozzarella creates a mild, delicate contrast against the fruit.
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn: Fresh basil infuses the salad with a refreshing herbal note and vibrant green color.
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil: A good-quality olive oil enriches the salad’s texture and brings all the flavors together.
- 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze: Sweet and tangy, this glaze adds depth and a hint of acidity that brightens the dish.
- Sea salt, to taste: Enhances the natural sweetness of the fruit and balances the creaminess of mozzarella.
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Adds a subtle kick that layers complexity into each bite.
How to Make Summer Peach Watermelon Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by cutting the watermelon into bite-sized cubes, making sure to remove any seeds for a smooth texture. Next, slice the ripe peaches into manageable pieces that will blend beautifully with the other ingredients. Don’t forget to halve the mozzarella balls to ensure every forkful has creamy goodness.
Step 2: Combine the Main Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, layer your fresh watermelon cubes, soft peach slices, and halved mozzarella balls. This mix-up already looks like a summertime feast, with its vibrant red, orange, and creamy white colors.
Step 3: Add the Fresh Basil
Tear the basil leaves gently by hand, releasing their aromatic oils, and sprinkle them evenly over the fruit and cheese. This ensures that every bite carries that bright, herbal freshness basil is famous for.
Step 4: Dress with Olive Oil and Balsamic Glaze
Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil over the salad for richness and silkiness. Follow up with the balsamic glaze, which adds a sweet tanginess that complements the fruit’s natural sugars perfectly.
Step 5: Season to Taste
Lightly season the salad with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. The salt draws out the flavors in the watermelon and peaches, while the pepper introduces a gentle heat that awakens your palate.
Step 6: Toss Gently
Carefully toss the salad to combine all ingredients evenly, taking care not to crush the delicate fruit. The goal is a harmonious blend where every ingredient shines through.
Step 7: Serve Fresh or Chill
For the freshest experience, serve this Summer Peach Watermelon Salad Recipe immediately. However, if you prefer it chilled, place it in the refrigerator for a short time before serving to enhance its cool, refreshing qualities.
How to Serve Summer Peach Watermelon Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a few extra basil leaves on top before serving not only heightens the salad’s appeal but also amps up the herbal aroma. You might also sprinkle a bit of toasted pine nuts for crunch or a light crumble of feta cheese to add a salty tang that contrasts beautifully with the sweet fruit.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs exceptionally well with grilled chicken, fish, or a simple crusty bread that helps soak up the flavorful juices. It is also a bright, refreshing side alongside barbecue fare, adding a healthy balance to richer mains.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning visual, try layering the watermelon and peaches in a clear glass bowl or arrange the salad in a shallow dish to showcase the colorful ingredients. You can also serve this salad on crisp lettuce leaves or individual plates garnished with small basil sprigs for an elegant touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best eaten within a day or two, as the fruit can release extra juice and lose some texture. Give it a gentle stir before serving to redistribute the flavors.
Freezing
Freezing this salad is not recommended because watermelon and peaches become mushy upon thawing, losing their fresh texture and flavor. Opt to prepare fresh batches for every gathering to keep the salad vibrant.
Reheating
This salad is designed to be enjoyed cold and fresh, so reheating is never needed. Reheat the salad would compromise the refreshing qualities of the fruit and mozzarella, so serve it chilled or at room temperature for the best experience.
FAQs
Can I use canned peaches instead of fresh?
Fresh peaches provide the best flavor and texture for this Summer Peach Watermelon Salad Recipe. Canned peaches tend to be softer and syrupy, which can alter the crispness and sweetness balance, but in a pinch, they can work if drained well.
Is there a vegan alternative to mozzarella in this salad?
Yes, you can substitute fresh mozzarella with vegan cheese options such as almond-based fresh cheese or just omit it entirely. Adding toasted nuts like cashews can also provide a creamy crunch.
How do I pick the best watermelon for the salad?
Look for a watermelon that feels heavy for its size and has a creamy yellow spot where it rested on the ground, indicating ripeness. The rind should be firmly green and free of soft spots.
Can I prepare this salad ahead of time for a party?
While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare the components separately and combine them shortly before serving. Keeping the dressing aside until the last minute helps prevent the fruit from getting soggy.
What other fruits could I add to this salad?
For a twist, try adding fresh strawberries, blueberries, or even sliced cucumbers for extra crunch and flavor. Just keep the balance between sweet and savory to maintain the salad’s refreshing profile.
Final Thoughts
This Summer Peach Watermelon Salad Recipe is truly a shining star in the lineup of summer dishes. Its effortless combination of sweet, creamy, and savory flavors brings a burst of sunshine to your plate, and it’s sure to become a staple at your summer meals. I can’t wait for you to try it and share this delight with your loved ones!
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Summer Peach Watermelon Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 0h 0m
- Total Time: 0h 15m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and vibrant Summer Peach Watermelon Salad combining juicy watermelon cubes, ripe peach slices, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil leaves, all brought together with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and balsamic glaze. Perfect for a light and healthy snack or side dish on hot summer days.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 2 cups watermelon, diced into cubes
- 2 large ripe peaches, sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini), halved
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn into pieces
Dressing & Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze
- Sea salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Cut the watermelon into cubes, slice the peaches, and halve the fresh mozzarella balls to get all salad components ready.
- Combine Base Ingredients: In a large bowl, add the watermelon cubes, peach slices, and halved mozzarella balls, creating the foundation of the salad.
- Add Basil: Gently mix the torn fresh basil leaves into the bowl to evenly distribute their fresh flavor without bruising the fruit.
- Dress the Salad: Drizzle 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over the salad, followed by 1 tablespoon of balsamic glaze to add sweetness and acidity.
- Season: Sprinkle sea salt and freshly ground black pepper over the salad according to your taste preferences.
- Toss Gently: Carefully toss all salad ingredients to combine well, ensuring the delicate peaches and watermelon are not mashed or bruised.
- Serve or Chill: Serve immediately for the freshest taste, or refrigerate the salad briefly to enjoy it chilled on a hot day.
Notes
- Use ripe peaches for maximum sweetness and flavor.
- Fresh basil is key to enhancing the salad’s aroma and freshness.
- Balsamic glaze can be substituted with a balsamic reduction or good quality balsamic vinegar if glaze is unavailable.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature based on preference.
- This salad is best eaten the same day to preserve texture and flavor.
