Tomato-And-Watermelon Salad

Celebrate summer flavors by bringing together two fruity favorites—tomatoes and watermelon—for a savory-sweet salad the whole family will love. This vibrant dish embodies everything you want a summer side dish to be—refreshing, light, well-balanced, and unique enough to really showcase your culinary prowess.

The fresh watermelon and tomatoes are the star of the show in this dish. As such, make sure to choose ripe, flavorful varieties that will hold up well to to being tossed with a savory vinaigrette. Serve this dish outside at your next cookout, picnic, or late-night dinner party, or as a quick way to liven up a ho-hum weeknight meal.

Ingredients for Tomato-and-Watermelon Salad

Sweet watermelon, tangy tomatoes, red onion, and a red wine vinaigrette combine for a refreshing salad you’ll want to make on repeat through the summer months. To make tomato-and-watermelon salad, you’ll need:

• Watermelon: Adds a sweet, juicy flavor and texture to the salad.
• Tomatoes: Adds acidity and a tangy contrast to the sweet watermelon.
• Granulated sugar: Balances the acidity of the dish and enhances the natural sweetness of the watermelon and tomatoes.
• Kosher salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
• Red onion: Adds a sharp, oniony flavor and crunch to the salad.
• Red wine vinegar: Acidity and tanginess to balance the vinaigrette.
• Extra virgin olive oil: Adds a smooth, rich mouthfeel to the vinaigrette.
• Romaine lettuce leaves: Optional as a base for the salad.
• Cracked black pepper: Adds a subtle peppery heat to the salad.

Ingredients

• 5 cups (3/4-in.) seeded watermelon cubes
• 1 1/2 lbs. ripe tomatoes, cut into 3/4-in. cubes
• 3 tsp. granulated sugar
• 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
• 1 small red onion, quartered and thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup red wine vinegar
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• Romaine lettuce leaves (optional)
• Cracked black pepper to taste

Directions

1. Mix ingredients:Combine watermelon and tomatoes in a large bowl; sprinkle with sugar and salt, tossing to coat.Let stand 15 minutes.
2. Add vinaigrette:Stir in onion, vinegar, and oil. Cover and chill 2 hours. Serve chilled with lettuce leaves, if desired. Sprinkle with cracked black pepper to taste.

Tomato-and-Watermelon Salad Variations

To add a unique twist to this salad, consider these variation ideas:

• Tomatoes: Use a variety of tomatoes or cherry tomatoes for contrasts in flavor, color, and texture.
• Fruit: Substitute part or all of the watermelon with cucumber, peaches, or strawberries.
• Herbs: Add basil, mint, or thyme for an herbaceous touch.
• Cheese: Add crumbled feta or goat cheese, or mozzarella pearls for a creamy addition.
• Vinegar: Swap the red wine vinegar with balsamic or other types of vinegars, if preferred.
• Nuts and seeds: Add toasted almonds, pine nuts, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, or sunflower seeds for a light crunch.
• Greens: Replace the romaine with arugula or spinach as preferred.
• Grains: Bulk up the salad by serving over a bed of quinoa, farro, couscous, or other grains.
• Heat: Add sliced jalapeños or chili flakes for a touch of heat.

How To Store Tomato-and-Watermelon Salad

This salad comes together incredibly quickly, but does require some chill time. To have some elements ready in advance, it’s best to pre-cut the watermelon and tomatoes, and store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to two days, until ready to use. A quick toss with the remaining ingredients, and you’ll be ready to chill and serve.

Refrigerate leftovers of this salad in an airtight container for up to two days. Note that the tomatoes and watermelon may start to break down or release liquid over time, but the salad will still be delicious.

What To Serve With Tomato-and-Watermelon Salad

Whether serving for brunch, lunch, or dinner, pair this summer-y salad with grilled veggies, chicken, steak, fish, or seafood. Serve with crusty bread, pasta, couscous or a quinoa salad. You can also pair it with your favorite brunch dishes for a bright and refreshing touch.