Watermelon Caprese Salad, a delightful twist on the classic Italian dish, blends the sweetness of watermelon with the creamy texture of mozzarella, the peppery kick of arugula and the tangy richness of balsamic glaze. It's a perfect, refreshing salad for those hot summer days.
All of the ingredients in this recipe are typically readily available in most supermarkets. However, it is important to select a ripe, sweet watermelon for the best result. The balsamic glaze should be located in the salad dressing or vinegar aisle. If you can't find it, you can reduce regular balsamic vinegar into a glaze yourself.
Ingredients for Watermelon Caprese Salad
Watermelon: A juicy, sweet fruit that provides a refreshing contrast to the other ingredients.
Fresh mozzarella: A soft, mild cheese that adds a creamy texture to the salad.
Baby arugula: Small, peppery green leaves that give the salad a bit of a bite.
Olive oil: Used to drizzle over the salad for added flavor and richness.
Kosher salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
Balsamic glaze: A tangy, slightly sweet reduction of balsamic vinegar that adds depth of flavor to the salad.
One reader, Bary Falcon says:
This watermelon caprese salad recipe is a game-changer! The combination of sweet watermelon, creamy mozzarella, and peppery arugula is simply divine. The balsamic glaze adds a delightful tangy finish. It's a refreshing and unique twist on the classic caprese salad. Highly recommended for a summer treat!
Essential Techniques for Crafting a Watermelon Caprese Salad
How to cut watermelon into stars: Use a 4-inch star-shaped cookie cutter (or any shape) to cut 16 stars out of the watermelon (about 1 oz each). Save the excess watermelon for another use.
How to arrange the salad: Arrange the watermelon stars on a platter, then layer with fresh mozzarella, baby arugula, ¼ tsp of olive oil, and a pinch of salt on each.
How to drizzle with balsamic glaze: Top the salad with a final watermelon star, then drizzle each serving with balsamic glaze before serving.
How To Make Watermelon Caprese Salad
Add a summer fun twist to your usual caprese salad! Instead of using tomatoes, our tasty and fresh watermelon caprese salad uses watermelon, of course!
Serves:
Ingredients
- ½red watermelon,seedless, sliced ½-inch thick, calculated with 16 oz
- 8fresh mozzarella,(1 oz each) thin slices
- 1cupbaby arugula,loose
- 2tspolive oil,extra-virgin
- kosher salt
- 2tbspbalsamic glaze,such as Modenacrem Balsamic Glaze
Instructions
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Use a 4-inch star-shaped cookie cutter (or any shape) and cut 16 stars out of the watermelon (about 1 oz each). Save the excess watermelon for another use.
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Arrange the watermelon on a platter, then layer with cheese, arugula, ¼ tsp of olive oil, and a pinch of salt on each.
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Top with a final star, drizzle each with balsamic glaze and serve.
Nutrition
- Calories: 434.39kcal
- Fat: 26.59g
- Saturated Fat: 14.93g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 8.29g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.12g
- Carbohydrates: 24.48g
- Fiber: 1.14g
- Sugar: 19.28g
- Protein: 26.59g
- Cholesterol: 88.48mg
- Sodium: 930.97mg
- Calcium: 587.93mg
- Potassium: 408.99mg
- Iron: 1.22mg
- Vitamin A: 280.54µg
- Vitamin C: 23.00mg
Expert Tip for Elevating Your Watermelon Caprese Salad
When cutting the watermelon into stars, make sure to slice the watermelon into thin, even slabs first. This will make it easier to press the cookie cutter through and create uniform shapes. Additionally, when drizzling the balsamic glaze over the salad, do it from a height to ensure an even distribution and to prevent the salad from becoming too soggy.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Watermelon Caprese Salad
Prep ahead: Cut the watermelon and mozzarella in advance to save time on assembly.
Use pre-made glaze: Consider using store-bought balsamic glaze for convenience.
Multi-task: While cutting the watermelon, have the mozzarella and arugula ready to assemble simultaneously.
Keep it simple: Stick to the basic ingredients to streamline the preparation process.
Chill ingredients: Ensure the watermelon and mozzarella are chilled before assembling to enhance the refreshing taste.
Substitute Ingredients For Watermelon Caprese Salad Recipe
red watermelon - Substitute with yellow watermelon: Yellow watermelon has a slightly sweeter and milder flavor compared to red watermelon, but it will still provide the refreshing and juicy element to the salad.
fresh mozzarella - Substitute with burrata: Burrata has a creamy and rich texture, which adds a luxurious touch to the salad. It also has a slightly tangy flavor that complements the sweetness of the watermelon.
baby arugula - Substitute with baby spinach: Baby spinach can be used as a substitute for arugula, providing a mild and slightly sweet flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients in the salad.
