15-Minute Watermelon Spinach Salad Recipe – Easy Summer Refreshment

Table of Contents

• Why You’ll Love This Watermelon Spinach Salad
• Ingredients for Watermelon Spinach Salad
• How to Make Watermelon Spinach Salad
• Pro Tips for Making the Best Watermelon Spinach Salad
• Best Ways to Serve Watermelon Spinach Salad
• Nutritional Information
• Storage & Leftovers
• FAQs
• Related Recipes

Are you looking for a refreshing dish that combines the sweet juiciness of summer watermelon with nutritious greens? This Watermelon Spinach Salad is the perfect solution for hot days when you want something light yet satisfying. The vibrant colors and contrasting flavors make this salad not only delicious but also visually stunning – ideal for everything from casual lunches to elegant dinner parties. Ready in just 15 minutes, this homemade watermelon salad brings together crisp spinach, juicy watermelon, tangy feta cheese, and a simple homemade dressing that enhances all the flavors without overwhelming them.

Why You’ll Love This Watermelon Spinach Salad

• Ready in just 15 minutes – perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute entertaining
• No cooking required – ideal for hot summer days when you don’t want to turn on the oven
• Nutrient-packed – combines vitamin-rich spinach with hydrating watermelon
• Perfectly balanced flavors – sweet, salty, tangy, and fresh in every bite
• Easily customizable – swap ingredients based on dietary needs or preferences
• Gorgeous presentation – minimal effort for maximum visual impact
• Makes the best use of seasonal summer produce
• Great for meal prep – components can be prepared ahead of time

Ingredients for Watermelon Spinach Salad

For the Salad Base:

• 6 cups fresh spinach, washed and dried thoroughly (about 6 oz of baby spinach)
• 4 cups watermelon cubes (about 1-inch pieces, approximately half a medium watermelon)
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (use dairy-free alternative for vegan option)
• 1/3 cup thinly sliced red onion
• 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, torn or roughly chopped
• 1/3 cup toasted walnuts or pecans (optional) – Harvard Health notes these add heart-healthy fats

For the Dressing:

• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 1 tablespoon honey (substitute with maple syrup for vegan option)
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

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How to Make Watermelon Spinach Salad – Step by Step

Step 1: Prepare the Dressing

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, honey, and Dijon mustard.
2. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
3. Set aside to allow flavors to meld while preparing the salad ingredients.

Step 2: Prepare the Watermelon

1. Cut your watermelon into 1-inch cubes, removing seeds if necessary.
2. For extra refreshment, you can chill the cut watermelon in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before assembling the salad.

Step 3: Toast the Nuts (Optional)

1. If using nuts, toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until fragrant and lightly browned.
2. Stir frequently to prevent burning and set aside to cool completely.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

1. In a large salad bowl, arrange the fresh spinach as the base layer.
2. Add the watermelon cubes, distributing them evenly throughout.
3. Sprinkle the red onion slices, crumbled feta cheese, and fresh mint over the top.
4. If using, add the toasted nuts.

Step 5: Dress and Serve

1. Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad just before serving.
2. Gently toss all ingredients to ensure even coating with the dressing.
3. Serve immediately for the freshest texture and flavor.

Pro Tips for Making the Best Watermelon Spinach Salad

• Choose the right watermelon: Look for a watermelon that feels heavy for its size and has a yellow spot where it sat on the ground – these are signs of ripeness. According to The Kitchn, the hollow sound when you tap it is another reliable indicator of ripeness.
• Balance the temperature: For the most refreshing contrast, use cold watermelon with room-temperature spinach.
• Prevent soggy salad: Pat the watermelon cubes with paper towels to remove excess moisture before adding to the salad.
• Make ahead strategy: Prepare all components separately and assemble just before serving to maintain the perfect texture.
• Seasoning is key: Don’t forget to properly season the dressing – the salt enhances the sweetness of the watermelon. The Food Network explains that salt actually amplifies watermelon’s natural sweetness by contrast.
• Consider texture: Add toasted nuts or seeds for a satisfying crunch that complements the soft watermelon and tender spinach.
• Fresh herbs matter: While mint is traditional, basil or cilantro can offer delicious alternatives that pair wonderfully with watermelon. The National Watermelon Promotion Board offers great herb pairing suggestions for watermelon dishes.

