Best Watermelon Basil Salad Recipes

WATERMELON SALAD WITH FETA AND BASIL

Steps:

• In a large bowl, combine watermelon, lime juice, and half the basil; season with salt and pepper. Toss to combine. Divide among four plates; scatter cheese and remaining basil on top.

WATERMELON BASIL SALAD

Steps:

• Stack basil leaves on top of each other and roll tightly into a log. Slice lengthwise into thin ribbons.
• Combine basil slices and watermelon in a large bowl. Drizzle lemon juice over watermelon.
• Mix salt and chili powder together in a small bowl; sprinkle over watermelon and toss to combine. Chill salad before serving, at least 30 minutes.

WATERMELON AND CANTALOUPE SALAD WITH MINT AND BASIL VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Scoop 2 cups each from the watermelon and the cantaloupe using a melon baller. Carve the remainder of the watermelon out and reserve shell.
• Add to a blender the chopped mint, chopped basil, lemon juice, simple syrup and amaretto. Blend until smooth.
• Add the watermelon and cantaloupe balls to the carved out watermelon half.
• Add the vinaigrette to the balls and toss to combine.
• Garnish with the mint and basil sprigs and taste.

WATERMELON AND TOMATO SALAD WITH BASIL OIL

Steps:

• Make the basil oil: Prepare an ice-water bath. Bring a saucepan of water to a boil. Blanch basil for 1 minute. Transfer to ice-water bath to stop the cooking process. Drain.
• Puree basil in a blender with olive oil until smooth. Strain mixture through a cheesecloth-lined fine sieve set over a bowl. Let stand until oil drips through, about 1 hour (do not squeeze cheesecloth).
• Make the salad: Toss together watermelon, tomatoes, cucumber, olive oil, and lemon juice in a bowl. Transfer to a serving platter, and sprinkle with goat cheese. Drizzle with basil oil and more olive oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Garnish with basil.

WATERMELON CANTALOUPE SALAD WITH MINT-BASIL VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Scoop 2 cups each from the watermelon and the cantaloupe using a melon baller. Carve the remainder of the watermelon out and reserve shell.
• Add to a blender the chopped mint, chopped basil, lemon juice, simple syrup and amaretto. Blend until smooth.
• Add the watermelon and cantaloupe balls to the carved out watermelon half.
• Add the vinaigrette to the balls and toss to combine.
• Garnish with the mint and basil sprigs and taste.

WATERMELON TOMATO MOZZARELLA BASIL & MINT SALAD

Steps:

• 1. In a large bowl place the watermelon, tomatoes, and mozzarella cheese. Tear the basil and mint leaves into bite-size pieces and add them to the bowl. Drizzle on the balsamic vinegar and olive oil. Add the sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Toss a few times to mix...I use my hands but can use a large spoon. You don't want to smoosh the fruit though. Serve immediately

BEEF TENDERLOIN WITH BASIL CREMA WITH WATERMELON-BASIL SALAD AND GRILLED PLANTAINS

Steps:

• Preheat a grill to medium high and prepare for indirect grilling: On a charcoal grill, bank the coals to one side. For a gas grill, turn off half of the burners. Put the onion in a small bowl and cover with cold water; let soak 20 minutes, then drain and squeeze dry. Meanwhile, pulse 1 cup basil, the avocado, garlic, crema and the juice of 1 lime in a blender or mini food processor until smooth; season with salt and pepper. Transfer to a bowl and refrigerate until ready to use.
• Tie the beef tenderloin in 2-inch intervals using kitchen twine. Combine 1 tablespoon olive oil, the cumin, 1 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper in a small bowl. Brush the oil mixture all over the beef and transfer to the grill over direct heat. Grill, turning occasionally, until the beef is well marked, about 15 minutes. Transfer the beef to the cooler side of the grill (indirect heat) and continue grilling, turning occasionally, until a thermometer inserted into the center registers 125 degrees F for medium rare, 15 to 20 more minutes. Transfer to a cutting board and let rest 10 minutes.
• While the beef is cooking over indirect heat, cut a small slit down the center of each plantain and lightly brush the skins with olive oil; transfer to the grill over direct heat. Grill, turning occasionally, until the skins are charred and the plantains are soft, about 20 minutes; cut into thirds.
• Meanwhile, roughly chop the remaining 2 cups basil; toss with the watermelon, the remaining lime juice and 2 tablespoons olive oil, the cheese, aje peppers and onion in a medium bowl. Season with 1/4 teaspoon salt. Slice the beef and serve with the basil crema, plantains and watermelon salad.

WATERMELON, RICOTTA SALATA, BASIL, AND PINE NUT SALAD

Steps:

• Whisk first 3 ingredients in small bowl. Season dressing with salt and pepper. Place watermelon and ricotta salata in medium serving bowl. Drizzle with dressing; toss. Sprinkle with pine nuts.
• *Available at supermarkets, Italian markets, and specialty foods stores.

WATERMELON, MINT, BASIL, FETA SALAD

Steps:

• Combine watermelon and leaves in large bowl. Whisk together remaining ingredients and gently toss with watermelon. Gently add feta.