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a mild flavor and a high smoke point, making it a suitable substitute for olive oil in this recipe.
balsamic glaze - Substitute with honey balsamic reduction: A honey balsamic reduction can add a touch of sweetness and complexity to the salad, similar to balsamic glaze, but with a slightly different flavor profile.
Best Way to Present a Watermelon Caprese Salad
Elevate the watermelon: Cut the watermelon into star shapes to add a visually appealing and playful touch to the dish. This will showcase your attention to detail and creativity.
Balance the flavors: Ensure that each bite has a perfect balance of sweetness from the watermelon, creaminess from the mozzarella, and peppery kick from the arugula. This harmony of flavors will impress the judges.
Drizzle with precision: When adding the balsamic glaze, use a steady hand to create elegant and precise drizzles. This will demonstrate your finesse and mastery of presentation.
Emphasize symmetry: Arrange the components of the salad with precision and symmetry on the plate. This will create a visually stunning presentation that reflects your culinary expertise.
Highlight the ingredients: Let the vibrant colors of the watermelon, mozzarella, and arugula shine through. The beauty of the ingredients should be the focal point of the dish.
Use high-quality serving ware: Select elegant and refined serving ware that complements the sophistication of the dish. This attention to detail will elevate the overall presentation.
Essential Tools for Making a Delightful Caprese Salad
- Cutting board: A flat surface used for cutting and preparing ingredients.
- Chef's knife: A versatile and essential kitchen tool used for chopping, slicing, and dicing.
- Melon baller: A tool used to scoop out small, round pieces of watermelon for decorative purposes.
- Platter: A large, flat dish used for serving and presenting food.
- Star-shaped cookie cutter: A tool used to cut watermelon into decorative star shapes.
- Small spoon: Used for drizzling balsamic glaze and adding small amounts of ingredients.
Interesting Trivia About Watermelon Caprese Salad
Watermelon Caprese Salad is a refreshing twist on the classic Caprese salad, incorporating the sweetness of watermelon with the creaminess of mozzarella. This unique combination provides a burst of flavors and textures, making it a perfect summer dish.
Is Making Watermelon Caprese Salad at Home Cost-Effective?
The cost-effectiveness of this watermelon caprese salad recipe is quite high. The main ingredients, such as watermelon and mozzarella, are generally affordable and widely available. The use of balsamic glaze adds a touch of elegance without breaking the bank. For a household of four, the approximate cost would be around $10-15, making it a budget-friendly option. The refreshing flavors and simple preparation make it a great choice for a quick and affordable meal. Overall Verdict: 9.
Is This Salad Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?
The watermelon caprese salad recipe is a refreshing and relatively healthy dish. It incorporates several nutritious ingredients:
- Watermelon is low in calories and rich in vitamins A and C, as well as lycopene, an antioxidant that may help reduce the risk of certain cancers and heart disease
- Fresh mozzarella provides protein and calcium, essential for maintaining strong bones and muscles
- Arugula is a nutrient-dense leafy green, offering vitamins A, C, and K, as well as folate and calcium
- Olive oil is a healthy source of monounsaturated fats, which can help reduce inflammation and improve heart health
However, the recipe also includes balsamic glaze, which can be high in sugar and calories, depending on the brand and quantity used.
To make this recipe even healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Use a reduced-sugar or homemade balsamic glaze to minimize added sugars
- Increase the proportion of arugula to boost the dish's nutrient content and add more fiber
- Opt for a lower-fat mozzarella, such as part-skim, to reduce the overall calorie and saturated fat content
- Sprinkle some chopped fresh basil leaves over the salad for an extra burst of flavor and nutrients
- Add a handful of toasted pine nuts or chopped walnuts for a crunchy texture and a dose of healthy fats and proteins
Editor's Opinion on the Delightful Watermelon Caprese Salad
This watermelon caprese salad recipe is a delightful twist on the classic caprese salad. The use of watermelon adds a refreshing and juicy element, while the combination of fresh mozzarella, arugula, and balsamic glaze provides a perfect balance of flavors. The presentation with star-shaped watermelon adds a playful and elegant touch, making it a visually stunning dish. Overall, this recipe offers a unique and delicious take on a traditional favorite, perfect for summer gatherings and entertaining.
Why trust this Watermelon Caprese Salad Recipe:
This recipe guarantees a delightful fusion of flavors and textures, ensuring a refreshing and satisfying experience. The succulent red watermelon pairs harmoniously with creamy fresh mozzarella and peppery baby arugula, creating a vibrant and balanced dish. The drizzle of balsamic glaze adds a touch of sweetness, while the olive oil enhances the overall richness. Each ingredient is carefully selected to ensure a delightful and memorable culinary journey, making this watermelon caprese salad a trustworthy and delectable choice.
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