This watermelon shiso salad is the perfect summer treat! Sweet watermelon chunks mix with fresh shiso leaves for a tasty twist. It’s light, juicy, and oh-so-refreshing!
The bright flavors make it a great side dish for any picnic or barbecue. I love serving it chilled because it pairs wonderfully with grilled meats. You’ll want to keep making this all summer long!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Watermelon: Seedless watermelon is a must here for easy eating! If watermelon isn’t available, try cantaloupe or honeydew for a different yet sweet flavor.
Shiso Leaves: Shiso has a unique flavor, similar to mint and basil. If you can’t find it, fresh mint or basil can work as substitutes, but the taste will be slightly different. I prefer using shiso for its aromatic touch.
Cucumber: The cucumber adds a nice crunch. If you want to skip it or if it’s not in season, try diced bell peppers instead for some color and crunch.
Honey/Agave: The honey or agave provides sweetness. For a vegan option, agave is great. Maple syrup is another alternative if you want a different sweetness profile.
How Do I Make the Dressing Just Right?
Whisking the dressing properly is key to ensuring it coats the salad well. Here’s how to do it:
- In a small bowl, mix lime juice, honey, rice vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Whisk vigorously until the ingredients are fully combined and the dressing looks emulsified.
- Don’t forget to taste! Adjust lime juice or sweetness as needed for a balanced flavor.
Let the salad chill for a while after mixing. This step really helps the flavors blend beautifully!
Refreshing Watermelon Shiso Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 cups seedless watermelon, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 1/4 cup fresh shiso leaves, thinly sliced (about 10-15 leaves)
- 1/4 cup cucumber, diced (optional for crunch)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon honey or agave syrup
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- A pinch of sea salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional garnish: toasted sesame seeds or chopped toasted almonds
- Optional: thinly sliced red chili for a little heat
How Much Time Will You Need?
This refreshing salad takes about 15 minutes of prep time. After mixing, let it chill for about 20 minutes so the flavors can blend beautifully in the fridge, making it a delightful side for any summer meal.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Combine the Salad Ingredients:
In a large bowl, toss together the watermelon cubes, thinly sliced shiso leaves, and diced cucumber if you’re using it. This mix already looks colorful and delicious!
2. Prepare the Dressing:
In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the fresh lime juice, honey (or agave syrup), rice vinegar, olive oil, a pinch of sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix it until everything is well combined.
3. Dress the Salad:
Drizzle the dressing over the watermelon mixture. Gently toss everything together to make sure the watermelon and shiso are evenly coated in the dressing.
4. Taste and Adjust:
Now’s the time to taste your salad! If you think it needs a bit more lime juice or a dash of salt, go ahead and adjust to your liking.
5. Chill Out:
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and let the salad chill in the fridge for at least 20 minutes. This enhances the flavors and makes your salad refreshingly cool.
6. Garnish and Serve:
Just before serving, sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds or chopped toasted almonds over the top for added crunch. If you like some heat, add thinly sliced red chili as well.
7. Enjoy!
Serve this salad cold as a refreshing, light side dish that’s perfect for hot weather. You’re going to love how vibrant and tasty it is!
Enjoy your refreshing watermelon shiso salad!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Different Fruits in This Salad?
Absolutely! While watermelon is the star, you can substitute it with other juicy fruits like cantaloupe, honeydew, or even mango. Just make sure to adjust the dressing slightly to match the sweetness of the fruit you choose!
How Do I Store Leftover Salad?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that the texture may change slightly, especially with the watermelon, but it will still taste great!
What If I Can’t Find Shiso Leaves?
If shiso leaves aren’t available, fresh mint or basil can make good substitutes. They may alter the flavor slightly, but they’ll still add a lovely freshness to the salad!
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the salad a few hours in advance! Just combine the watermelon and herbs but wait to add the dressing until shortly before serving to prevent the salad from becoming too watery.