Name: Peach Watermelon Salad: The Ultimate Summer Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cups seedless watermelon, cut into bite-sized cubes; 3 ripe peaches, sliced; 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini); 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn; 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil; 1 tbsp balsamic glaze; Salt and black pepper to taste

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When the temperatures soar and farmers’ markets are bursting with vibrant treasures, you need a dish that absolutely sings summer—like Peach Watermelon Salad: The Ultimate Summer Recipe! This joyful salad mixes sweet, juicy watermelon and peaches with creamy fresh mozzarella and lush basil, all lightly kissed by olive oil and a tempting drizzle of balsamic glaze. Each bite sparkles with flavor, balancing sweetness, tang, and freshness in a way only summer’s best produce can. Serve this bowl of sunshine at your next picnic or BBQ—it’s as dazzling on the table as it is on the palate!

Peach Watermelon Salad: The Ultimate Summer Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this salad is in its simplicity—each ingredient is a star and plays its part to perfection. You really don’t need anything fancy, just the freshest produce you can find and a few flavorful extras to tie it all together. Every bite of this Peach Watermelon Salad: The Ultimate Summer Recipe will show you just how magical simple combinations can be.

Watermelon: Sweet, juicy, and refreshing, watermelon forms the thirst-quenching heart of this salad. Seedless is best for easy serving.
Peaches: Ripe, fragrant peaches deliver summery sweetness and a little tart pop for the ultimate balance.
Fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini): Creamy, mild, and delightfully soft, these pearls of cheese add richness and contrast with the fruit.
Fresh basil leaves: Torn basil brings an herbal note and a pleasant, peppery fragrance that brightens up the dish.
Extra virgin olive oil: A quality olive oil gives the salad a silkiness and subtle fruitiness you’ll taste in every bite.
Balsamic glaze: Sticky, tangy-sweet balsamic reduction is your secret weapon—it ties everything together with a punch of flavor and a beautiful sheen.
Salt and black pepper: Don’t skip these—they highlight all the fresh flavors and bring the sweet and savory elements into harmony.

How to Make Peach Watermelon Salad: The Ultimate Summer Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Fruit

Start with the freshest, juiciest watermelon and peaches you can find. Cut the watermelon into bite-sized cubes—just big enough to be picked up with a fork without falling apart. Slice the peaches into wedges or thin slices, keeping the skin on for extra color and nutrients. The goal is to make every piece “one-bite friendly” for that perfect mix in every forkful.

Step 2: Combine Your Main Ingredients

In a large serving bowl, gently combine the watermelon cubes, sliced peaches, mozzarella balls, and torn basil leaves. The key to this step is delicacy: toss softly so you don’t bruise the fruit or squash the cheese. Let the colors tumble together and admire the gorgeous contrast!

Step 3: Dress & Toss

Drizzle extra virgin olive oil and a swirl of balsamic glaze right over the top. The olive oil lends a lush mouthfeel, while the balsamic glaze brings sweet-tart complexity. Now, using your clean hands or a big spoon, toss everything ever so gently until each piece gleams with flavor.

Step 4: Season & Taste

Finish the salad with a generous pinch of salt and freshly cracked black pepper. This little touch brings out the natural sweetness of the fruit and makes the tangy, creamy, herby notes really pop. Taste, and adjust with more seasoning if you like—it’s all about making it just right for your crowd.

Step 5: Serve Immediately

Peach Watermelon Salad: The Ultimate Summer Recipe is at its absolute best when enjoyed fresh. Serve it right away, chilled or at cool room temperature. If you’re prepping ahead, keep the dressing and seasoning off until just before serving to preserve the perfect texture and vibrancy.

How to Serve Peach Watermelon Salad: The Ultimate Summer Recipe

Garnishes

Add the finishing touch with a handful of extra basil leaves, a scattering of toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds for crunch, or even a few thin ribbons of lemon zest for zing. A little extra drizzle of balsamic glaze right before serving gives the salad restaurant-worthy appeal.

Side Dishes

This salad makes a dream team partner for almost anything off the grill—think herby chicken, grilled shrimp, or crispy halloumi. You could also serve it as a starter with crusty bread or next to a platter of cold cuts and olives for a Mediterranean-inspired spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For a showstopper, layer the salad components in a large glass trifle bowl so those summer colors really shine. Or plate individual portions in wide shallow bowls for an elegant dinner party effect. Even mini mason jars make adorable picnic-ready servings of Peach Watermelon Salad: The Ultimate Summer Recipe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have any leftovers, refrigerate them promptly in an airtight container. The salad will keep for up to a day, though note the fruit may release more juices and soften as it sits. For best texture, give it a quick toss before serving again and maybe add a sprinkle of fresh basil.

Freezing

Unfortunately, this is not a salad that loves the freezer. Both watermelon and peaches become mushy and watery when frozen and thawed, so it’s best enjoyed fresh. If you have excess fruit, consider freezing it separately for smoothies later on!

Reheating

No reheating needed—this salad shines cold! If the salad has been in the fridge, just let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes so the flavors wake up and the cheese isn’t too chilled. A quick toss will refresh the texture and taste before serving.

FAQs

Can I substitute other fruits in this salad?

Absolutely! Nectarines, plums, or even strawberries pair beautifully with the base flavors. Just keep the proportions similar and choose ripe, seasonal fruit for the best Peach Watermelon Salad: The Ultimate Summer Recipe experience.

Is it possible to make this salad vegan?

You sure can—just leave out the mozzarella or swap it for a vegan alternative, such as almond-based cheese or chunks of ripe avocado for creaminess. Everything else about the salad stays fabulously plant-based and fresh.

How far ahead can I make Peach Watermelon Salad: The Ultimate Summer Recipe?

For peak freshness, assemble just before serving. You can prep and refrigerate the pre-cut fruit a few hours in advance, but hold off on the oil, glaze, basil, and seasoning until the last minute to keep everything vibrant and crisp.

What’s the best way to pick ripe peaches and watermelon?

Look for peaches that yield slightly to gentle pressure, smell fragrant, and have a lovely golden or deep blush color. For watermelon, choose one that feels heavy for its size, has a creamy yellow “ground spot,” and gives a deep sound when tapped.

Can I use regular mozzarella instead of bocconcini?

Definitely! Just cut regular fresh mozzarella into bite-sized pieces. The texture will be just as delightful, and you’ll still enjoy all the creamy richness that makes this Peach Watermelon Salad: The Ultimate Summer Recipe so irresistible.

Final Thoughts

This is the salad I reach for every time I want to impress and refresh all at once. With just a handful of bright ingredients and no cooking required, Peach Watermelon Salad: The Ultimate Summer Recipe makes each sunny meal feel special. I hope you give it a try this season and find it as delightfully simple and crowd-pleasing as I do!

Peach Watermelon Salad: The Ultimate Summer Recipe

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4.5 from 18 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

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Description

This Peach Watermelon Salad is the ultimate summer recipe, combining juicy watermelon, sweet peaches, creamy mozzarella, and fresh basil for a refreshing and vibrant dish that’s perfect for hot days.

Ingredients

Scale

Watermelon Salad:

4 cups seedless watermelon, cut into bite-sized cubes
3 ripe peaches, sliced
1 cup fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini)
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn

Dressing:

2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 tbsp balsamic glaze
Salt and black pepper to taste

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Instructions

Combine Ingredients: In a large serving bowl, mix watermelon, peaches, mozzarella, and basil.
Add Dressing: Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze, then gently toss.
Season: Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve: Enjoy immediately for the best flavor.