Thursday, July 21, 2011

Watermelon Tomato Salad with Basil


The sound of the watermelon cracking at your first cut is usually a sign that a treat is in store.  Filled to nearly bursting with juices, flavor and a healthy dose of antioxidants, the fresh, crisp melon simply boasts of summer and has everyone in the kitchen hovering for that first taste.

I have a vivid memory from my childhood of my Aunt Vicki proclaiming that she had purchased us a seedless watermelon and I remember thinking that it was the coolest thing, and how the heck did people get all the seeds out?  Fast forward 30 years and I don't think my kids have ever seen watermelon slices sprinkled with the little black seeds.  Occasionally they will see a seed in our melons and proclaim, "Hey... there's a seed in here!"  Yep... they are clueless...

As a kid I never once considered the health benefits of watermelon as I munched on piece after piece, fresh juices dripping down my chin.  Today, however, I'm thrilled to read that not only is watermelon an excellent source of Vitamin C, it also holds its own in the Vitamin A category.  Additionally, Watermelon is rich in the B vitamins necessary for energy production, bringing a well rounded fruit to your table.  Combining the watermelon with tomatoes in this salad also serves up a serious serving of lypocene, known for its cancer preventing properties.  Who knew a simple summer salad could be so good for you?!

Easy to toss together and bursting with summer flavors, Watermelon Tomato Salad worked wonderfully for my son's birthday dinner.  Alongside his favorite grilled pork and Rachel's (A Southern Fairytale) Confetti Corn Salad, we had a meal fit for a 15 year old growing boy's birthday!



Watermelon Tomato Salad with Basil 
Printer Friendly Recipe

3 cups chopped watermelon
1 to 1 1/2 cups chopped cherry tomatoes
1/2 cup chopped onion (red, sweet or scallion)
2 Tbs thinly sliced basil
2 1/2 Tbs Grape Seed Oil (or Olive Oil if you prefer)
2 Tbs balsamic vinegar
salt and pepper to taste
Feta to garnish

Place watermelon, tomato, onion and basil in a large bowl.  Gently mix to combine.  Drizzle with oil and vinegar and season lightly with salt and pepper.  Adjust seasonings as desired.  Top with crumbled feta and serve.
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31 comments:

  1. Kelly | Eat Yourself SkinnyJuly 21, 2011 at 11:24 AM

    This looks fantastic and so pretty!! :)

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  2. Hester aka The Chef DocJuly 21, 2011 at 11:34 AM

    What an awesome birthday dinner! The salad is super fab, Kim. Full of nutrients and great, complementary flavors :-) I love the "clueless[ness]" of your kids about the seeds, haha. I miss the black seeds, to be honest! We used to grow our own at our old house and I just loved seeing the inside speckled with black.

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  3. RavieNomNomsJuly 21, 2011 at 11:53 AM

    I have GOT to try this...how gorgeous is that salad?! WOW. I have never paired tomatoes and watermelon together before, but I am sure it would be glorious.

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  4. LindseliciousJuly 21, 2011 at 12:27 PM

    This salad is so pretty and I love the basil and feta idea with fruit!

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  5. Leanna @ RaptortoeJuly 21, 2011 at 2:15 PM

    I love watermelon salad! Everytime I make it people are always so impressed :)

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  6. EliotseatsJuly 21, 2011 at 3:06 PM

    I had a tomato and watermelon salad at Michael Smith in KC that was awesome. (It had blue cheese in it.) I love the addition of the feta. Your pics are amazing.

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  7. UnknownJuly 21, 2011 at 3:43 PM

    Remember all the watermelon seed fights. I hated when they got in my hair. Lots to be said for the seedless variety, eh?

    Your salad does look absolutely fantastic. The feta would add the perfect tang to the dish.

    What a perfect birthday dinner. :)

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  8. ErinJuly 21, 2011 at 6:28 PM

    Great color! This salad looks so pretty, and sounds perfect for this heat wave!

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  9. FoodiewifeJuly 21, 2011 at 7:32 PM

    I hate watermelon. No matter how I try, I just can't bond with it. I've been thinking that making a salad just might help change my mind. The ingredients you used are my very favorites-- tomatoes, feta, basil and balsamic. I have a strong feeling that I would like this salad, so I'm going to try it! Thanks for the inspiration

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  10. All That's Left Are The CrumbsJuly 21, 2011 at 9:05 PM

    I have to say that I am another who is not a big fan of watermelon, and I would always choose cantaloupe or honeydew first. However, this salad looks so refreshing, and I love the idea of watermelon and basil with the salty taste of the feta. Kim, you may have just converted me.

