Watermelon, Radish and Avocado Salad
Watermelon works beautifully in summer salads, especially when paired with savory or bitter ingredients to balance its fragrant sweetness. This recipe is no exception. Adding radishes, arugula and diced avocado creates a mixture of contrasting flavors and textures that’s colorful, refreshing and fun to eat. The dressing here is nothing more than olive oil and vinegar, but it becomes tangy-sweet when it mingles with the fresh watermelon juice. This salad happens to be vegan, and the avocados provide plenty of richness, but a sprinkle of shaved ricotta salata would be a nice addition, if you are so inclined. Finally, while you can make the dressing and prepare the watermelon, shallots and radishes in advance, wait to assemble and dress the salad until just before serving. Watermelon, as the name suggests, has a high water content and will start to release its juices the second the dressing is added. To get vegetarian recipes like this one delivered to your inbox, sign up for The Veggie newsletter .
- Total:
- Serves: 4 persons
Ingredients
- 1pound 3/4-inch cubed watermelon, chilled (about 3 1/2 cups)
- 1cup very thinly sliced radishes (4 to 5 radishes)
- 1large shallot, thinly sliced
- 4tablespoons olive oil
- 1tablespoon champagne or white wine vinegar
- ½teaspoon kosher salt (Diamond Crystal), plus more to taste
- ¼teaspoon black pepper, plus more to taste
- 2 ½ounces baby arugula (about 4 cups)
- 2firm-ripe avocados, halved, pitted and diced
- ⅓cup torn fresh mint or basil leaves
- Shaved ricotta salata (optional)
Instructions
Step 1
Place the watermelon, radishes and shallots in a large serving bowl. In a glass measuring cup or small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, salt and black pepper.Step 2
Just before serving, pour half of the dressing over the watermelon, radishes and shallots, and toss well. Add the arugula, the avocado and the rest of the dressing, and toss gently. Top with the fresh mint or basil and ricotta salata, if using. Season with more salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.