Heirloom Tomato and Watermelon Salad with Basil Vinaigrette

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A refreshing summer salad combining sweet watermelon and heirloom tomatoes, tossed with a fragrant basil vinaigrette. This southern-inspired salads (vegetarian) ready in about 15 minutes pairs heirloom tomatoes, assorted colors, seedless watermelon, cubed, fresh basil leaves into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 150 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Serves 4 Southern cuisine 150 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 3 cups chopped heirloom tomatoes and 2 cups cubed seedless watermelon.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 2 tbsp white balsamic vinegar, 1 tsp honey, 1/2 tsp sea salt, and 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper until emulsified.
  3. Step 3: Pour the basil vinaigrette over the tomato and watermelon mixture, then gently toss with 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil leaves until evenly coated.
  4. Step 4: Transfer the salad to a serving dish and sprinkle 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese on top. Serve immediately for a bright and refreshing side.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Heirloom Tomato and Watermelon Salad with Basil Vinaigrette take to make?

Total time is about 15 minutes (15 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Heirloom Tomato and Watermelon Salad with Basil Vinaigrette?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep seedless watermelon, cubed from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Heirloom Tomato and Watermelon Salad with Basil Vinaigrette?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Heirloom Tomato and Watermelon Salad with Basil Vinaigrette for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Heirloom Tomato and Watermelon Salad with Basil Vinaigrette vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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