Strawberry Watermelon Mint Salad

This refreshing strawberry and watermelon salad brings together summer's most vibrant fruits in a simple yet sophisticated dish. The juicy sweetness of ripe watermelon pairs perfectly with the bright acidity of strawberries, while mint adds a cooling note and cottage cheese provides a creamy counterpoint. A light honey-lime dressing ties everything together for a salad that's equally at home at backyard barbecues and elegant brunches.

I created this recipe during a particularly scorching summer when turning on the oven felt like torture. My family now requests it for every outdoor gathering from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Ingredients

• Strawberries juicy and vibrant, choose plump berries with bright red color and fresh green caps for maximum flavor
• Watermelon select one that feels heavy for its size with a deep hollow sound when tapped for perfect sweetness
• Fresh mint adds a refreshing cooling element that elevates the simple fruit combination
• Cottage cheese provides protein and creamy texture, look for small curd varieties for best distribution
• Avocado oil neutral flavor that lets the fruits shine, but with healthy fats that help nutrient absorption
• Lime juice fresh is essential, bottled simply cannot match the bright flavor
• Honey balances the acidity of lime, choose local raw honey for best flavor and allergy benefits
• Sea salt enhances the sweetness of the fruits, flaky sea salt makes a beautiful finishing touch

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the dressing

Whisk together avocado oil, lime juice, honey and sea salt until completely emulsified. This dressing looks simple but creates the perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors that enhance the natural sweetness of the fruits. The oil helps the flavors cling to the fruit pieces rather than pooling at the bottom of your serving dish.

Prepare the strawberries

Remove stems and slice strawberries into thirds or quarters depending on size. Cutting the berries exposes more surface area for the dressing to penetrate, creating more flavorful bites. Aim for pieces similar in size to your watermelon cubes for consistent texture.

Assemble the salad

Arrange watermelon cubes and sliced strawberries on a serving platter. The presentation matters here as the vibrant colors create a beautiful visual impact. Gently fold in the chopped mint and crumbled cottage cheese to maintain the integrity of the delicate fruit. Finish with a drizzle of dressing, a fresh squeeze of lime, and a light sprinkle of sea salt to awaken all the flavors.

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Watermelon has a special place in my heart as my grandmother would always serve it on her screened porch during summer visits. I can still remember the juice dripping down my arms as we competed to see who could spit the seeds the farthest into her garden. This salad brings back those memories but in a slightly more sophisticated package.

Make Ahead Options

This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare components ahead of time. Cut the watermelon and store it separately from the strawberries up to 24 hours in advance. The dressing can be made up to three days ahead and kept refrigerated. Assemble everything just before serving for the best texture and flavor. If you must prepare the entire salad ahead, wait to add the dressing until serving time to prevent the fruits from becoming soggy.

Ingredient Swaps

The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. Swap watermelon for cantaloupe or honeydew for a different flavor profile. Blueberries or blackberries can stand in for strawberries during different seasons. If cottage cheese isn't your preference, crumbled feta adds a salty contrast, or goat cheese provides tangy creaminess. For a dairy-free version, diced avocado offers similar creaminess with healthy fats. The mint can be replaced with basil for a more aromatic twist or cilantro if you prefer its bright flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This versatile salad pairs beautifully with grilled proteins like chicken or fish for a complete summer meal. Serve it alongside a platter of prosciutto and crusty bread for an easy weekend lunch. For brunch, it complements egg dishes perfectly with its refreshing flavors. Consider serving in hollowed watermelon halves for an impressive presentation at gatherings. I often enjoy leftovers for breakfast topped with a dollop of Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of granola for a morning parfait variation.

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Common Questions

→ Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the components ahead of time, but it's best to assemble just before serving. Cut the watermelon and strawberries and store them separately in the refrigerator. Make the dressing and keep it in a sealed container. Combine everything when ready to serve to maintain the best texture and prevent the fruits from becoming soggy.

→ What can I substitute for cottage cheese?

Feta cheese works wonderfully as a substitute for cottage cheese, offering a saltier flavor profile. Goat cheese is another excellent option for a tangy alternative. If you prefer a dairy-free version, try using diced avocado for creaminess or simply omit the cheese entirely.

→ How long will this salad keep in the refrigerator?

This salad is best enjoyed fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours. The fruits will release juices over time, so if storing leftovers, keep the dressing separate and drain excess liquid before serving again. The mint may darken slightly but will still taste fine.

→ Can I use a different oil in the dressing?

Yes, you can substitute the avocado oil with extra virgin olive oil, which pairs nicely with the citrus. Light olive oil or even a neutral oil like grapeseed would work well too. Each will bring a slightly different flavor profile to the dressing while maintaining the right consistency.

→ What main dishes pair well with this salad?

This refreshing salad pairs beautifully with grilled proteins like chicken, fish, or shrimp. It's also a perfect side for barbecued meats, hamburgers, or sandwiches. For a vegetarian meal, serve it alongside grilled halloumi cheese or as part of a summer buffet with other light dishes.

→ Is there a substitute for honey in the dressing?

Maple syrup makes an excellent substitute for honey in the dressing, offering a different but complementary sweetness. Agave nectar is another good option that blends well with lime. For a sugar-free version, you could use a small amount of stevia or simply omit the sweetener altogether for a more tart dressing.