Best Ways to Serve Watermelon Spinach Salad

This Watermelon Spinach Salad makes a versatile addition to your meal planning and can be served in multiple ways:

• As a light lunch: Pair with a slice of crusty artisan bread for a complete meal
• As a side dish: Serve alongside grilled chicken, fish, or tofu for a well-balanced dinner
• For entertaining: Present in a large, shallow bowl to showcase the vibrant colors for a stunning buffet centerpiece
• As a starter: Serve smaller portions in individual bowls or plates to begin a summer dinner party
• On-the-go: Pack components separately and assemble at lunchtime for a fresh work lunch

For an extra special presentation, serve the salad in a hollowed-out watermelon half for a fun summer party display!

Nutritional Information for Watermelon Spinach Salad

Per serving (recipe makes 4 servings):

• Calories: 215 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Protein: 5g
• Fat: 15g (mostly healthy fats from olive oil and nuts)
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 14g (primarily natural sugars from watermelon)
• Vitamin A: 45% DV
• Vitamin C: 30% DV
• Calcium: 15% DV
• Iron: 10% DV

This watermelon salad is naturally low in calories while being nutrient-dense, making it an excellent choice for those focusing on healthy eating without sacrificing flavor. According to the USDA FoodData Central, watermelon is over 90% water, making it an excellent hydrating food choice during hot weather. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics also highlights spinach as an excellent source of vitamins A and K, manganese, folate, and magnesium.

Storage & Leftovers

The Watermelon Spinach Salad is best enjoyed fresh, as the components can lose their optimal texture when stored. However, if you need to preserve leftovers:

• Store undressed salad components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator.
• Watermelon will keep for up to 2 days when refrigerated properly.
• Spinach should be stored with a paper towel to absorb excess moisture and will last 1-2 days.
• Store dressing separately in a sealed container for up to 5 days.
• Avoid pre-dressing the entire salad unless you plan to consume it immediately.

For meal prep purposes, prepare and store all ingredients separately and assemble just before eating for the freshest experience.

FAQs for Watermelon Spinach Salad

Can I make Watermelon Spinach Salad ahead of time?

You can prepare all the components up to 24 hours in advance, but it’s best to store them separately and assemble just before serving. This prevents the spinach from wilting and the watermelon from making the salad watery.

What can I use instead of feta cheese in Watermelon Spinach Salad?

For a dairy-free option, try vegan feta alternatives or avocado for creaminess. Goat cheese makes an excellent substitute if you prefer a different flavor profile, while halloumi (lightly grilled) offers a more substantial alternative.

How do I pick the perfect watermelon for my salad?

Choose a watermelon that feels heavy for its size, has a uniform shape, and has a creamy yellow spot (not white or green) where it rested on the ground. The skin should be dull rather than shiny, and it should sound hollow when you tap it.

Can I add protein to make this Watermelon Spinach Salad a complete meal?

Absolutely! Grilled chicken, seared shrimp, or baked tofu make excellent protein additions. For plant-based options, consider adding chickpeas or white beans for a protein boost that complements the flavor profile of the watermelon salad.

Related Recipes

If you love this Watermelon Spinach Salad, try these other refreshing salad recipes:

• Mediterranean Cucumber Tomato Salad – another light, refreshing option for summer
• Strawberry Arugula Salad with Balsamic Glaze – sweet and peppery combination
• Grilled Peach and Burrata Salad – perfect for stone fruit season
• Citrus Avocado Salad – creamy and tangy winter option
• Summer Berry Salad with Honey Lime Dressing – a fruit-forward alternative

Conclusion

This Watermelon Spinach Salad brings together the best elements of summer eating – it’s refreshing, nutritious, vibrant, and incredibly simple to prepare. The combination of sweet juicy watermelon, tender spinach, tangy feta, and zesty dressing creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, looking for a light lunch option, or simply trying to incorporate more fresh produce into your diet, this salad delivers on all fronts.

For more inspiration on creative watermelon dishes, check out the National Watermelon Promotion Board’s recipe collection. You might also enjoy exploring different salad combinations from Cooking Light’s healthy salad guide.

Now you know how to make the best Watermelon Spinach Salad at home – one that’s sure to become a summer staple in your recipe collection!

Have you tried this refreshing Watermelon Spinach Salad? What’s your favorite ingredient combination? Let us know in the comments below!

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