This Avocado Watermelon Salad is so light, refreshing and perfect when the weather is warm. Plus, it takes less than 30 minutes to make! It’s one of my favorite summer salad recipes.
This post is created in partnership and sponsored by the California Avocado Commission.
I’m so excited to share this summer salad recipe with you today. Not only is it one of my new favorite salads which I’ve already made several times, but I created it especially for the new California Avocado Summer Soundtrack Cookbook! The cookbook is out now and free to download. The recipes feature California Avocados and are inspired by various musical styles.
My California Avocado and Watermelon Salad is inspired by Hollywood Pop, which is usually what I’m listening to and singing along with when creating recipes in the kitchen. California Avocados and watermelon are arguably the stars of your local produce section. Just how you can’t get that catchy pop song out of your head, this easy, convenient recipe will stay with you all California Avocado season long.
Avocado Tips
- You want to use ripe avocados for your salad. You can tell when an avocado is ripe when you can lightly press on it and it gives a bit but doesn’t feel mushy. If your avocado is firm and doesn’t give at all when you press on it, it’s not ready. If you press on it and it feels mushy it’s too ripe.
- It’s a good idea to buy your avocados a few days in advance to allow them time to ripen on the counter before you use them unless you are lucky enough to find ripened ones at the store. If needed, you can store ripened avocados in the refrigerator for a few days. Chilling them slows down the ripening process.
Watermelon Tips
Here are a few ways to ensure you pick out a ripe watermelon at the store:
- The watermelon should feel heavy for its size, so be sure to note this when picking one out.
- Watermelons grow laying on the ground and have a spot on one side that was in contact with the ground as it grew. You know the watermelon is ripe when the color of that spot is a buttery yellow. If it is white the watermelon is not ripe yet.
- My tried-and-true method for choosing a sweet and ripe watermelon is the thump test. Tap/thump/knock on that yellow spot and you should hear a hollow sound. This indicates the watermelon is ripe. If you aren’t sure what you are listening for, test it out on a few watermelons. Some will give a dull thud sound, which indicates it is overripe and the flesh is usually already soft and mushy. The sweetest watermelon not only have a hollow sound when you tap it, but you will also hear a soft gushing sound of liquid moving through.
How to Make an Avocado Watermelon Salad
Once you have ripe avocados and watermelon you are ready to assemble the salad!
- Because avocados brown when left out too long, it’s best to prepare the avocado close to when the salad will be consumed. You can also keep them in a sealed container until right before serving to prevent them from browning.
- Cut the watermelon, avocado, and cucumbers into ¾” inch cubes. This way you get nice bite-sized cubes that are easy to eat.
- I arranged my salad in a checkerboard pattern, which takes more time but looks so pretty on a serving platter. To save time, you can also just toss all of the cubes together in a bowl.
- To dress the salad, I like to use a simple balsamic vinegar. I recommend waiting until right before you serve the salad to add the dressing otherwise it will turn your salad brown.
- Top the salad with some torn basil leaves, crumbled cojita cheese (which is a salty Mexican-style crumbling cheese) and freshly ground pepper and it’s ready to serve!
If you like this salad recipe you might like my Tomato and Avocado Salad, too.
Avocado Watermelon Salad
Ingredients
- 2 cups seedless watermelon cut into ¾ inch cubes
- 2 Persian cucumbers cut into ¾ inch cubes
- 2 large ripe avocados peeled, pitted and cut into ¾ inch cubes
- ¼ cup crumbled cotija cheese
- Handful of basil leaves hand-torn into small shreds
- Aged balsamic vinegar to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Arrange watermelon, cucumber and avocado cubes in alternating rows on a plate.
- Sprinkle with cheese and basil. Drizzle entire surface with balsamic vinegar. Sprinkle with pepper. Serve salad immediately.
Notes
- The watermelon should feel heavy for its size, so be sure to note this when picking one out.
- Watermelons grow laying on the ground and have a spot on one side that was in contact with the ground as it grew. You know the watermelon is ripe when the color of that spot is a buttery yellow. If it is white the watermelon is not ripe yet.
- My tried-and-true method for choosing a sweet and ripe watermelon is the thump test. Tap/thump/knock on that yellow spot and you should hear a hollow sound. This indicates the watermelon is ripe. If you aren’t sure what you are listening for, test it out on a few watermelons. Some will give a dull thud sound, which indicates it is overripe and the flesh is usually already soft and mushy. The sweetest watermelon not only have a hollow sound when you tap it, but you will also hear a soft gushing sound of liquid moving through.
- You want to use ripe avocados for your salad. You can tell when an avocado is ripe when you can lightly press on it and it gives a bit but doesn’t feel mushy. If your avocado is firm and doesn’t give at all when you press on it, it’s not ready. If you press on it and it feels mushy it’s too ripe.
- It’s a good idea to buy your avocados a few days in advance to allow them time to ripen on the counter before you use them unless you are lucky enough to find ripened ones at the store. If needed, you can store ripened avocados in the refrigerator for a few days. Chilling them slows down the ripening process.
- To save time, you don't need to arrange the salad the way I did. Feel free to toss all the cubes together into a salad bowl.
- Because avocados do brown when left out too long, it's best to prepare the avocado close to when the salad will be consumed. You can also keep them in a sealed container until right before serving to prevent them from browning.
- Wait until right before serving to add the balsamic dressing otherwise it will brown your salad.
Nutrition
The nutrition information provided are only estimates based on an online nutritional calculator. I am not a certified nutritionist. Please consult a professional nutritionist or doctor for accurate information and any dietary restrictions and concerns you may have.
More Summer Salad Recipes
Tomato and Avocado Salad | An easy tomato and avocado salad that is flavorful and perfect for summer. This salad only takes a few minutes to make and is great for a quick meal or to bring to a BBQ or party.
Sesame Cucumber Noodles | This is an easy, Chinese-style cucumber dish. Spiralized cucumber noodles are tossed in a simple sesame oil dressing for a light and refreshing cucumber noodle salad.
7-Layer Salad in a Jar | Inspired by the traditional but not-so-healthy 7-layer dip, these 7-Layer Salads in a Jar are a healthy lunch or dinner you can make ahead.
Avocadoes are really amazing for your health whether you are dieting or not because of its benefits and if you add watermelon to the mix, everything becomes refreshing. This would definitely be my summer salad. Thank you for posting this.
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