Ultimate Summer Salad (Printer-friendly)
Crisp greens, watermelon, avocado, and feta with lemon vinaigrette
# What you'll need:
→ Vegetables & Fruits
01 - 2 cups mixed salad greens (arugula, baby spinach, romaine)
02 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
03 - 1 cup cucumber, sliced
04 - 1 cup watermelon, cubed
05 - 1 ripe avocado, diced
06 - 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
07 - 1/4 cup radishes, thinly sliced
→ Cheese & Nuts
08 - 1/3 cup feta cheese, crumbled
09 - 1/4 cup toasted almonds or pistachios, chopped
→ Fresh Herbs
10 - 2 tbsp fresh mint, chopped
11 - 2 tbsp fresh basil, torn
→ Vinaigrette
12 - 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
13 - 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
14 - 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
15 - 1 tsp Dijon mustard
16 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
# Method:
01 - Place the mixed salad greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, watermelon, avocado, red onion, and radishes in a large salad bowl. Gently toss to distribute evenly.
02 - Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese and toasted nuts over the salad mixture, ensuring even coverage across the surface.
03 - Scatter the chopped mint and torn basil leaves throughout the salad for aromatic freshness and vibrant flavor.
04 - In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until fully emulsified and smooth.
05 - Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad just before serving. Toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly without bruising the delicate greens. Serve immediately.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The combination of sweet watermelon and creamy avocado hits every crave-worthy texture in one bowl
- It comes together in twenty minutes but tastes like something from a restaurant patio
02 -
- Watermelon releases water as it sits, so dress this salad right before serving or it becomes soupy
- Toast your nuts in a dry pan for three minutes beforehand and the difference is ridiculous
03 -
- Use a vegetable peeler to shave thin ribbons of cucumber instead of slices for a more elegant presentation
- Add the vinaigrette to the bottom of the bowl first, then pile the ingredients on top and toss at the table