This watermelon and mint salad is a quick, refreshing side dish perfect for summer. Juicy watermelon is paired with creamy avocado, sharp shallot, and fresh mint, then finished with lime, sumac, and a drizzle of olive oil. It’s light, vibrant, and comes together in 10 minutes. Ideal for BBQs, picnics, or any warm-weather spread.
Category
Lunch
Servings
4
Prep time
10 minutes
Cook time
0 minutes
This watermelon and mint salad is a quick, refreshing side dish perfect for summer. Juicy watermelon is paired with creamy avocado, sharp shallot, and fresh mint, then finished with lime, sumac, and a drizzle of olive oil. It’s light, vibrant, and comes together in 10 minutes. Ideal for BBQs, picnics, or any warm-weather spread.
Ingredients
- 1kg watermelon, seeded
- 1 avocado
- 1 shallot, finely sliced
- juice and zest of 1 lime
- 1 cup mint leaves
- ½ tsp sumac
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- sea salt and cracked pepper, to season
Directions
Chop watermelon flesh into 2.5cm (1in) cubes.
- Quarter the avocado flesh, then slice into thin strips.
- Place watermelon on a serving platter, topped with avocado, then rings of shallot.
- Zest the lime over the salad then top with torn mint leaves.
- Sprinkle with sumac and season with salt and pepper.
- Drizzle over oil then the juice of the lime. Serve immediately.
Recipe notes
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
You can prep the ingredients ahead, but don’t assemble until just before serving—watermelon releases a lot of juice and the avocado can brown.
What does sumac add to the salad?
Sumac brings a tangy, lemony pop that balances the sweetness of the watermelon and the richness of the avocado. If you don’t have it, a tiny sprinkle of extra lime zest can do the trick.
Can I leave out the avocado?
Sure, but you’ll lose a bit of creaminess. You could swap in crumbled feta for a salty contrast, or just keep it simple and fresh.
Can I swap out the watermelon?
Definitely. Try rockmelon, mango, cucumber, grilled peaches, or even tomato. Anything juicy and fresh will keep the salad light and vibrant.
