Tomato Watermelon Salad with Harissa Vinaigrette recipe, yummm...
This Tomato Watermelon Salad with Harissa Vinaigrette Recipe is a refreshing blend of sweet and savory, with each bite bursting with vibrant, sun-ripened flavors. Juicy watermelon mingles with tangy heirloom tomatoes, while the harissa vinaigrette adds a smoky, subtle heat that brings out the best in each ingredient. This harmony of flavors creates an experience that’s both refreshing and gently spicy, perfect for savoring the last warmth of summer in September.
As the evenings cool, this salad feels like a farewell to summer’s bounty, celebrating peak-season produce. Hydrating watermelon and nutrient-rich tomatoes replenish the body with antioxidants, vitamin C, and lycopene, all promoting cellular health. Harissa’s warmth balances the coolness of the fruits, grounding the dish with depth as the days grow shorter. Adding creamy avocado brings richness and heart-healthy fats, making each bite feel even more nourishing and luxurious. This simple yet flavorful salad bridges seasons beautifully, offering sustenance that’s as comforting as it is invigorating.
Delicious Tomato Watermelon Salad with Harissa Vinaigrette recipe...
This Tomato Watermelon Salad with Harissa Vinaigrette recipe is a total fan favorite, with friends reaching out (even several years past) still trying to get the recipe….ok friends, here it is!
Recipe Ingredients...
Ingredients you will need to make this delicious Tomato Watermelon Salad with Harissa Vinaigrette recipe:
- Shallots offer a delicate, slightly sweet flavor with hints of garlic and onion, making them ideal for salad dressings where they add depth without overpowering. In dressings, they contribute a mild, aromatic acidity that enhances the vinaigrette’s brightness and balances richer ingredients like olive oil or creamier elements. Nutritionally, shallots are rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, which support immune health, and their sulfur compounds promote heart health and offer anti-inflammatory benefits.
- Garlic has a bold, pungent flavor with a hint of sweetness when raw, and a mellower, nutty taste when roasted, adding depth and warmth to salad dressings. In dressings, it brings a savory kick that balances acidity and enhances the overall flavor profile. Nutritionally, garlic is known for its antioxidants and allicin, a compound that supports heart health, has anti-inflammatory properties, and may boost immunity.
- Raw wild honey has a rich, floral sweetness with subtle earthy undertones, adding natural depth and complexity to salad dressings. In dressings, it balances acidity, enhances flavors, and brings a touch of smooth sweetness that complements both savory and tangy ingredients. Nutritionally, raw honey provides antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, supporting immune health and offering a quick, natural source of energy.
- Citrus champagne vinegar has a bright, zesty flavor with subtle floral and fruity notes, adding a light, elegant acidity to salad dressings. In dressings, it brings a refreshing tang that enhances other ingredients without overpowering, making it ideal for delicate greens and fresh herbs. Nutritionally, this vinegar can aid digestion and provide a small boost of antioxidants, promoting overall wellness.
- Cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil has a rich, fruity flavor with hints of pepper and a smooth, slightly bitter finish, adding depth and body to salad dressings. In dressings, it serves as a luxurious base that binds ingredients, enhances flavors, and balances acidity. Nutritionally, extra virgin olive oil is rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, supporting cardiovascular health and reducing inflammation.
- Kosher salt has a clean, pure saltiness without the bitterness of some other salts, enhancing flavors in salad dressings by drawing out the natural taste of each ingredient. In dressings, it acts as a seasoning backbone, balancing acidity and amplifying other flavors for a harmonious blend. While not a significant source of nutrients, kosher salt in moderate amounts helps maintain electrolyte balance, supporting proper hydration and muscle function.
- Harissa spice powder has a smoky, mildly spicy flavor with earthy and subtly sweet undertones, adding warmth and depth to dishes. In a tomato watermelon salad with harissa vinaigrette, it brings a complex heat that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the fruit, enhancing the salad’s freshness and flavor balance. Nutritionally, harissa provides antioxidants and capsaicin, which can support metabolism, reduce inflammation, and promote heart health.
