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Watermelon Tomato Basil Salad is a delicious summertime treat! It’s easy to make with only a few ingredients. The secret ingredient that brings out the natural sweetness of the fruit is balsamic vinegar. This salad is vegan, gluten-free, and healthy.
Watermelon and tomatoes are some of my favorite seasonal ingredients.
It may seem odd to put them together, but they are actually both fruits, even though we often think of tomatoes as vegetables.
The magic ingredient in this Watermelon Tomato Basil Salad is the balsamic vinegar.
Balsamic vinegar is very dark in color and originates from Italy.
It’s intense in flavor since it’s made from the whole grape, including the skin and seeds.
It’s sweet rather than acidic and pairs well with fruit.
For this recipe, I used heirloom cherry tomatoes, but you can use whatever tomatoes that are available.
If you’re using larger tomatoes you can roughly cut them a little smaller than the watermelon cubes.
And if using cherry or grape tomatoes like I did, you can either cut them in halves or quarters.
And for the basil I prefer to keep it rustic and tear the leaves by hand.
I once saw on a cooking show that this is how they do it in Italy.
Do you like to chop or tear your basil?
When I do want to cut it for some recipes like raw tacos, I like using herb scissors to make it easier, especially when the basil is wet.
If you want to omit the oil in this recipe, you certainly can.
The most important ingredients in this salad are the watermelon, tomatoes, basil, and balsamic vinegar.
I bought a mini-watermelon, and half the watermelon was enough to make two servings of this Watermelon Tomato Basil Salad.
You can use the whole melon if you want to serve more people.
Impress your friends by bringing it to a summer picnic or potluck!
I enjoy eating this salad as a light meal, maybe with some crusty bread on the side.
It’s also a wonderful starter for a bowl of pasta such as Cherry Tomato Penne Pasta, Eggplant Bolognese Pasta, or Avocado Basil Pesto Pasta.
Now let’s make Watermelon Tomato Basil Salad!
Watermelon Tomato Basil Salad
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 olive oil (optional)
- 1 Tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- salt to taste
- 1/4 cup basil leaves roughly torn
Instructions
- Combine all the ingredients in a salad bowl.
- Enjoy right away, or chill until ready to serve.
Becky Striepe
This salad looks awesome! I’m loving those beautiful heirloom cherry tomatoes. They’re my favorite for snacking on. So sweet!
Amy
Thanks Becky! Those tomatoes were calling my name! I wish we were growing our own, but fortunately I can find them locally.
Jasmine
My family would absolutely LOVE this recipe and I can’t wait to make it for them this summer! 🙂
Amy
That makes me so happy, Jasmine!
Jenn
We have been eating so much watermelon lately. Love that stuff! The flavor combo sounds divine in this salad. And I always chop my basil, but I also read that tearing it is better – it doesn’t bruise that way.
Amy
Thanks Jenn! Yes, I think you’re right about the basil not bruising when you tear it.
Mary Ellen - VNutrition
This looks like the perfect summer salad! I love watermelon this time of year and the balsamic is a great addition! I actually didn’t realize that balsamic uses the whole grape – good to know!
Amy
Thanks Mary Ellen! Yes, that’s why it’s such a pretty deep color.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I love the sweet and savory pair! Summer is all about the watermelon 😀
Amy
Thanks Rebecca! I completely agree!
Gwen
I love the addition of balsamic vinegar to bring out the sweetness! I’m going to make this once I start seeing watermelon in the stores, that should be any day now! Your photos are gorgeous!!
Amy
Thank you so much, Gwen! I just started seeing seedless watermelon everywhere where I live, so hopefully you will, too!
Trinity Bourne
Oh my goodness that sound so very refreshing. I could certainly do with a nice bowl of that right now.
Delish!
Amy
Thanks so much Trinity! It really hits the spot when it’s hot out.
Brandie
This looks lovely. Love watermelon!
Amy
Thank you, Brandie!
Sarah McMinn
This looks so good. I’m not typically a watermelon fan, but I think in this savory salad I would love it!
Amy
Thanks Sarah! The balsamic vinegar really makes it work!
Agness of Run Agness Run
Yum! I love a light and healthy salad recipe! Plus, this one is easy to make!
Amy
It sure is, Agness! I’m glad you like it!
Cadry
This looks so beautifully light & summery. Pairing it with some crusty bread is the quintessential summer meal!
Amy
Thank you, Cadry! Maybe we could thrown in some of your delicious grilled corn, too!
Lauren
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
Thank you so much, Lauren! This makes me so happy!