How to Make the Perfect Watermelon and Avocado Salad (Summer Recipe Guide)

ByAlessia Recipes

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Watermelon and avocado salad might sound like an unusual combination, but this refreshing dish packs an impressive 206 calories with 16g of healthy fats and 4g of dietary fiber per serving. During summer, both ingredients reach their peak season, giving us the perfect opportunity to enjoy this delightful recipe for months.

I’ve found that the fresh flavors of this avocado watermelon salad blend together so perfectly that I continue making it every week until the ingredients go out of season. The best part? This watermelon cucumber salad recipe takes just 15 minutes to prepare, making it an ideal quick meal for hot days. Whether you prefer a simple watermelon and avocado combination or want to explore adding feta and other ingredients, this guide will help you create the perfect summer salad. California avocados, specifically, bring exceptional quality to this dish, thanks to approximately 3,000 dedicated growers cultivating them across 50,000 acres from San Diego to Monterey.

Choosing the Right Ingredients

The secret to an exceptional watermelon and avocado salad lies in selecting ingredients at their peak ripeness. When these key components are perfectly fresh, you’ll need minimal additional seasonings to create a memorable dish.

Best types of watermelon for salad

Finding the ideal watermelon for your salad begins with understanding what to look for. Old-fashioned seeded watermelons generally offer superior sweetness compared to seedless varieties. When shopping, I always check for these telltale signs of ripeness:

  • Look for a large yellow spot (called the “field spot”) on one side – this indicates the melon ripened properly on the vine
  • Choose a watermelon that feels surprisingly heavy for its size, suggesting juiciness
  • Tap the watermelon – a ripe one produces a deep, hollow sound rather than a high-pitched tone

Crimson Sweet, All Sweet, and Jubilee varieties are particularly popular choices due to their consistent sweetness and juicy texture. For something different, consider Desert King watermelon, known for its drought tolerance and sweet, yellow flesh.

How to pick ripe avocados

Selecting the perfect avocado requires attention to three key factors: color, texture, and firmness. For a salad you’ll prepare today, look for avocados with dark green to nearly black skin. The peel should have a bumpy texture rather than smooth.

When testing ripeness, apply gentle pressure with your palm instead of fingertips. A ripe avocado yields slightly without feeling mushy or leaving indentations. Furthermore, avoid breaking the stem “seal” at the store – this triggers premature oxidation affecting color and taste.

If planning ahead, purchase avocados at different ripeness stages. Green, firm avocados need 4-5 days to ripen, while dark green ones with slight give will be ready in 1-2 days. Once ripened, store them in the refrigerator to extend freshness.

Optional add-ins: cucumber, feta, mint

A classic watermelon and avocado salad transforms into something truly exceptional with thoughtful additions. English or Persian cucumbers work beautifully without requiring peeling or seeding. However, if using standard field cucumbers, I recommend peeling and removing seeds first.

For cheese options, fresh blocks of feta deliver superior flavor compared to pre-crumbled varieties. Alternatively, crumbled goat cheese, fresh mozzarella, or queso fresco make excellent substitutions. Queso fresco offers a milder alternative to feta, less salty and assertive.

Fresh herbs provide the finishing touch. Mint pairs exceptionally well with watermelon, while basil creates a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile. For a Mexican twist, fresh cilantro complements the lime often used in dressing. Approximately one cup of packed herbs (or about 15 leaves) provides the perfect punch of freshness.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Watermelon and Avocado Salad

Creating the perfect watermelon and avocado salad is all about technique and attention to detail. Once you’ve gathered your ingredients, follow these simple steps to craft this refreshing summer dish.

1. Prepping the watermelon and avocado

The way you cut your ingredients significantly impacts both presentation and taste. For watermelon, you have two excellent options. Initially, you can dice it into uniform cubes for easy eating and consistent texture. Alternatively, use a melon baller to create attractive spheres that add visual interest. Whichever method you choose, ensure you’re using a sharp, nimble knife that can easily navigate the watermelon’s round edges.

