Enjoy the best of summer produce in this refreshing Watermelon Tomato Salad. It's simple to make with only a few ingredients and can be customized to suit your tastes.
I think once you try this salad, you'll be hooked like I am! And it pairs perfectly with all your favorite vegan grilling recipes.
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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.
Ingredients
You only need a handful of ingredients to make this delicious recipe:
- Watermelon (I prefer the seedless mini variety.)
- Tomatoes (My favorites are colorful heirlooms, especially cherry or grape varieties, but any size can be used.)
- Olive oil (This is the preferred oil on a Mediterranean diet.)
- Balsamic vinegar (This is the special ingredient that brings out the natural sweetness of the fruit.)
- Fresh basil leaves (Do not use dried basil for this salad. If you can't find fresh herbs, simply leave them out.)
For the complete list of ingredients with measurements plus recipe instructions, please see the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Balsamic vinegar
If you don't have this dark vinegar originally from Italy, you may be tempted to use a different acid instead. But I recommend you stick with balsamic.
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.
Instructions
As you can imagine, this recipe is really easy to prepare.
- Cube the watermelon and place it in a large bowl.
- Add the tomatoes. For small cherry or grape varieties, you can half or quarter them. For larger tomatoes, roughly chop them.
- Pour the simple dressing over the fruit.
- Tear or chop the basil, add it to the bowl, and toss everything before serving.
Tips
- Watermelon Tomato Salad tastes best served immediately or shortly after preparing.
- If you have leftovers, cover and refrigerate them until the next day.
- Tear the basil or use herb scissors just before adding to the dish to avoid bruising and discoloration.
- If using a mini watermelon, you will only need half of it to make 2 servings of this recipe as written. Or use the whole melon to make at least 4 servings. If you click on the number of servings in the recipe card it will adjust the measurements up or down for the exact number of servings you need.
Variations
While I recommend sticking with the basic ingredients (watermelon, tomatoes, and balsamic vinegar,) there are many ways to customize this recipe. Here are some of my favorite additions:
- Cucumbers
- Peaches
- Sweet onions
- Avocado
- Tofu feta
- Olives
- Other fresh herbs such as mint, cilantro, or tarragon
More watermelon recipes
If you have leftover melon after making this recipe, try one of these summer favorites:
- Watermelon Blueberry Salad is a festive fruit salad perfectly flavored with a touch of fresh mint and lime.
- Sparkling Agua Fresca is refined sugar-free and deliciously refreshing.
- Make it into a fruit cup with mango, pineapple, and Tajin chili lime seasoning.
And for even more recipes, join the Vegan Mediterranean Diet Recipes Facebook group for support, inspiration, and fun.
If you love this recipe, please give it 5 stars! ★★★★★
📋 Recipe
Watermelon Tomato 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
- 1 Tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- salt, to taste
- ¼ cup basil leaves, roughly torn or chopped
Instructions
- Add the watermelon and tomatoes to a large salad bowl.
- Drizzle the olive oil and balsamic vinegar over the fruit.
- Add the fresh basil, toss the salad, and enjoy.
Notes
- This dish tastes best served immediately or shortly after preparing.
- If you have leftovers, cover and refrigerate them until the next day.
- Tear the basil or use herb scissors just before adding to the dish to avoid bruising and discoloration.
- If using a mini watermelon, you will only need half of it to make 2 servings of this recipe as written. Or use the whole melon to make at least 4 servings. If you click on the number of servings in the recipe card it will adjust the measurements up or down for the exact number of servings you need.
- Cucumbers
- Peaches
- Sweet onions
- Avocado
- Tofu feta
- Olives
- Other fresh herbs such as mint, cilantro, or tarragon
Nutrition
Nutritional information is an estimation only.
This post was originally published 6/19/2017. It was updated for better user experience.
Carol
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
This is wonderful to hear! Thank you, Carol!
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!
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!
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!
Brandie
This looks lovely. Love watermelon!
Amy
Thank you, Brandie!
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.
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!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I love the sweet and savory pair! Summer is all about the watermelon 😀
Amy
Thanks Rebecca! I completely agree!
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.
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.
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!
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.