Fresh Watermelon Salad Recipe: Jamie Oliver’s Summer Magic

Jamie Oliver’s watermelon salad ignites summer’s culinary passion with its bold flavor profile.

Mediterranean-inspired ingredients waltz across your plate in a delightful dance of freshness.

Crisp cucumber and succulent watermelon create a textural masterpiece that sings of sunshine.

Creamy feta cheese sprinkled throughout adds a tangy sophistication to the fruity base.

Sharp red onion slices inject a subtle kick that awakens every taste bud.

Fragrant herbs and zesty citrus notes weave through the dish, transforming simple ingredients into a gourmet sensation.

Grab a fork and let this sensational salad transport you to a blissful summer paradise.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Calories: 70 kcal

Servings: 5

Watermelon Salad Ingredients in Jamie Oliver’s Recipe

• Cilantro: Select bright green leaves with no wilting, packed with zesty citrus undertones that elevate salad freshness.
• Red Onion: Choose firm, glossy onions with deep purple skin for maximum crisp texture and sharp flavor punch.

• Watermelon: Pick deep red, heavy melons with symmetrical shape indicating peak ripeness and juicy sweetness.
• Cucumber: Look for firm, dark green cucumbers without soft spots, ensuring crunchy texture and clean flavor.

• Feta Cheese: Select white, crumbly cheese with subtle saltiness, preferably made from sheep's or goat's milk for authentic Mediterranean taste.
• Lime: Seek bright green, heavy limes with smooth skin indicating maximum juice content and vibrant citrus notes.
• Sea Salt: Choose flaky, mineral-rich salt crystals that provide delicate seasoning and enhance overall salad complexity.
• Black Pepper: Opt for whole peppercorns to grind fresh, releasing intense aromatic warmth and robust flavor profile.

Tools for Preparing Jamie Oliver Watermelon Salad

• Cutting board: Sturdy surface for slicing ingredients safely and cleanly.
• Sharp knife: Essential for precise cutting of onions, watermelon, cucumber, and cilantro.
• Small bowl: Perfect for marinating onions in lime juice.
• Large mixing bowl: Spacious container for combining salad ingredients and tossing.
• Colander or strainer: Helpful for draining marinated onions efficiently.
• Measuring spoons: For adding precise amounts of salt and pepper.
• Serving platter or salad bowl: Ideal for presenting the final watermelon salad.

Jamie Oliver’s Method for Watermelon Salad

• Pickle Onions

Thinly slice red onions and submerge them in zesty lime juice. Let the onions marinate and soften, allowing the citrus to transform their sharp bite into a tangy, mellow flavor.

• Craft Salad Base

Grab a spacious mixing bowl and tumble in juicy watermelon cubes, crisp cucumber slices, crumbly feta cheese, and vibrant cilantro leaves. Dust with a whisper of freshly ground black pepper to awaken the ingredients’ natural flavors.

• Marry Flavors

Drain the lime-kissed onions and gently cascade them into the salad. Softly fold the ingredients together, ensuring the marinated onions dance evenly throughout the mix, creating a symphony of tastes and textures.

• Finish With Flair

Just before presenting, shower the salad with delicate sea salt flakes. Give a light toss to distribute the seasoning, letting each ingredient shine. Serve immediately to capture the salad’s peak freshness and vibrant character.

Flavor Variations for Jamie Oliver Watermelon Salad

• Boost Onion Flavor: Slice red onions paper-thin for maximum lime juice absorption and a more delicate texture in the salad.
• Customize Cheese Options: Swap feta with goat cheese or ricotta for a different creamy element that complements the watermelon's sweetness.
• Make Ahead Strategy: Prepare the marinated onions and chopped ingredients separately, then combine just before serving to maintain the salad's crisp texture and prevent sogginess.
• Elevate Herb Variations: Experiment with mint or basil instead of cilantro to create unique flavor profiles that highlight the watermelon's refreshing qualities.

Serving Jamie Oliver Watermelon Salad Cool

• Enhance Salad Presentation: Serve the watermelon salad in a clear glass bowl to showcase the vibrant colors of watermelon, cucumber, and feta, making it visually appealing for summer gatherings.
• Pair with Protein Power: Complement the salad with grilled chicken, shrimp, or fish to transform it into a complete and satisfying meal that balances the sweet and tangy flavors.
• Chilled Refreshment Boost: Refrigerate the salad for 30 minutes before serving to intensify the lime-marinated onion flavor and create an extra-cool, refreshing summer dish perfect for hot days.
• Garnish with Flair: Sprinkle additional fresh cilantro leaves or add a light drizzle of olive oil just before serving to elevate the salad's presentation and provide an extra layer of aromatic complexity.

Storing Jamie Oliver Watermelon Salad Properly

• Preserve Fresh Flavors: Store this watermelon salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for maximum taste retention. Best consumed within 24 hours to maintain crisp textures and vibrant ingredients.
• Quick Prep Tip: Keep marinated onions and salad components separate until just before serving to prevent soggy textures and preserve the salad's delightful crunch.
• Smart Ingredient Management: Feta cheese and cucumber release moisture quickly, so drain excess liquid and pat ingredients dry before mixing to prevent watery consistency.
• Advance Meal Planning: Chop watermelon, cucumber, and onions ahead of time, storing them separately in sealed containers. Combine ingredients right before serving to ensure peak freshness and optimal flavor profile.

Vibrant Jamie Oliver Watermelon Salad Recipe

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4.5 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Jamie Oliver’s watermelon salad brings Mediterranean freshness to summer tables with crisp ingredients. Cool cucumber, mint, and salty feta create a perfect balance that will delight you at first bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 15 cups watermelon (cubed)
• 3 cups cucumber, English (cubed)
• 1 cup red onion (sliced lengthwise)
• 1 (8 oz / 226 g) package feta cheese (crumbled)
• ½ cup cilantro (fresh, chopped)
• 3 tbsps lime juice
• Sea salt (to taste)
• Cracked black pepper (to taste)

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Instructions

1. Pickle Preparation: Thinly slice red onions and place in a small bowl, dousing with lime juice to initiate a quick marinating process that softens their intense flavor.
2. Salad Assembly: In a large mixing bowl, combine cubed watermelon, cucumber chunks, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped cilantro leaves, gently mixing to preserve the delicate texture of the watermelon.
3. Seasoning Technique: Sprinkle freshly ground black pepper across the salad, then drain the previously marinated onions and carefully fold them into the watermelon mixture, ensuring even distribution.
4. Final Touch: Just before serving, enhance the salad with a light dusting of flaky sea salt to amplify the vibrant flavors and introduce a subtle crunch, creating a refreshing summer dish that promises a burst of cool, tangy satisfaction.

Notes

• Quick Pickle Magic: Marinating onions in lime juice softens their sharp bite and infuses a tangy brightness into the entire salad.
• Texture Preservation: Fold ingredients gently to maintain watermelon’s delicate structure and prevent mushy consistency.
• Strategic Seasoning: Add flaky sea salt just before serving to maximize flavor intensity and create delightful crunchy salt crystals.
• Temperature Timing: Serve immediately after preparation to enjoy the salad’s crisp, fresh summer essence and vibrant ingredient interactions.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 70
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 4 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 9 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg