07 August, 2013

Tomato and Watermelon Salad Recipe | Simple Summer Salad Recipe

 Learn how to make Tomato and Watermelon Salad ~ Simple and refreshing summer salad recipe with lime and balsamic vinegar dressing

I believe in the age old food philosophy that ‘you are what you eat’. Couple of months back, in the beginning of spring season, our kitchen was a busy hub of sizzling deep fried goodies in a hot pot of oil. Although I am not really fond of deep fried food, I found myself binging on the not so healthy but absolutely delicious food days after another! It didn’t take very long for me to gain couple of pounds and add few inches around my waist!

Refreshing Tomato and Watermelon Salad Recipe

Soon the dresses that fit me well started to become bit too uncomfortable to wear. I continued to ignore it as i stuffed my face with array of delicious but high in calorie delicacies. I would have continued to keep my eyes shut to the fact if not for the little pain I started getting in my back after spending hours sitting in front of the computer in office and the pain in the knees after spending few hours standing on my feet while cooking in the kitchen. It didn’t take me very long to find the root cause for all my health problems. And sadly, it also didn’t take me long to realise that it is quite easy thing to gain weight but is very difficult to lose it! But I am not someone to give up easily...especially when it comes to important matters like health!
Simple summer salad ~ Tomato and Watermelon Salad

Drastic weight loss or strict dieting is something I am not very good at. I like my food, a lot! What works for me is regular exercise with nutritious diet. I am on third week of my health regime and already lost couple of pounds. Along with eating healthy, I am also burning calories by by using the treadmill to it's full potential. One and half hours of brisk walk for 5 to 6 days a week seems to be working their magic now. After a long time the treadmill is getting its share of attention after collecting layers of dust all these years! Since I love my carbs, I find it rather difficult to cut it off entirely. During times like these there is one food that always comes to my rescue, a big bowl of salads. Large portion of salads helps me feel full and satisfied even when my regular intake of other carb high food has halved! The fresh seasonal produce with simple dressing can make even the most boring salad taste absolutely delicious. Don’t overdo with too much of salad dressing that you can’t taste the main ingredients, fruits or vegetables, used in the salad. Keep it simple and keep it fresh.

Tomato and Watermelon Salad with Lime and Balsamic Vinegar Dressing

One salad that I have been enjoying and making quite often is this Tomato and Watermelon Salad. Summer is the best time to enjoy this light, refreshing and cool salad as you get the sweetest watermelon and the juiciest sweet tomatoes. I keep the dressing very simple with couple of spoons of balsamic vinegar whizzed with extra virgin olive oil and freshly squeezed lime juice to compliment the sweet notes of watermelon and tomatoes. The combination of watermelon with tomatoes may sound little odd, but trust me this Tomato and Watermelon Salad will be a revelation! Tomatoes are botanically fruits and hence it makes sense that combination of two juicy fruits will always be good! The secret is to use fresh, organic and seasonal produce and keep it as simple as possible. Try this simple and yet delicious Tomato and Watermelon Salad this summer and let me know how you like it!

Ingredients for Tomato and Watermelon Salad 


Fresh Basil Leaves 

Tomato and Watermelon Salad with Lime and Balsamic Vinegar Dressing 


Tomato and Watermelon Salad (Sweet watermelon and juicy tomato salad with fresh lime and balsamic vinegar dressing)
Prep Time: 10-15 mins
Cooking Time: Nil
Recipe Level: Easy or Beginner
Spice Level: Low
Serves: 2-4 people
Shelf Life: Best served fresh
Serving Suggestion: As a light meal or as a side dish with meals

Ingredients:
3 cups Watermelon, cut into ½ inch cubes (I cut it into small star shapes to add fun element)
2 cups Tomatoes (I have used assorted coloured cherry tomatoes), halved
¼ loosely packed cup Basil Leaves or Coriander Leaves or Mint Leaves

For Lime and Balsamic Vinegar Dressing:
2 tbsp Balsamic Vinegar
2 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 tbsp Fresh Lime Juice (Adjust as per taste)
Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper to taste
Light and delightful Tomato and Watermelon Salad

Method:
  1. Whisk together all the ingredients listed under salad dressing or simply whiz them in a food processor or blender. Adjust the salt and pepper to taste and keep it aside until needed.
  2. To put together the salad, take watermelon pieces and tomatoes in a large bowl. Either chop or shred basil leaves (or coriander leaves or mint leaves) and add it to the bowl.
  3. Pour in salad dressing and gently toss them with a spoon or hand. Serve this delicious Tomato and Watermelon Salad immediately and enjoy!
Tomato and Watermelon Salad with Lime and Balsamic Vinegar Dressing 

Sia’s Notes:
  • Since seasonality is the key, this Tomato and Watermelon Salad is best for summers when all the ingredients are at full flavour.
  • In place of basil leaves, you can use coriander leaves or mint leaves.
  • Add the salad dressing just before serving to retain the freshness.

8 comments:

  1. A wonderful combination! I'ver tried creating a salad with watermelon...

    Cheers,

    Rosa

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  2. all the best for your weightloss! Even i am under diet (kind of ) and hitting gym with my regular exercise :) salad is lovely and always comforting food !

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  3. Contrasting flavours and beautiful colours! Love the shot of the basil leaves:)

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  4. wow this a treat to eyes and taste buds. awesome presentation.
    http://goodeatstostyle.blogspot.com/

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  5. This salad surely looks colorful and good. I agree with you, a good excercise with some healthy eating will do wonder, I goto get back on track after a crazy foodie summer:).

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  6. Looks so colorful & soothing. Good luck with your weight loss.

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  7. sometimes minimal ingredients bring in a lot of flavors. beautiful photos.

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  8. Looks so very colorful!! Simple and delish!

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