This sweet and savory Avocado Watermelon Salad with Baby Spinach is one to bookmark for the upcoming summer months. The refreshing sweetness of the watermelon balances the rich, creamy flavor of the avocado nicely, although they are two very contrasting flavors that will ultimately taste amazing to you.
If you’ve only ever eaten watermelon in a fruit salad, this fresh summer combo with avocado, spinach, and lime will change the way you think about it. This is a vivid, filling meal with flavor as strong as it is refreshing.
Why do avocados and watermelon go so well together?
The magic lies in the fact that the combination of the rich, creamy flavor of avocado and the refreshing sweetness of watermelon is surprisingly harmonious. If you’re not a fan of avocado for any reason, mango pairs nicely with watermelon in a similar way. Or you can try it with other creamy fruits such as papaya for a similar taste contrast.
How do you pick and determine if a watermelon is sweet?
Here’s how to choose a melon that is both sweet and perfectly ripped. Choose a watermelon that is round or oval in shape. Check for any unusual bumps by feeling with your hands. The heavier ones are juicier and sweeter. Since they have been on the vine longer, the ones with the yellow spot are full of flavor. The ripe watermelons are the dark, matte, or dull ones; the shiny ones are underripe.
Main Ingredient
- 4 cups cubed watermelon
- 4 cups fresh baby spinach, torn
- 2 large avocados – peeled, pitted, and diced
- ¼ cup walnut oil
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1 lime, juiced
- ½ teaspoon sweet paprika
Cooking Steps:
- Combine watermelon, spinach, and avocados together in a bowl.
- Whisk walnut oil, olive oil, lime juice, and paprika together in a bowl; pour over watermelon mixture. Toss to coat.
The recipe is from: Avocado Watermelon Salad
Tips & Tricks
- If you are going to use the same vegan feta that I used, remember to sprinkle it on your salad right Use ripe but firm avocados: Use ripe but not overly soft avocados, which are less likely to turn to mush after cutting.
- Chill ingredients before assembling: Refrigerate all ingredients for a bit before assembling to enhance the overall freshness, especially suitable for summer.
- Customize the dressing: Add a little honey or Dijon mustard if you prefer a stronger flavor to create a unique taste.
- Serve immediately: This salad is best eaten as is to preserve the watermelon and avocado fresh and fragrant.
FAQ
What oil should I use to substitute walnut oil that won’t affect the flavor?
Walnut oil has a little nutty flavor, so if you don’t like oils with a seen flavor, you can substitute sesame oil, grapeseed oil, or olive oil.
What should I do if my avocados turn black?
It is natural for avocados to oxidize and turn black, it doesn’t indicate they are actually not fresh. You might choose to toss them with lime juice soon after chopping to help reduce the oxidation.
Avocado Watermelon Salad
Ingredients
- 4 cups cubed watermelon
- 4 cups fresh baby spinach torn
- 2 large avocados – peeled pitted, and diced
- ¼ cup walnut oil
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1 lime juiced
- ½ teaspoon sweet paprika
Instructions
- Combine watermelon, spinach, and avocados together in a bowl.
- Whisk walnut oil, olive oil, lime juice, and paprika together in a bowl; pour over watermelon mixture. Toss to coat.
