Spicy Watermelon Salad
Posted on: July 28, 2024. Updated on: July 31, 2024.
by Carolina Gelen
Table of Contents
Hot summer days call for a refreshing watermelon salad. We will often pair watermelons with salty elements to highlight their natural sweetness, like feta cheese, crunchy flaky salt or tajin. I wanted to explore the possibility of soy sauce becoming that salty element watermelon yearns for.
Spicy Watermelon Salad Flavor Profile
Inspired by the Chinese smashed cucumber salad, I created a dressing with soy sauce, chili crisp, sesame oil, toasted sesame, rice vinegar and sugar to pair with the watermelon. The result was salty, umami, toasty, which perfectly complemented the sweetness of a freshly cut, ripe watermelon.
What should I pair this with?
Serve it on its own, as a snack, or pair with grilled chicken, roasted fish, roasted potatoes, and crusty bread for a simple summer dinner.
Spicy Watermelon Salad
Servings: 6 to 8
Prep: 20 minutes
Total: 20 minutes
Ingredients
- 8-pound watermelon
- Salt
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons chili crisp
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1/4 cup (4 tablespoons) sugar
- 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Slice the 2 ends off the watermelon. Slice the watermelon in half, crosswise.
- Place each half, cut-side down on the cutting board. Going around the watermelon, slice off the peel.
- Slice each half in 1 inch cubes.
- Add the watermelon to a large bowl. Season with a hefty pinch of salt, toss and set aside. This will draw out some of the juices to prevent diluting the dressing.
- Make the dressing: To a measuring cup, add the soy sauce, chili oil, sesame oil, sugar, rice vinegar and toasted sesame seeds. Vigorously whisk until combined.
- Drain the excess liquid from the watermelon bowl.
- Pour the dressing all over and toss to combine.
All that I want to say is that
“I admire you”!!!