If you've never paired watermelon with tomatoes before, you're in for a pleasant surprise. This refreshing watermelon tomato salad is a celebration of peak-season produce: sweet, juicy, and ready in just 15 minutes. With a splash of balsamic vinegar and fresh basil, every bite tastes like summer in a bowl.
Think of it as the cool cousin to caprese. No cheese required (unless you want to toss in a little vegan feta), just a handful of ingredients that let the fruit shine. And while this combo might sound quirky, it just works.
If you enjoy easy recipes like tomato and red onion salad or my take on panzanella with sourdough, you’ll love this twist on tomato salad with watermelon and herbs.
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Made this tonight and it was so easy and quick. What a surprisingly wonderful combination of flavors. So good! Will make this all summer long and I don’t think I will ever tire of it.
- Carol
Ingredients
Watermelon: I like using a seedless mini watermelon. Half of one makes about two servings. You can easily scale it up using the recipe card. Extra melon? Make a sparkling watermelon drink!
Tomatoes: Cherry or grape heirlooms are my favorite, but any ripe tomato will work beautifully.
Olive oil
Balsamic vinegar: Its sweet depth enhances the flavor of the fruit without overpowering it. No substitutes for this one.
Fresh basil: Skip the dried stuff here. Tear the leaves right before serving for the best flavor and color.
Please see the recipe card at the bottom of this post for the complete ingredients, measurements, and instructions.
Instructions
- Cube the watermelon and add it to a large bowl.
- Slice or chop the tomatoes depending on their size and add them to the bowl.
- Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
- Tear the basil and toss it all together gently. Serve right away for the best flavor and texture.
Serving suggestions
This watermelon tomato salad is endlessly customizable. Add cucumbers, peaches, sweet onions, avocado, or toss in cubes of marinated tofu feta or your favorite store-bought vegan version.
Perfect for BBQs, potlucks, and lazy weeknight dinners, it pairs well with:
- Grilled teriyaki and pineapple skewers
- Vegan chickpea burgers.
- Mango avocado chickpea salad
- Spinach salad with orzo and sun-dried tomatoes
One bite and you’ll be hooked. Don’t be surprised if this becomes your go-to summer salad.
Made this recipe? Have a question? Please leave a comment below. 💙 And for even more recipes, join my email list for community, inspiration & to chat directly with me!
Love and Veggies,
Amy
📋 Recipe
Refreshing Watermelon Tomato Salad with Basil and Balsamic
Ingredients
- 2 cups watermelon, cubed
- 1 cup tomatoes, (halved or quartered if using cherry or grape tomatoes, roughly chopped if using larger tomatoes)
- 1 Tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 Tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- ¼ cup basil leaves*, roughly torn or chopped
- salt, to taste
Instructions
- Add the watermelon and tomatoes to a large salad bowl.2 cups watermelon, 1 cup tomatoes
- Drizzle the olive oil and balsamic vinegar over the fruit.1 Tablespoon extra virgin olive oil, 1 Tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Add the fresh basil and toss the salad. Taste and add salt, as needed.salt, ¼ cup basil leaves*
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Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information is an estimation only.
Carol says
Made this tonight and it was so easy and quick. What a surprisingly wonderful combination of flavors. So good! Will make this all summer long and I don’t think I will ever tire of it.
Amy Katz says
This is wonderful to hear! Thank you, Carol!
Lauren says
I made this for the 4th today and it was a hit! I almost skipped it because there was so many other things to get done, but I'm so glad I didn't because everyone loved it! I'd never had this combination of flavors, but the basil and balsamic brought it together so well! Will definitely be making it again!! Thanks!
Amy says
Thank you so much, Lauren! This makes me so happy!