Tomato & Watermelon Salad with Feta, Pistachios, and Fresh Herbs Recipe
A refreshing and vibrant Tomato & Watermelon Salad featuring sweet watermelon chunks, ripe tomatoes, tangy feta cheese, toasted pistachios, and fresh herbs. Tossed in a zesty Champagne vinegar dressing with a hint of cayenne, this salad is perfect for summer gatherings or light meals.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 4-lb. seedless watermelon, rind removed, cut into 1” chunks
- 4 ripe tomatoes, cut into 1” chunks
- 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
- ½ cup pistachios, toasted and coarsely chopped
- 1 cup fresh basil, torn
- 1 cup fresh mint, torn
Dressing Ingredients
- 1/4 cup Champagne vinegar or white vinegar
- 3 teaspoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare the Watermelon and Tomatoes: Remove the rind from the seedless watermelon and cut the flesh into 1-inch chunks. Similarly, cut the ripe tomatoes into 1-inch chunks. Place both in a large mixing bowl.
- Toast Pistachios: Toast the pistachios in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and lightly browned. Allow to cool, then coarsely chop. Add to the bowl with watermelon and tomatoes.
- Add Herbs and Feta: Tear the fresh basil and mint leaves into smaller pieces and add to the bowl, along with the crumbled feta cheese, gently tossing all the salad ingredients together to combine flavors.
- Make the Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the Champagne vinegar, sugar, kosher salt, and cayenne pepper until sugar and salt dissolve. Add the thinly sliced red onion and stir in the olive oil to emulsify the dressing.
- Toss and Serve: Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently to coat everything evenly. Serve immediately or chilled for an hour to let flavors meld.
Notes
- Use seedless watermelon to make preparation easier and more enjoyable.
- For a more intense flavor, let the salad chill in the refrigerator for about an hour before serving.
- Substitute pistachios with toasted walnuts or almonds if desired.
- Adjust cayenne pepper to your preferred spice level or omit for a milder salad.
- This salad is best served fresh as watermelon can release water over time, making the salad soggy if stored for too long.
