Bright Summer Joy: Ina Garten’s Watermelon Arugula Salad Recipe

Summer’s vibrant colors burst onto your plate with this refreshing watermelon arugula salad by Ina Garten that promises a delightful culinary adventure.

Crisp, peppery arugula leaves dance with sweet, juicy watermelon chunks in a harmonious blend of flavors.

The combination creates a light, zesty dish perfect for hot afternoons and backyard gatherings.

Tangy feta cheese adds a creamy contrast that elevates every delectable bite.

Fresh mint leaves bring a cool, aromatic touch to this simple yet sophisticated salad.

Drizzled with a bright, citrusy dressing, this recipe turns ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary experience.

Dive into this refreshing creation and let your taste buds celebrate summer’s finest offerings.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 210 kcal

Servings: 6

What Goes Into Ina Garten’s Watermelon Arugula Salad

• Arugula: Peppery green that brings a zesty kick and fresh crunch to the summer salad.
• Watermelon: Sweet, juicy fruit that adds vibrant color and refreshing texture to balance arugula's sharpness.

• Olive Oil: Smooth, rich base that helps blend flavors and creates silky coating for the salad.
• Lemon Juice: Bright citrus that cuts through richness and adds tangy, light dimension.
• Salt: Essential seasoning that enhances and highlights the natural flavors of ingredients.
• Black Pepper: Warm, slightly spicy element that provides subtle depth and warmth.

• Parmesan Cheese: Nutty, salty cheese that delivers elegant complexity and creamy texture when shaved over the salad.

Tools for Chopping Melon & Crumbling Cheese

• Large Bowl: Spacious container for mixing arugula and watermelon.
• Small Bowl: For whisking dressing ingredients together.
• Whisk: Essential for blending olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper smoothly.
• Sharp Knife or Vegetable Peeler: Perfect for creating beautiful Parmesan cheese shards.
• Cutting Board: Stable surface for slicing and preparing ingredients.
• Measuring Spoons: Helpful for precise salt and pepper measurements.

Salad Instructions for Juicy, Peppery Goodness

• Salad Foundation

Mix crisp arugula leaves and chunks of juicy watermelon in a spacious serving bowl, creating a vibrant base for your refreshing dish.

• Zesty Dressing

Blend smooth olive oil with bright lemon juice, seasoning with a pinch of salt and freshly cracked pepper to create a light, tangy vinaigrette.

• Salad Assembly

Gently drizzle the dressing over the greens and fruit, tossing softly to ensure every leaf gets a delicate coating of flavor.

• Elegant Presentation

Spread the dressed salad across individual plates, making each serving look like a work of culinary art.

• Parmesan Finale

Using a sharp knife or peeler, create delicate Parmesan cheese shavings that will cascade over the salad, adding a rich, salty dimension.

• Final Touch

Sprinkle an extra whisper of salt if desired, then serve immediately to capture the salad’s peak freshness and vibrant character.

Swap Cheese or Add a Vinaigrette Twist

• Swap arugula with mixed greens or baby spinach for a different flavor profile and nutrient boost.
• Experiment with other hard cheeses like pecorino romano or aged gouda for unique taste variations that complement the watermelon's sweetness.
• Cut watermelon in advance and store in the refrigerator to reduce last-minute salad assembly time, keeping ingredients fresh and crisp.
• Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or crumbled feta cheese to transform this light salad into a more substantial meal that satisfies hunger and adds protein.

Serve in Bowls or on a Big Sharing Platter

• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped mint or basil leaves over the salad to add a burst of aromatic freshness that complements the watermelon's sweetness.
• Pair with Grilled Protein: Serve alongside grilled chicken, shrimp, or fish to transform this light salad into a complete and satisfying summer meal.
• Enhance with Crunch: Top with toasted pine nuts or sliced almonds to introduce a delightful textural contrast to the soft watermelon and peppery arugula.
• Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate the salad for 15-20 minutes before serving to intensify the flavors and create a cool, refreshing dish perfect for hot days.

Store Ingredients Separately Until Ready

• Refrigerate Swiftly: Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 hours to maintain crisp arugula and fresh watermelon texture.
• Dress Wisely: Keep dressing separate from salad if planning to store, preventing wilting and maintaining the greens' crunchiness.
• Enjoy Immediately: Best consumed right after preparation to savor the vibrant flavors and optimal salad consistency.
• Skip Freezing: Watermelon and arugula do not freeze well, so enjoy this delightful salad fresh and chilled.

Fresh Watermelon Arugula Salad Recipe

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4.9 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s watermelon arugula salad combines fresh summer ingredients with zesty Mediterranean flavors. Crisp arugula leaves and sweet watermelon cubes create a refreshing dish you’ll savor with each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

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• 2 lbs (907 g) watermelon, seedless, ¾-inch-diced
• ½ lb (227 g) baby arugula leaves
• ½ lb (227 g) Parmesan cheese, chunk
• ⅓ cup (79 ml) olive oil, good
• ¼ cup (59 ml) lemon juice, freshly squeezed (2 lemons)
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• ½ tsp black pepper, freshly ground

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Layer crisp arugula leaves and watermelon cubes in a spacious mixing bowl, creating a vibrant base for the salad.
2. Vinaigrette Creation: Whisk extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, kosher salt, and black pepper in a compact preparation bowl until the dressing emulsifies smoothly.
3. Dressing and Mixing: Gently drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad, carefully tossing to ensure each ingredient is delicately coated while maintaining the produce’s structural integrity.
4. Cheese Finishing: Delicately shave aged Parmesan cheese using a sharp kitchen knife or vegetable peeler, allowing irregular, elegant fragments to cascade over the dressed salad.
5. Plating and Seasoning: Artfully distribute the salad across serving plates, performing a final flavor assessment by sprinkling additional salt if needed, and serve immediately to preserve the salad’s crisp texture and visual appeal.

Notes

• Maximize Freshness: Prepare ingredients just before serving to maintain crisp arugula and juicy watermelon texture.
• Balance Dressing Carefully: Drizzle vinaigrette sparingly to prevent soggy leaves, ensuring light, delicate coating.
• Select Premium Ingredients: Choose ripe, seedless watermelon and fresh, peppery arugula for maximum flavor intensity.
• Cheese Shaving Technique: Use sharp vegetable peeler or knife to create elegant Parmesan fragments that enhance overall salad presentation.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: None
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 11 g
• Sodium: 220 mg
• Fat: 17 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg