This Vegan Watermelon Basil Salad is an easy and healthy plant-based recipe that's made with only 3 fresh, real food ingredients and it pairs well with my Fresh Basil Vinaigrette for the perfect summertime meal that's ready in less than 10 minutes!
Here's Why This Recipe Works
My top 3 favorite reasons:
- Can Be Prepared in Under 10 Minutes
- 100% Gluten-Free and Vegan
- Made with Clean, Real Food Ingredients - No Fake Dairy or Tofu!
Today, I have to share with you my Vegan Watermelon Basil Salad with Fresh Basil Vinaigrette recipe as a follow up to my last recipe post.
In my last post, I shared with you a super easy Fresh Basil Vinaigrette that is ready in less than 5 minutes, and now, you have the perfect, delicious salad to go with it!
It's a cross between slightly sweet and tangy - with sweetness coming from the watermelon and tangy coming from the apple cider vinegar in the vinaigrette.
And there's just something magical about the watermelon + basil combination...you should give it a try if you've never had the two together.
Light and refreshing, it's just the kind of quick salad you need during the hot summer months.
You can feel good about making my recipe because it's plant-based, gluten-free, vegan, soy-free, tofu-free, dairy-free, nut-free, paleo-friendly, alkaline, and has no refined sugar.
Here Are the Ingredients Needed to Make this Vegan Watermelon Basil Salad:
Watermelon*:
- 1 cup contains 16.4% vitamin C
- provides anti-inflammatory benefits
- excellent antioxidant
- excellent source of potassium
- natural diuretic
Basil*:
- 2 teaspoons provide 60% dv of vitamin K
- 2 teaspoons provide 5.9% dv of calcium
- provides anti-inflammatory benefits
- good for digestive tract health
- antioxidant and anti-bacterial
Avocado Oil*:
- healthier cooking with smoke point of 500 degrees
- may help reduce the risk of metabolic syndrome
- helps maintain healthy blood sugar levels
- provides protection from cardiovascular disease
- good source of vitamin E
Apple Cider Vinegar*:
- anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal
- maintains proper pH balance in the body
- regulates blood pressure
- helps to reduce bad cholesterol
- loaded with potassium
Garlic*:
- regulates blood sugar levels
- lowers high blood pressure
- contains anti-bacterial and analgesic properties
- anti-viral
- helps to lower cholesterol levels
Himalayan Pink Salt*:
- contains 84 minerals
- unrefined, unprocessed, raw
- promotes stable pH balance in cells
- controls water levels in the body
- aids digestion and facilitates better nutrient absorption
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
Karielyn's Expert Tips and Ingredient Substitutions:
Salad Mix: I like to use an organic spring mix but feel free to use your favorite salad lettuce. For example, arugula or chopped romaine are good choices.
Basil: For best results, fresh basil works best to bring out the refreshing flavor.
Watermelon: I like to cut mine into small cubes and I find it taste best when the watermelon is chilled so try to cut the watermelon after it's been in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours if you like yours chilled too.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Watermelon Basil Salad Contain Cheese?
Typically, "Watermelon Basil Salads" are made with feta cheese. However, my Vegan Watermelon Basil Salad is 100% vegan and dairy-free and does not contain cheese.
Can I Add Other Ingredients to This Vegan Watermelon Basil Salad?
Yes! My recipe is minimal and basic (even though it still tastes great with the dressing!) but you can add other ingredients such as red onions, diced cucumbers, wild blueberries, a splash of balsamic vinegar, sliced strawberries, avocadoes, and even diced jalapenos!
Watermelon Basil Salad with Fresh Basil Vinaigrette
Equipment
- Vitamix or high-speed blender
Ingredients
For the salad:
- 2 cups organic watermelon cubed
- 2-4 cups organic spring salad mix
- 8 leaves organic fresh basil
For the vinaigrette:
- ½ cup fresh organic basil leaves
- ¼ cup 100% pure avocado oil
- ¼ cup organic apple cider vinegar
- 1 clove organic garlic
- ¼ teaspoon Himalayan pink salt
Instructions
Prepare the vinaigrette:
- Add all ingredients for the vinaigrette to a Vitamix, or high-speed blender, and blend until it's well combined and smooth. Adjust seasonings to your preference.
Prepare the salad:
- Cut the watermelon into small, cubed pieces.
- Chop the fresh basil into long strips.
- Add 1-2 large handfuls of spring salad mix (or lettuce of your choice) to your serving plate(s).
- Sprinkle the watermelon cubes and chopped basil on top of the salad mix and drizzle with the basil vinaigrette.
- Enjoy!
Recipe Notes
The recipe and photographs for "Watermelon Basil Salad with Fresh Basil Vinaigrette" by Karielyn Tillman of The Healthy Family and Home™ website are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial No Derivatives 4.0 International License and cannot be used without my written permission.Nutrition Information
Copyright Notice
The notes, instructions, and photographs for this recipe are copyrighted material and are protected under the Digital Millenium Copyright Act (DMCA). They cannot be used legally without my written permission.
Want More Healthy Vegan Salad Recipes?
Check out these:
- Strawberry and Spinach Quinoa Salad with Balsamic Vinegar
- Clean Eating Vegan Greek Salad
- Vegan Roasted Chipotle Sweet Potato Salad with Tahini Lime Dressing
- or my Clean Eating Cookbook with an entire chapter of 20 healthy, clean eating salad recipes just like this one that you will love!
Did You Make This Recipe?
I'd love to hear about it! Please give it a rating and leave a comment below...it would make my day! 🙂
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