Food and Recipes Fruits Melon Tomato-And-Watermelon Salad 4.8 (4) 3 Reviews Combine sweet, juicy fruit with fresh tomato, onion, and a red wine vinaigrette for a tomato and watermelon salad that is the essence of summer. By Bill Smith Bill Smith Bill Smith was the head chef of Crook's Corner restaurant in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, for 25 years until he retired in 2019. He has written for Southern Living, Our State magazine, Garden and Gun, Southern Cultures, and Gravy magazines; has been included in The Carolina Table, Cornbread Nation, 27 Views of Chapel Hill, and Edible North Carolina anthologies. He has two cookbooks: Seasoned in the South, Recipes from Crook's Corner and from Home (Algonquin Press 2005), and Crabs and Oysters (UNC Press 2015). Southern Living's editorial guidelines Updated on September 23, 2024 Save Rate PRINT Share Close Credit: Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox Prep Time: 2 hrs 15 mins Active Time: 10 mins Total Time: 2 hrs 25 mins Servings: 4 to 6 Jump to recipe Celebrate summer flavors by bringing together two fruity favorites—tomatoes and watermelon—for a savory-sweet salad the whole family will love. This vibrant dish embodies everything you want a summer side dish to be—refreshing, light, well-balanced, and unique enough to really showcase your culinary prowess. The fresh watermelon and tomatoes are the star of the show in this dish. As such, make sure to choose ripe, flavorful varieties that will hold up well to to being tossed with a savory vinaigrette. Serve this dish outside at your next cookout, picnic, or late-night dinner party, or as a quick way to liven up a ho-hum weeknight meal. Ingredients for Tomato-and-Watermelon Salad Sweet watermelon, tangy tomatoes, red onion, and a red wine vinaigrette combine for a refreshing salad you'll want to make on repeat through the summer months. To make tomato-and-watermelon salad, you'll need: Watermelon: Adds a sweet, juicy flavor and texture to the salad.Tomatoes: Adds acidity and a tangy contrast to the sweet watermelon.Granulated sugar: Balances the acidity of the dish and enhances the natural sweetness of the watermelon and tomatoes.Kosher salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.Red onion: Adds a sharp, oniony flavor and crunch to the salad.Red wine vinegar: Acidity and tanginess to balance the vinaigrette.Extra virgin olive oil: Adds a smooth, rich mouthfeel to the vinaigrette.Romaine lettuce leaves: Optional as a base for the salad.Cracked black pepper: Adds a subtle peppery heat to the salad. Credit: Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox How To Make Tomato-and-Watermelon Salad Simply toss the ingredients to coat as directed, and you're ready to serve. Full instructions are below, but here's a brief recap before you get started: Step 1. Mix ingredients: Combine watermelon and tomatoes in a large bowl; toss to coat with sugar and salt. Let stand.Step 2. Add vinaigrette: Stir in onion, vinegar, and oil. Cover and chill. Serve cold with lettuce, if desired. Sprinkle with black pepper. Tomato-and-Watermelon Salad Variations To add a unique twist to this salad, consider these variation ideas: Tomatoes: Use a variety of tomatoes or cherry tomatoes for contrasts in flavor, color, and texture.Fruit: Substitute part or all of the watermelon with cucumber, peaches, or strawberries.Herbs: Add basil, mint, or thyme for an herbaceous touch.Cheese: Add crumbled feta or goat cheese, or mozzarella pearls for a creamy addition.Vinegar: Swap the red wine vinegar with balsamic or other types of vinegars, if preferred.Nuts and seeds: Add toasted almonds, pine nuts, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, or sunflower seeds for a light crunch.Greens: Replace the romaine with arugula or spinach as preferred.Grains: Bulk up the salad by serving over a bed of quinoa, farro, couscous, or other grains.Heat: Add sliced jalapeños or chili flakes for a touch of heat. How To Store Tomato-and-Watermelon Salad This salad comes together incredibly quickly, but does require some chill time. To have some elements ready in advance, it's best to pre-cut the watermelon and tomatoes, and store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to two days, until ready to use. A quick toss with the remaining ingredients, and you'll be ready to chill and serve. Refrigerate leftovers of this salad in an airtight container for up to two days. Note that the tomatoes and watermelon may start to break down or release liquid over time, but the salad will still be delicious. What To Serve With Tomato-and-Watermelon Salad Whether serving for brunch, lunch, or dinner, pair this summer-y salad with grilled veggies, chicken, steak, fish, or seafood. Serve with crusty bread, pasta, couscous or a quinoa salad. You can also pair it with your favorite brunch dishes for a bright and refreshing touch. Why This Recipe Gets Rave Reviews Simple, quick, and refreshing, this recipe is sure to become one of your summer staples. Our community members agree: One Southern Living community member commented, "Made it. Was easy to make. Loved it. Saved it. Will make again & again. Great summer salad." Another said, "Made the recipe just as it is. really enjoyed the way the tomato and watermelon enhanced the salad in a way i just didnt ever think of." More Summer Salad Recipes You'll Love If you love light, refreshing summer salads, these vibrant recipes are sure to make the list of family favorites: Watermelon, Cucumber, and Feta Salad Smashed-Cucumber Salad Corn and Tomato Salad Tomato, Peach, and Corn Salad Strawberry-Spinach Salad Heirloom Tomato Salad Grilled Peach-and-Arugula Salad with Feta Cherry Tomato Caprese Salad Editorial contributions by Katie Rosenhouse. Cook Mode (Keep screen awake) Ingredients 5 cups (3/4-in.) seeded watermelon cubes 1 1/2 lbs. ripe tomatoes, cut into 3/4-in. cubes 3 tsp. granulated sugar 1/2 tsp. kosher salt 1 small red onion, quartered and thinly sliced 1/2 cup red wine vinegar 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil Romaine lettuce leaves (optional) Cracked black pepper to taste Directions Mix ingredients: Combine watermelon and tomatoes in a large bowl; sprinkle with sugar and salt, tossing to coat. Credit: Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox Let stand 15 minutes. Credit: Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox Add vinaigrette: Stir in onion, vinegar, and oil. Cover and chill 2 hours. Serve chilled with lettuce leaves, if desired. Sprinkle with cracked black pepper to taste. Credit: Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox Frequently Asked Questions What types of tomatoes work best in tomato-and-watermelon salad? Feel free to use any type of tomatoes you prefer in this salad. A mix can add additional texture, color, and flavor. Can I make tomato-and-watermelon salad ahead? The salad can be made ahead and chilled in the morning on the day of serving, but it isn't recommended to make it much farther in advance than that for the freshest flavor and texture. Why is my tomato-and-watermelon salad watery? To avoid a salad with excess liquid, drain the tomatoes and watermelon in a colander for a few minutes after they're tossed with sugar and salt, if desired. Can you add protein to a tomato-and-watermelon salad? To turn this salad into a one-dish meal, add grilled chicken or shrimp into the mix. You can also stir in canned chickpeas or other favorite cooked beans. Save Rate Print Additional reporting by Katie Rosenhouse Katie Rosenhouse Katie Rosenhouse is a pastry chef and food writer with over 15 years of experience in the culinary arts. She's worked as a pastry chef in some of the finest restaurants in New York City, as a culinary instructor, and as a recipe developer. learn more