Watermelon Caprese Salad
This summer salad is a beautiful balance of sweet, savory, creamy, and fresh. Juicy chunks of watermelon replace tomatoes in this fun riff on the traditional Caprese salad, and the result is light, hydrating, and incredibly flavorful — perfect for hot days, BBQs, or a refreshing appetizer.
Time Breakdown:
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 10–15 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
Salad:
3 cups seedless watermelon, cut into cubes or wedges
8 oz fresh mozzarella (bocconcini or ciliegine balls, or sliced)
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves (whole or torn)
Flaky sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For Drizzling:
1–2 tbsp balsamic glaze (store-bought or homemade)
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Optional Add-Ins:
1/4 cup sliced cucumber (for crunch)
A few mint leaves
Crumbled feta (for a tangier twist)
Toasted pine nuts or pistachios
Instructions:
Step 1: Prep Ingredients
1. Cut watermelon into bite-sized cubes or wedges.
2. Drain mozzarella and slice or halve if needed.
3. Wash and pat dry basil leaves.
Step 2: Assemble the Salad
1. On a platter or in a wide shallow bowl, layer watermelon and mozzarella.
2. Tuck in fresh basil leaves between the pieces.
Step 3: Dress and Serve
1. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze.
2. Sprinkle with sea salt and black pepper.
3. Serve immediately — best chilled or at room temperature.
Notes & Tips:
Watermelon Tip: Use a firm, ripe seedless watermelon for the best texture.
Balsamic Glaze Shortcut: Simmer 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar until reduced to a syrup (about 8–10 min).
Keep It Cold: Chill all ingredients before assembling for the most refreshing experience.
Presentation Tip: Serve on a long platter for a modern, elegant look.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
A: You can prep ingredients 1–2 hours ahead, but assemble just before serving to prevent sogginess.
Q: Can I use feta or goat cheese instead of mozzarella?
A: Yes! Feta gives a nice salty contrast, and creamy goat cheese adds tang.
Q: What to pair it with?
A: Grilled chicken, shrimp skewers, crusty bread, or sparkling rosé all complement it perfectly.
Nutritional Information
Calories ~180 kcal
Protein 8 g
Carbohydrates 14 g
Fat 11 g
Saturated Fat 5 g
Fiber 1 g
Sugar 10 g
Sodium ~220 mg