It’s impossible not to fall in love at first bite with Peach Watermelon Salad. This irresistible summer salad is what outdoor dining dreams are made of: juicy cubes of watermelon and sun-ripened peaches, a scattering of crumbly feta, and the freshest mint you can find, all tossed in a honey-lime dressing that brings every bite to life. The combination of sweet, tangy, and salty flavors makes it so much more than just another fruit salad — it’s a dish you’ll crave every time the temperature rises and a true celebration of peak-season fruit.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a starring role, enhancing taste, adding texture, or amplifying color. With just a few vibrant, fresh picks, your Peach Watermelon Salad will burst with summer flavors that never go out of style.
- Seedless watermelon: For this salad, juicy seedless watermelon, cubed, brings that refreshing sweetness and vibrant pink color we all adore.
- Ripe peaches: Fresh, ripe peaches, sliced thin, add glorious fragrance and a floral sweetness that balances the watermelon.
- Crumbled feta cheese: Salty and creamy feta cheese creates a lovely contrast against the fruit and ties everything together beautifully.
- Fresh mint leaves: Hand-torn mint leaves give fragrant herbal notes and a pop of bright green to every forkful.
- Honey: A drizzle of honey in the dressing enhances the fruity flavors and lends a touch of golden sweetness.
- Fresh lime juice: Lime juice brightens the salad and balances every bite with a gentle tartness.
- Pinch of salt: A small pinch of salt makes all the flavors come alive and keeps the salad from tasting one-note.
How to Make Peach Watermelon Salad
Step 1: Prep the Fruit
Slice your peaches into wedges and cube the watermelon into bite-sized pieces. The smaller and more evenly sized your fruit, the prettier the Peach Watermelon Salad looks and the easier it is to enjoy every flavor in one forkful.
Step 2: Assemble the Salad Base
In a large serving bowl, toss together the cubed watermelon, sliced peaches, crumbled feta cheese, and torn mint leaves. Don’t worry about it looking perfect — the spontaneous mix of colors and textures is part of this salad’s charm.
Step 3: Whisk the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, fresh lime juice, and a pinch of salt until the honey is fully dissolved and the mixture is silky. This simple dressing is the secret ingredient that transforms your Peach Watermelon Salad into a swoon-worthy side.
Step 4: Dress and Toss
Drizzle the honey-lime dressing over the assembled fruit and cheese, then gently toss everything together. Just a few careful turns of your salad servers ensure the feta and mint are evenly distributed and the dressing hugs every bit of fruit.
Step 5: Serve Chilled or at Room Temperature
The Peach Watermelon Salad is wonderfully flexible — it’s delicious right out of the fridge on a hot day or served closer to room temperature if you need to make it ahead. Either way, the flavors sing and the presentation is always gorgeous.
How to Serve Peach Watermelon Salad
Garnishes
Add extra torn mint leaves just before serving for a burst of aromatics and vibrant color. If you love a little heat, sprinkle a pinch of chili powder or Tajín over the salad for a playful twist that makes every taste memorable. A few additional feta crumbles on top also add an inviting finishing touch.
Side Dishes
This salad shines alongside just about anything hot off the grill. Try it with grilled lamb chops, simple chicken skewers, or your favorite seafood for a balanced summer meal. The mix of sweet fruit and salty cheese also pairs beautifully with crusty bread or herby couscous.
Creative Ways to Present
For individual servings, assemble the Peach Watermelon Salad in small glass jars or martini glasses for a fun party presentation. If you’re taking it to a picnic, layer the ingredients in a large mason jar and shake gently before serving. Or, serve the salad in watermelon “bowls” carved from a halved melon for a show-stopping centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer any leftover Peach Watermelon Salad to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. For best texture and flavor, enjoy within 1–2 days, as the fruit will release juices and the salad can become softer the longer it sits.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t recommended for this salad, as both watermelon and peaches become mushy after thawing and the feta loses its creamy texture. It’s best to enjoy your Peach Watermelon Salad fresh for the ultimate experience.
Reheating
No reheating is necessary — and actually not advised — with this chilled salad! Simply remove it from the refrigerator and let it sit for a few minutes to take the chill off before serving, if you like.
FAQs
Can I use regular watermelon with seeds?
Yes, you can, but consider removing the seeds for easier eating and a better presentation. Seedless watermelon is just a bit less work and keeps the focus on the fresh flavors.
What can I use instead of feta cheese?
Goat cheese is a great substitute if you want something creamy but with a slightly tangier bite. For a dairy-free option, try a good vegan feta or simply skip the cheese — the Peach Watermelon Salad will still be deliciously refreshing.
How far ahead can I make Peach Watermelon Salad?
You can prep the fruit and whisk the dressing several hours ahead of time, but assemble the salad just before serving to keep everything crisp and vibrant. Add the feta and mint at the last minute for maximum freshness.
Will the fruit get soggy?
When the salad sits, the watermelon and peaches will release some juice. It’s still tasty, but for optimal texture, toss the salad right before eating and serve immediately.
Can I make this salad for a large group?
Absolutely! Just double or triple the ingredients based on your crowd, and use a big serving bowl. The vibrant, colorful Peach Watermelon Salad always steals the show at gatherings.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for the ultimate summer crowd-pleaser, look no further than this Peach Watermelon Salad. It’s quick, gorgeous, and truly delicious — the kind of recipe you’ll return to every time the sun is shining and fresh fruit is calling your name. Give it a try, and prepare for rave reviews!
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Peach Watermelon Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Description
This refreshing Peach Watermelon Salad is a delightful mix of sweet and savory flavors, perfect for a light summer dish. Juicy watermelon, ripe peaches, and salty feta cheese are tossed together with a honey-lime dressing for a burst of freshness in every bite.
Ingredients
Watermelon Salad:
- 3 cups seedless watermelon, cubed
- 3 ripe peaches, sliced
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, torn
Dressing:
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the watermelon cubes, peach slices, feta cheese, and mint leaves.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, lime juice, and salt until smooth.
- Combine: Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Serve: Serve immediately, chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of chili powder or Tajín before serving.
- This salad pairs beautifully with grilled meats or seafood for a summer meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 3 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
