Summer and watermelon go hand in hand. So do fresh greens! That makes these two the perfect to pair for salad. Watermelon and arugula, two iconic summer foods, get to together in a hydrating and spicy salad. The peppery arugula helps to offset the sweetness of the watermelon and if you just add some basil and salt and pepper, you have this delicious Paleo Watermelon Arugula Salad!
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This salad is traditionally served with feta or a salty cheese. To keep it Paleo-friendly, I like to leave the cheese out but put a container of feta on the side as a garnish for cheese eaters!
Btw, did you know that Arugula is also super healthy! It is packed with calcium, potassium, Vitamin C, K, and A!
How to make Watermelon Arugula Salad (Step by Step)
First, gather your ingredients:
- 1 small personal seedless watermelon, diced
- 1 clamshell (5 oz) of baby arugula
- 10-12 thai basil leaves, chiffonade
- 2 tablespoon of sea salt (only use 1 if serving with cheese)
- 1 tablespoon of fresh ground pepper
Peel and dice the watermelon into bite-sized cubes. Place in a large bowl.
Sprinkle with sea salt and black pepper. Toss gently.
Add washed arugula and fold together lightly.
Right before serving, add the chiffonade Thai basil and mix just until combined.
Serve immediately as a fresh summer salad.
Optional Deliciousness - Korean BBQ Chicken
This Paleo Watermelon Arugula Salad pairs perfectly with Korean BBQ chicken and grilled potatoes!
For a really quick Korean BBQ sauce, just mix ¼ c. homemade apricot preserve with ⅛ cup coconut aminos, 2 cloves of garlic and 1 tablespoon of Korean Gochujang paste! Brush it on chicken thighs the last 3-5 minutes of grilling and you have the perfect summer meal!
Looking for more scrumptious salad recipes? Check these out!
Watermelon Arugula Salad Recipe
This Watermelon Arugula Salad is light, refreshing, and bursting with flavor! Juicy watermelon pairs perfectly with peppery arugula, fresh Thai basil, and a touch of sea salt and black pepper. Perfect for summer gatherings, BBQs, or as a quick side dish.
Ingredients
- 1 small personal seedless watermelon, diced
- 1 clamshell (5 oz) of baby arugula
- 10-12 thai basil leaves, chiffonade
- 2 tablespoon of sea salt (only use 1 if serving with cheese)
- 1 tablespoon of fresh ground pepper
Instructions
- Peel and dice watermelon into a large bowl. Add salt and pepper. Paleo Watermelon Arugula Salad
- Toss gently with washed Arugula. Paleo Watermelon Arugula Salad
- Add chiffonade basil right before serving.
Notes
- With Cheese: For extra richness, add feta, goat cheese, or fresh mozzarella (reduce salt if adding cheese).
- Herb Swap: If you can’t find Thai basil, fresh mint or regular basil works too.
- Make Ahead: Dice watermelon and prep arugula ahead, but toss everything together just before serving to keep it fresh and crisp.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 2 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 54Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 6980mgCarbohydrates: 13gFiber: 2gSugar: 9gProtein: 1g
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Kristen Wood says
I would have never thought to combine these ingredients, but looking at it in writing sounds SO tasty! I cannot wait to try this.