- Watermelon has a sweet, refreshing flavor with crisp, juicy texture that adds a cooling contrast to the warmth of harissa in a tomato watermelon salad. In this dish, its natural sweetness and high water content balance the spice of the vinaigrette, creating a harmonious mix of flavors. The best season for watermelon is late summer, when it reaches peak ripeness and sweetness. To choose a good watermelon, look for smaller melons that will have denser, firmer flesh and more intensity of flavor. Nutritionally, watermelon is hydrating and rich in vitamins A and C, as well as antioxidants like lycopene, which supports heart health and reduces inflammation.
- Heirloom tomatoes have a vibrant, tangy-sweet flavor with a juicy, tender texture, adding depth and complexity to a tomato watermelon salad with harissa vinaigrette. In this salad, they provide a bright acidity that balances the sweetness of watermelon and complements the smoky spice of the harissa. The best season for heirloom tomatoes is late summer, when they’re at peak ripeness. To choose good heirloom tomatoes, look for firm, fragrant ones with vivid colors and a slight give when gently pressed. Nutritionally, heirloom tomatoes are rich in vitamins A and C, potassium, and antioxidants like lycopene, promoting heart health and reducing inflammation.
- Avocado has a creamy, buttery texture with a mild, slightly nutty flavor that adds richness and balance to a tomato watermelon salad with harissa vinaigrette. In this dish, it provides a smooth contrast to the juicy watermelon and tangy tomatoes, helping to mellow the spice of the harissa. Avocado is available year-round, though it peaks in summer. To choose a good avocado, look for one with a slight give when gently squeezed and free from blemishes or soft spots. Nutritionally, avocado is a source of heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, fiber, and essential vitamins like E, C, and B6, supporting heart health and overall vitality.
- Mint has a bright, refreshing flavor with cool, slightly sweet undertones that adds a burst of freshness to a tomato watermelon salad with harissa vinaigrette. In this dish, mint provides a cooling contrast to the warmth of harissa, enhancing the salad’s vibrant and balanced flavor profile. To choose good mint, look for firm, vibrant green leaves without wilting or dark spots. Nutritionally, mint contains antioxidants and compounds that aid digestion, promote relaxation, and support respiratory health.
- Tarragon has a delicate, anise-like flavor with subtle bittersweet notes, adding an intriguing herbal depth to a tomato watermelon salad with harissa vinaigrette. In this salad, it provides a sophisticated contrast that enhances the sweetness of watermelon and the brightness of tomatoes, balancing the spicy warmth of the harissa. To choose good tarragon, look for vibrant green, unblemished leaves with a fresh scent. Nutritionally, tarragon is rich in antioxidants and contains compounds that support digestion, reduce inflammation, and may help regulate blood sugar.
- Feta cheese has a tangy, salty flavor with a creamy yet crumbly texture that adds depth and contrast to a tomato watermelon salad with harissa vinaigrette. Traditionally made from sheep’s milk or a blend of sheep’s and goat’s milk, high-quality feta is produced by artisan makers like Dodoni and Valbreso, known for their authentic flavor and texture. Nutritionally, feta is a good source of protein, calcium, and probiotics, supporting bone health and digestive wellness.
- Wild purple arugula has a peppery, slightly bitter flavor with earthy undertones, adding a bold, fresh contrast to a tomato watermelon salad with harissa vinaigrette. In this dish, it enhances the salad’s complexity, balancing the sweetness of watermelon and the tanginess of tomatoes while complementing the harissa’s warmth. If wild purple arugula is unavailable, baby arugula or watercress can be used as substitutes, offering a similar peppery note with a milder bite. Nutritionally, wild purple arugula is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as antioxidants and fiber, supporting eye health, immune function, and digestion.
Recipe Tools...
- Chef knife
- Paring knife
- Cutting board
- Immersion blender
- Pint size glass jar
- Colander
Recipe Process
How to make this delicious Tomato Watermelon Salad with Harissa Vinaigrette Recipe:
- First place garlic, shallots, honey, vinegar, salt, harissa spice in pint jar.