For avocados, wait until just before serving to cut them to prevent browning. Slice them into cubes or use a melon baller to create round avocado pieces – an unexpected but elegant touch.

2. Assembling the salad layers

You can approach assembly in two distinct ways. For a layered presentation, start with a bed of greens such as arugula or spinach. Next, arrange watermelon pieces, followed by cucumber slices and avocado. Many chefs recommend adding thinly sliced red onion or shallots for a sharp contrast to the sweet watermelon.

For visual impact, consider spreading whipped goat cheese or feta on the edges of your serving platter before adding the main ingredients in the center. This creates a restaurant-quality presentation with minimal effort.

3. Making a simple dressing

A basic yet delicious dressing combines olive oil, lime juice, and a touch of honey. Simply whisk these ingredients together in a small bowl, adding salt and pepper to taste. For additional flavor dimensions, consider these variations:

  • Add red wine vinegar for tanginess
  • Incorporate fresh herbs like mint, basil, or cilantro
  • Blend in white miso for umami depth

4. Tossing vs. layering: which is better?

Both approaches have merits. Tossing the ingredients gently allows the flavors to meld together more thoroughly. This method works best when serving immediately. Drizzle the dressing over the ingredients and fold carefully to avoid crushing the avocado.

Conversely, layering creates a more visually striking presentation, ideal for entertaining. This approach allows guests to appreciate each component individually before mixing. For layered presentations, drizzle the dressing just before serving.

Regardless of your preferred method, chill the finished salad for 15-30 minutes before serving to enhance flavors.

Flavor Boosters and Toppings

While watermelon and avocado create a delicious base, the right toppings transform this simple combination into a memorable flavor experience. Let’s explore how to elevate your watermelon and avocado salad with complementary ingredients.

Adding feta or vegan cheese

The creamy tanginess of cheese adds wonderful contrast to sweet watermelon. Feta is the classic choice, with many chefs preferring to buy blocks and crumble them fresh rather than using pre-crumbled varieties for superior moisture and flavor. Alternatively, goat cheese offers a softer tang, whereas queso fresco provides a milder option that’s less salty and assertive than feta. For those avoiding dairy, plant-based alternatives like Violife Dairy-Free Feta create similar creaminess without compromising taste.

Using chili oil or sesame seeds

Asian-inspired flavors create an unexpected yet brilliant pairing with watermelon. Toasted sesame seeds contribute essential nutty crunch that elevates the texture. Additionally, a combination of soy sauce, chili oil and sesame creates a “flavor bomb” that delivers bold umami depth. This combination perfectly complements the sweetness of ripe watermelon, creating a delightful salty-sweet contrast that keeps you coming back for more.

Fresh herbs: mint, basil, or cilantro

Fresh herbs inject brightness that ties everything together. Mint provides a cooling contrast that balances the sweetness of watermelon. Basil creates a Mediterranean-inspired profile, especially wonderful when paired with fresh mozzarella. Moreover, cilantro works beautifully with lime-based dressings, creating a Mexican-inspired variation. Experiment with these herbs based on your cheese selection and dressing choices.

Sweet and tangy: honey, lime, or lemon juice

A simple honey-lime vinaigrette beautifully balances the flavors in this salad. The acid from citrus simultaneously preserves the avocado’s color and brightens the overall taste. Lemon juice serves as an excellent substitute for lime if needed. For added complexity, consider these additions:

  • A splash of rice vinegar for tang
  • A drizzle of balsamic vinegar for depth
  • A touch of jalapeño for subtle heat

Serving and Storage Tips

Preserving the freshness of your watermelon and avocado salad requires specific techniques to maintain its vibrant colors and textures. From preventing discoloration to proper storage, these tips will help you enjoy this refreshing combination at its best.

How to keep avocado from browning

Avocado discoloration occurs naturally once cut due to an enzyme called polyphenol oxidase reacting with oxygen. To delay this process:

  • Squeeze fresh lime or lemon juice over the avocado – the acidity lowers pH levels and slows enzymatic activity
  • Tightly wrap cut surfaces with plastic wrap to limit oxygen exposure
  • Brush olive oil on exposed flesh to create a protective barrier
  • Store with red onion pieces – the sulfur compounds naturally slow oxidation

First, understand that even browned avocado is safe to eat – simply scrape off the discolored surface. Nevertheless, proper storage extends its appealing appearance.

