WFPB Watermelon Tomato Basil Salad

Grocery List

Add-Ins and Substitutions

I am in love with the California Raspberry Balsamic which is sodium and gluten-free as are many of their other vinegars. A drizzle is delicious over the fruit.

You can substitute the watermelon for cantaloupe or honeydew if you prefer.

Give Thai basil a try. It has an intense anise-licorice flavor and is commonly used in Thai and Southeast Asian dishes.

Tomatoes come in a variety of colors (yellow, orange, green, and purple) and come in many shapes and flavors (heirloom and cherry tomatoes). Use this recipe to try different varieties of tomatoes you find in your grocery or at your farm market.

Storing

Best if eaten within 4 hours. Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Nutrition 411

Tomatoes are the major source of the antioxidant lycopene, which has been linked to many health benefits, including reduced risk of heart disease and cancer. The tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is a fruit from the nightshade family native to South America. Technically a fruit, tomatoes are generally eaten and prepared like a vegetable. They are a great source of vitamin C, potassium, folate, and vitamin K. (trusted source).

Watermelon is packed with water and nutrients, contains very few calories, and is incredibly refreshing. It’s a great source of citrulline and lycopene, which are two powerful plant compounds. A juicy melon may have several health benefits, including lower blood pressure, improved insulin sensitivity, and reduced muscle soreness. It is low in calories and fiber and consists mostly of water and simple sugars. (trusted source).

Basil is a popular herb used to season food and this aromatic herb. It is found in teas and supplements which may provide a range of health benefits.  It supplies beneficial plant compounds that have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and other health properties. While dried basil is more concentrated in nutrients, you can use less in recipes compared to fresh. That being said, neither has a significant source of most nutrients — except vitamin K. There are many different varieties (trusted source) the most popular is sweet basil which is the most widely grown and renowned for its use in Italian dishes. Commonly sold dried in supermarkets. Has a licorice-clove flavor. (trusted source.)

WFPB Watermelon Tomato Basil Salad

Donna Spencer

So simple. So easy. So delicious. This combo is nothing new, but it is just as amazing without the added olive oil and cheeses such as feta and mozzarella that many recipes call for. The addition of a good fruity balsamic vinegar like raspberry, mango, lemon, or even cherry flavored brings out the best of these two fruits!

5 from 1 vote

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Lunch, Main Course, Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 84 kcal

Equipment

• Chef's knife and cutting board

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 4 cups Watermelon sliced into chunks or scooped with a melon baller or cookie scoop
• 2 cups Diced heirloom tomatoes or halved cherry tomatoes
• 1 Shallot small or 1/2 small red onion very thinly sliced
• 3 tbsp. Raspberry Balsamic vinegar
• 2 tsp. Honey optional if tomatoes are not sweet
• ¼ tsp. each kosher salt and black pepper
• ½ cup Fresh torn basil leaves
• 2 tablespoons Toasted pine nuts optional

Instructions

 

• In a large bowl, combine balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper. Whisk to combine.
• Stir in shallots (or red onion) and let sit for 10 minutes.
• Add watermelon and tomatoes and gently toss in vinegar dressing.
• Add fresh basil give it a final toss.
• Top with toasted pine nuts and more torn basil.
• This can be prepared up to 4 hours in advance. Add the basil and toasted pine nuts just before serving.
• This salad is best enjoyed within a few hours after it is fully dressed and assembled.

Nutrition

Calories: 84kcal