Fresh Savory Watermelon Salad

This savory fruit salad isn't your typical watermelon and feta salad. Fresh greens, juicy sweet watermelon, fresh tomatoes, avocado, and salty pecorino cheese come together for a savory-sweet tomato watermelon salad that's irresistibly delicious.

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I grow fresh tomatoes in my garden during the summer months. I've been trying to use them any way I can.

This is watermelon arugula salad recipe taken to the next level with pecorino romano cheese.

Pecorino romano is a salty, nutty hard cheese that pairs so well with the sweet watermelon and the bite of spicy arugula.

When I told my mom about this salad, she said: "that just doesn't look right." It might not look right, but it's absolutely beautiful, and it tastes as good as it looks. I hope my mom will give it a try.

Funny story – I didn't realize that my watermelon was a yellow watermelon until I cut it open.

I was a little shocked at first. To tell you the truth, I've never eaten a yellow watermelon, until now. I had planned on using yellow pear tomatoes and a traditional red watermelon for this salad. Thankfully, I still had some red heirloom cherry tomatoes in that my neighbor had given me.

What you'll love about this watermelon salad recipe

• Beautiful: First of all this salad is gorgeous. Whether you are looking for a special 4th of July watermelon salad or just a make any day of the week watermelon tomato salad, this recipe fits the bill. 
• Healthy:  This salad is brimming with healthy phytonutrients. Plus, avocado adds a hint of healthy Omega-3s. We all need more of those.
• Simple: This salad is simply dressed with a white balsamic vinaigrette- just enough to bring out the flavors. I chose to kick things up a notch by using a honey white balsamic and a lemon flake finishing salt. The lemon salt is next level it's worth it if you can get your hands on some.

Foodology Geek Recipe Notes

Ingredients for the BEST watermelon salad

• Watermelon: See below for advice on how to pick out the best watermelon.
• Tomatoes: As you've seen, any kind of tomatoes will do. I like using small cherry or trap tomatoes because they are usually sweet, and all you have to do is slice them in half.
• Cheese: The pecorino cheese finishes everything with a salty, savory flavor that brings everything together beautifully.
• Red onion: is perfect in this salad, adding a little bit of sweet spiciness.
• Fresh mint leaves: Fresh mint gives this salad a herbal and summery spin.

How to Make a Watermelon Salad

You will want to make this salad close to the time that you will serve it. However, if you do need to make it ahead store the watermelon, tomatoes, and red onions in a separate container. Add these to the greens right before serving.

PRO-TIP: I like to serve this salad in a flat bowl or on a platter. The presentation is gorgeous!

1. Slice: Slice the watermelon, tomatoes, and the red onion.
2. Greens: Add the arugula and baby kale to a large bowl: Make sure you enough room for tossing.
3. Top: Top the greens with the watermelon, tomatoes, sliced red onion.
4. Shave: Use a vegetable peeler to shave large shavings of pecorino on top of the salad.
5. Finish: Finish with diced avocado, a splash of vinaigrette, and a sprinkle of craft salt and pepper.

FAQs and Variations

How to pick a watermelon

Getting a hold of the best ingredients for this recipe means picking out a great watermelon.

The way I choose a watermelon is by knocking on it.

I hold it one hand and then knock on it with my other hand. It should have a hollow sound. It seems to work for me. It doesn't always guarantee that your watermelon will be super sweet, but this technique does seem to work for making sure your watermelon is crisp and juicy and not dry and mealy.

How to cut a watermelon

I need to do a video on this!

But until then. I cut a watermelon by cutting off the ends. Then setting it on one of the flat sides and carving the rind off. Then you can slice it and then cut it easily into cubes.
This video is similar to how I cut a watermelon. Check it out HERE.

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