Can you make it ahead of time?

For best results, prepare this salad no more than a day in advance. Indeed, the ideal approach depends on your timeline:

  • Same-day serving: Assemble completely for optimal freshness
  • Few hours ahead: Prepare all ingredients but add avocado just before serving
  • Day before: Store watermelon, herbs, and other components separately in airtight containers

Essentially, the dressing can be made in advance, whereas the watermelon releases more juice the longer it sits.

Best ways to serve: chilled or room temp

Serving temperature dramatically affects flavor intensity. In fact, chilling both watermelon and avocado for 15-30 minutes before assembly creates an exceptionally refreshing experience. Subsequently, the assembled salad benefits from resting in the refrigerator for 30 minutes, allowing flavors to meld together.

According to experts, this salad is most appealing when served cold, making it perfect for hot summer days.

Pairing ideas for summer meals

This versatile salad complements numerous summer dishes. Consider these pairings:

  • Grilled seafood – the sweet-savory flavors balance smoky fish perfectly
  • Burgers or grilled meats – the refreshing contrast complements hearty proteins
  • Spicy dishes – watermelon’s sweetness balances heat beautifully

To enhance your summer dining experience, serve this nutritious salad alongside other BBQ sides. Packed with antioxidants, vitamins A and C, potassium and amino acids, watermelon contributes significant nutritional value despite being low in calories.

Conclusion

Watermelon and avocado salad stands out as one of summer’s most delightful culinary treasures. This refreshing combination offers the perfect balance of sweetness, creaminess, and nutritional benefits while requiring minimal preparation time. Though seemingly unconventional at first, these ingredients create a harmonious blend that keeps you coming back for more.

Fresh ingredients truly make all the difference in this recipe. Selecting perfectly ripe watermelon and avocados serves as the foundation for an exceptional salad. Additionally, customizing your creation with cucumber, feta, herbs, and various dressings allows you to craft a dish that matches your personal preferences.

This versatile salad adapts beautifully to different occasions. You might serve it alongside grilled seafood for a light dinner, pair it with burgers at a backyard barbecue, or enjoy it as a standalone meal on particularly hot days. Furthermore, the simple yet effective storage techniques ensure you can prepare components ahead of time without sacrificing quality.

Summer eating should be effortless yet satisfying. Therefore, this watermelon and avocado salad deserves a spot in your seasonal recipe collection. The next time temperatures rise, remember this simple yet impressive dish that celebrates summer’s finest produce. Your taste buds will certainly thank you!

FAQs

Q1. Is watermelon and avocado a good combination for a salad? Yes, watermelon and avocado make an excellent salad combination. The sweet, juicy watermelon complements the creamy texture of avocado perfectly, creating a refreshing and flavorful dish that’s perfect for summer.

Q2. What are the key ingredients for a watermelon and avocado salad? The main ingredients are watermelon and avocado. Additional components often include red onion, cucumber, feta cheese, and fresh herbs like mint or basil. A simple dressing of lime juice and olive oil ties the flavors together.

Q3. How can I prevent the avocado from browning in my salad? To keep avocado from browning, squeeze fresh lime or lemon juice over it immediately after cutting. You can also brush the exposed flesh with olive oil or store it with red onion pieces, as their sulfur compounds slow oxidation.

Q4. Can I prepare watermelon and avocado salad in advance? It’s best to prepare this salad close to serving time. If needed, you can cut the watermelon and prepare other ingredients a day ahead, but add the avocado just before serving to maintain freshness and prevent browning.

Q5. What dishes pair well with watermelon and avocado salad? This refreshing salad pairs excellently with grilled seafood, burgers, or other grilled meats. It also complements spicy dishes well, as the sweetness of the watermelon balances out the heat. It’s a versatile side that enhances many summer meals.