Cucumber Watermelon Salad
This easy and refreshing Cucumber Watermelon Salad could be the hit at your 4th of July potluck. Summer is in full swing on the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains. And, as summer heats up, so does my craving for all things barbecue. Last week we ducked into Moe's for some Southern soul food and a hefty protein fix.
Moe's Original Bar B Que is known for its Alabama-style pulled pork, racks of ribs, chicken (and on some days, tofu) smoked over hard wood, as well as their sauces, traditional Southern sides and down-home desserts. Though no where in print (on menus or the website), I have been told by the Fort Collins manager that their sauces are gluten-free as are some of the sides—but be safe, always ask. You can find Moe's in Alabama, Colorado, Georgia and North Carolina.
One of the sides offered the day we stopped in (they vary weekly) was a Cucumber Watermelon Salad. It sounded refreshing and certainly was. Of course I had to come home and recreate it. I loved it, my husband called it "unique" (what does that mean?) and my neighbor, Hannah, enjoyed it but would have preferred it a little less heavy on the red onion. It's all a matter of personal taste—just tweak accordingly.
I wish my fellow Americans a happy 4th of July! If you are looking for more recipes for summer potlucks and gatherings, be sure to visit The Spunky Coconut for Kelly's 4th of July Our Spunky Holiday recipe round up that will post later this week.
Cucumber Watermelon Salad
Gluten-Free | Casein-Free | Citrus-Free | Corn-Free | Dairy-Free | Egg-Free | Fish-Free | Nightshade-Free | Peanut-Free | Potato-Free | Shellfish-Free | Soy-Free | Tree Nut-Free | Wheat-Free | Grain-Free | Sesame-Free | Easily Sweetener-Free | Yeast-free | GFCF | Vegetarian | Vegan
Serves: 4-6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons RICE WINE VINEGAR
1 tablespoon runny HONEY
3 CUCUMBERS, peeled, deseeded and cut into 1/2" cubes
3 cups 1/2" cubed WATERMELON
1/4 cup sliced fresh BASIL LEAVES (stack leaves, roll lengthwise and slice)
1/4 cup thinly sliced RED ONION
SALT
GREEN ONION (optional)
Directions:
On stovetop or in microwave, gently heat honey. Whisk in vinegar. Toss with remaining ingredients. Salt to taste and garnish with green onion.
A Few More for the Weekend
Teriyaki BBQ Chicken [click here]
Gluten-Free Hawaiian-Style Potato Mac Salad [click here]
Cinnamon Pomegranate Glaze (for steak) [click here]
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Reader Comments (19)
Refreshing.. what a great idea to put cucumber with watermelon. The watermelon salad I love to make is with watermelon, goat cheese, red onions, mint leaves and basil. Aren't summer foods so amazing! :)
I. Love. This. Salad. Period. That is all I want to say.
Okay. You know me. I have more to say! This looks amazing!! We are once again traveling on the same wavelength! LOL Last night we made a honeydew/cucumber and mint salad! It was divine! I will make this one tonight. I have every single ingredient!
xoxox
k
PS My husband called my melon salad "interesting". I think we need to enhance their creative palate a bit. LOL
What a beautiful salad! It's too pretty to eat!
I am making that tomorrow night for our support group meeting. Our theme is cold salads. :-) Beautiful and healthy ... a combination that can't be beat!
xo,
Shirley
Lexie, that salad looks so refreshing and perfect for July 4th.....thanks girl! Hugs!
beautiful. this looks very refreshing!
Raj - that sounds delish! Great site BTW. I will be dropping in on your Sugar Free Sundays : )
Kim - oh my, we are so on the same wavelength as always.
Lori - I am honored that you dropped in : ) Love your site.
Shirley - let me know how everyone likes it!
Pam and Mai - Thanks for visiting and leaving sweet comments!
xoLexie
Hmm. Would this be good with papaya? I have a bunch left over (but don't have watermelon). I can't wait to try this though!
Thanks for the recipe. :)
Hi Amanda, why not try it : ) I think the watermelon and cucumber are crisp and juicy. Papaya not so much. But if you try it, let us know how you like it : ) You could sub out the vinegar for lime juice to add brightness to the papaya!
xoLexie
Lexie, thanks for sharing this recipe! What a great idea for using watermelon this time of year! I love to use fruits and veggies in season (it's cheaper too!)... I'm in charge of feeding our volunteers in a couple of weeks when our church hosts it's annual Sports Camp for the community kids... this just made my list of "sides" complete! Yea!
This is glorious Lex! Such a good party salad because everyone would HAVE to try it and then everyone would NEED the recipe :) I love it!
We made this tonight and it was just fantastic - fresh and light. The basil and the vinegar really tie the whole thing together. Thanks!
Stjinnova - Fresh and light it is : ) Thanks so much for venturing to try it and leaving a comment.
xoLexie
NEVER NEVER NEVER microwave HONEY!!!
YIKES!
Anonymous
Thanks for the tip. Do expand and educate me ... I can never learn enough. Are you an opponent of baking with honey or using the microwave to heat honey?
xoLexie
Hi! Just wanted to let you know that I featured this recipe on my Virtual Allergy-Free Picnic this week... http://allergyfreecookery.blogspot.com/2011/09/virtual-allergy-friendly-picnic.html
Thanks!
Lisa @ Allergy Free Vintage Cookery
I cannot wait to make this!
Thanks for sharing this!
Ever since the first time I had this at Moe's I've wondered how to make it. My first attempt used cider vinegar and it wasn't quite right.
Will be trying the rice wine/runny honey as soon as I get the next melon.
I also soaked my red onions when I made it - which I thought worked well. Still the nice red onion flavor without quite as much bite.
Alicia, oh goody, glad you know which salad I am talking about. Let me know what you think ... if it's a close second to the real thing! : ) xoLexie.
ps I made it last night and enjoyed it all over again