Asian Watermelon Salad Recipe
A Refreshing Twist on Classic Flavors
Dive into the vibrant and refreshing world of Asian cuisine with this delightful Asian Watermelon Salad, perfect for a light meal or a side dish to accompany your favorite main courses. The combination of juicy watermelon, fragrant herbs, and crunchy peanuts creates a symphony of textures and flavors that tantalize the taste buds. This salad is not only quick to prepare but also bursting with colors, making it a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Watermelon (cubed or made into balls) | 2 cups |
| Red baby radish (finely sliced, optional) | 3 |
| Cucumber (quartered and sliced) | 1/2 |
| Mint leaves (torn roughly) | 20 leaves |
| Basil leaves (torn roughly) | 20 leaves |
| Spring onion (bulb & greens, finely sliced) | 1 |
| Roasted peanuts (crushed) | 3 tablespoons |
| Lemon zest (optional) | 1 teaspoon |
| Rice vinegar (or white vinegar) | 1 tablespoon |
| Soy sauce | 1 tablespoon |
| Sriracha sauce | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Ginger (grated) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Lemon juice | 1 tablespoon |
| Black pepper powder | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 |
| Protein | 6g |
| Carbohydrates | 20g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3g |
| Total Sugars | 10g |
| Total Fat | 8g |
| Saturated Fat | 1g |
| Sodium | 150mg |
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes (for preparation, no cooking involved)
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings
- Servings: 2
- Cuisine: Asian
- Course: Side Dish
- Diet: Vegetarian
Instructions
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Chill the Watermelon: Begin by refrigerating the watermelon for at least one hour before preparing the salad. This will enhance its refreshing taste and texture.
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Combine the Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the cubed watermelon, finely sliced radish (if using), cucumber, torn mint and basil leaves, and finely sliced spring onion. It’s essential not to substitute the baby radish with long white or Daikon radish, as they possess a very peppery flavor that can overpower the delicate balance of this dish. If baby radishes are unavailable, simply omit them from the recipe.
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Prepare the Dressing: In a separate small mixing bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, soy sauce, Sriracha sauce, grated ginger, lemon juice, black pepper powder, and salt to taste until well blended.
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Assemble the Salad: Pour the dressing over the combined salad ingredients, tossing gently to ensure an even distribution of flavors. Top the salad with crushed roasted peanuts and the lemon zest for a burst of added flavor and crunch.
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Serve: Enjoy this refreshing Asian Watermelon Salad on its own for a light and healthy dinner, or serve it as an exquisite side dish alongside mushroom fried rice to create a harmonious and flavorful meal.
Embrace the lightness of summer with this vibrant Asian Watermelon Salad, where each bite is a delightful blend of sweet, spicy, and savory notes, all working together to create a memorable dining experience. Perfect for picnics, barbecues, or as a stunning addition to your dinner table, this salad is sure to impress your family and friends alike.