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  11. VeronicaJuly 21, 2011 at 10:31 PM

    I've made this sans basil and feta--it's addictive, and I don't really even care for watermelon usually! Great photos.

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  12. Jill ColonnaJuly 22, 2011 at 3:29 AM

    Oh Kim, this looks fantastic. A real royal summer salad. Love all the combinations of flavours in there.
    Bon weekend. xo

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  13. JanetJuly 22, 2011 at 8:04 AM

    My kids and I ate an entire watermelon yesterday afternoon. If I had any left I'd try this salad!

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  14. Christine's PantryJuly 22, 2011 at 12:05 PM

    Love watermelon. Perfect recipe! Yum!

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  15. AdelinaJuly 22, 2011 at 2:10 PM

    I usually have a feta wrapped in lavash with a side of watermelon... can't imagine that tomatoes will also work with watermelon - need to try this out.

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  16. ShutterbugJuly 22, 2011 at 2:33 PM

    Looks yummy! I would also add some cucumbers for crunch and a bit more colour. :)

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  17. TiffanyJuly 22, 2011 at 2:48 PM

    What a beautiful salad! I was just looking for something different to bring to a picnic/party this weekend, this is perfect!

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  18. Dionne BaldwinJuly 22, 2011 at 6:49 PM

    I have to tell you, I made this and we L O V E it. Who knew watermelon and tomato could blend so well?? I am shocked and very impressed!

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  19. kitchen flavoursJuly 23, 2011 at 4:12 AM

    This looks so beautiful! We love watermelons! And we are lucky that we can have this wonderful fruit whole year round! Happy Belated Birthday to your son! Have a lovely weekend!

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  20. Hester Casey @ Alchemy in the KitchenJuly 23, 2011 at 5:21 AM

    Sweet or savoury - I will happily eat watermelon til it comes out my ears :) Love this salad.

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  21. Hester Casey @ Alchemy in the KitchenJuly 23, 2011 at 5:21 AM

    Sweet or savoury - I will happily eat watermelon til it comes out my ears :) Love this salad.

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  22. kitchenarianJuly 23, 2011 at 5:37 AM

    I grew up eating watermelon sprinkled with salt, so I definitely love the feta cheese in this. I am saving this recipe and making it this week. Thanks!

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  23. Elyse @The Cultural DishJuly 23, 2011 at 5:48 AM

    I love the feta in this! I never used to be into eating well when I was younger and never really considered it, but now I love it and I've realized how tasty eating well can be! Cannot wait to make this!

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  24. Jocie's MomJuly 23, 2011 at 9:00 AM

    Ha! When I was a kid I used to love to spit the seeds out. Take a huge chomp and then 'pppft pppft pppft!' Gorgeous salad. I be the feta-watermelon combo is ace! Buzzed :)

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  25. AngJuly 23, 2011 at 10:38 PM

    So refreshing....love this!

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  26. The Harried CookJuly 24, 2011 at 12:21 AM

    We still don't get the seedless variety here... and I enjoy spitting the seeds out as much as I did when I was kid :) This salad sounds super refreshing! Thanks for sharing, Kim...

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  27. Lisa~~July 24, 2011 at 11:29 PM

    Such a beautiful salad and so refreshing.

    Lisa~~
    Cook Lisa Cook

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  28. kitaJuly 25, 2011 at 3:34 PM

    Ive never been to adventurous with my watermelon but I love basil and feta so I must give this a try.

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  29. UnknownJuly 26, 2011 at 6:39 PM

    I have been absolutely beyond obsessed with watermelon lately. I love the savory twist on this delicious fruit. I will definitely have to try this one out! Thanks for sharing!

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  30. Kim @ Coffee Pot ChroniclesJuly 3, 2012 at 8:53 AM

    Oh my word this looks delish!

    Going to have to buy a watermelon now to make this one. Oh, and tomatoes. The good news is that hubby doesn't like tomatoes so there will be plenty for me and none for him. Bwahahaha. Yes, I'm evil. =)

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  31. AnonymousJuly 8, 2014 at 9:26 PM

    I really enjoyed this salad without the onion or dressing.

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