- Next measure out Extra Virgin Olive Oil.
- Place tip of immersion blender into the bottom of pint jar and holding in left hand, slowly begin to blend while adding olive oil with your right hand (or vice versa).
- After oil is incorporated, continue to blend for 1 minute, taste and adjust salt if needed.
- Using your colander, rinse produce in the sink, under cold running water.
- Cut watermelon down into quarters and then begin slicing or cubing for your salad. Larger, but bite size pieces are best.
- Cut tomatoes into even wedges or slices, a similar size as your watermelon.
- Cut avocado in half, slice it very thinly (inside skin), then scoop all out with a largish spoon. Gently divide in half, gently press one end to fan slices outward and place half on each of the plates.
- Gently toss watermelon and tomatoes with ½ the Harissa Vinaigrette, then place half on each plate, next to the avocado.
- Top each plate with arugula, crumbled feta cheese and fresh herbs chiffonade (or rough chopped is ok too), drizzle each plate with additional dressing and serve.
Tomato Watermelon Salad with Harissa Vinaigrette
This Tomato Watermelon Salad with Harissa Vinaigrette is a refreshing blend of sweet and savory, with each bite bursting with vibrant, sun-ripened flavors. Juicy watermelon mingles with tangy heirloom tomatoes, while the harissa vinaigrette adds a smoky, subtle heat that brings out the best in each ingredient. This harmony of flavors creates an experience that’s both refreshing and gently spicy, perfect for savoring the last warmth of summer in September.
Equipment
- 1 Chef knife
- 1 Paring Knife
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 Immersion blender
- 1 Glass jar pint size
- 1 Colander
- 1 Mixing bowl small
Ingredients
Harissa Vinaigrette
- 1 tbsp Shallots rough chopped
- 1 tsp Garlic rough chopped
- 1 ½ tsp Honey raw, wild and local
- 1 tbsp Citrus Champagne Vinegar
- 2 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil cold pressed, organic and local
- ⅛ tsp Salt kosher
- ½ tsp Harissa spice powder
Tomato Watermelon Salad
- 8 oz. Watermelon evenly cubed or sliced
- 8 oz. Tomatoes Heirloom, evenly wedged or sliced
- ½ each Avocado thinly sliced, or cubed
- 2 tbsp Mint and tarragon gently chiffonade
- 2 tbsp Feta gently crumbled
- ½ cup Wild Purple Arugula
Instructions
- Place garlic, shallots, honey, vinegar, salt, harissa spice in pint jar.
- Measure out Extra Virgin Olive Oil.
- Place tip of immersion blender into the bottom of pint jar and holding in left hand, slowly begin to blend while adding olive oil with your right hand (or vice versa).
- After oil is incorporated, continue to blend for 1 minute, taste and adjust salt if needed.
- Using your colander, rinse produce in the sink, under cold running water.
- Cut watermelon down into quarters and then begin slicing or cubing for your salad. Larger, but bite size pieces are best.
- Cut tomatoes into even wedges or slices, a similar size as your watermelon.
- Cut avocado in half, slice it very thinly (inside skin), then scoop all out with a largish spoon. Gently divide in half, fan and place half on each of the plates.
- Gently toss watermelon and tomatoes with ½ the Harissa Vinaigrette, then place half on each plate, next to the avocado.
- Top each plate with arugula, crumbled feta cheese and fresh herbs chiffonade (or rough chopped is ok too), drizzle each plate with additional dressing and serve.
When you eat well, you live well—and food should make you feel truly alive!
Becoming attuned to your body and noticing how it feels after your meal helps you become aware of what foods may or may not be the best idea for you to eat.
No one knows your body as well as you do, so instead of following prescriptive diets, listen to your inner cues. This mindful approach helps us eat in a way that supports our overall well-being.
Let’s make cooking at home a joyful, soul-nourishing experience that enriches your life in every way!
