Time for some Summertime Basil Watermelon and Goat Cheese Salad!!! With enormous crates full to the brim at every grocery store and farmer's market, I do believe watermelon is upon us! I learned a few nifty tricks back in the day to check if watermelon is ripe before buying. No awkward sniffing! (although that is my trusty method to checking cantaloupe).
Method 1: You know that kinda flat section on a watermelon? The part that rested on the ground while it grew? If it's white, put that watermelon back. Immediately. If it's yellowish in color, that's the one! The darker the yellow color, the more time it had to grow in the sun.
Method 2: The heavier the watermelon, the better. Not bigger! Heavier. It had more time to grow and fill with water.
Method 3: You can also knock on it. If so, a good watermelon should be firm and your hand should bounce right back.
Now that you've picked your perfect, ripe watermelon, whatever shall you do with it? How about a little bit of a twist on a classic caprese salad? Watermelon instead of tomato, feta instead of mozzarella??? AKA Summertime Basil Watermelon and Goat Cheese Salad. A little bit of savory along with the sweet!!!! I'm also obsessed with cheese so any excuse to use it, especially soft cheeses and I'm there. I served this as a side to grilled bratwurst and potato salad, instant hit. Sooo yuummm, and perfect for the upcoming warm summer BBQ-ing days! July 4th anyone???
Summertime Basil Watermelon and Goat Cheese Salad
- Total Time: 15 mins
- Yield: 4-6 1x
Description
The ultimate summer salad with juicy watermelon, crumbled goat cheese and fresh basil leaves. A twist on the classic caprese!
Ingredients
- 1 medium watermelon
- 1 cup goat cheese, crumbled*
- 10-15 basi leaves, cut in chiffonade
Get Recipe Ingredients
Instructions
- Remove the rind from the watermelon and dice into 1-inch pieces and place in a large bowl.
- Add goat cheese and basil. Gently stir to combine.
- Chill for 10 minutes and serve.
Notes
You can also use feta cheese for a slightly tangier taste!
- Prep Time: 15 mins
Lety C says
What a combination! Never would occur to me to put them together, sounds delicious, thaks for sharing!
Natascha's Palace says
I have to try this. It looks wonderful.
aberdeenjenae says
Thank you, let me know if you do!
Natascha's Palace says
I will! Xxx
A_Nerd_Cooks says
This looks so refreshing and delicious! I did a strawberry caprese salad recently (which was awesome), but this takes it in an entirely new direction.
aberdeenjenae says
Thank you! ooo strawberry caprese salad sounds like a delicious dish.
Dan says
This a refreshing spring and summer dish. Great combo and awesome take on the caprese salad. I enjoyed it and it's healthy enough for second and thirds. But that's just my opinion.
Signed,
Cheese Monster
Ellee says
Why does the title say "Goat cheese" when the actual recipe calls for feta? Which one should I use?????
Aberdeen says
Sorry for the confusion! You can actually use either one. Goat cheese is much creamer and feta has more of a tang. Thank you for pointing this out, I’ll update the recipe!
Vicky pontius says
Looks refreshing. Thinking a squirt of lemon or lime juice for the finish.
Aberdeen says
Ooo great idea 👍🏻.
Ray Menasco says
I put i. A 1/4 teas of plnk salt, a couple squirts of lime juice. And 1/2 cup of coarse chopped white onion.
D A says
Local deli adds lemon juice and a drizzle of olive oil to dress. Delicious!
Runner Foodie says
I also added Lime juice & course Himalayan salt. We ; family of 4) finished entire salad!