With summer in full swing, you will want to harness the flavors of the season by serving dishes that highlight the fresh taste of this time of year. This arugula and watermelon salad is the perfect choice as a side dish for your next summer BBQ.
With arugula and watermelon both in season, you can be confident that you are getting the best flavors out of these bright produce offerings.
This salad is especially popular in Tuscany with its bold flavors and ability to highlight some of the best ingredients from this region. Here is a watermelon salad recipe that you can even try at home:
Ingredients
- 2 pounds seedless watermelon, diced into ¾-inch pieces
- ½ pound baby arugula leaves
- ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½-pound chunk Parmesan or feta cheese
Preparation
To prepare the salad, mix the arugula greens and diced watermelon in a large bowl. In a different bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until thoroughly combined. Gently pour the dressing over the greens and fruit so that it is moistened. Toss the ingredients and then add the cheese of your choice. Add salt to taste and serve cold.
This colorful salad is the perfect complement to a variety of Italian BBQ main dishes. Your guests will delight in savoring the fresh flavors of the season with this bright dish. This recipe is extremely forgivable, allowing you to add in some of your own special touches such as kalamata olives to elevate the dish even further.
Arugula has an intense flavor that needs to be paired with a drink that complements this boldness. A good wine to enjoy with this salad is a Sauvignon Blanc. This brightly acidic white wine pairs well with a variety of veggies, especially a bitter green such as arugula. The strong flavor of the arugula and watermelon will bring out the herbal aromas of the Sauvignon Blanc for an explosion of flavors.
Wine Pairing: Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay
