Spanish | Tomato and Watermelon Salad

Updated on August 11, 2018

A juicy and refreshing salad. We love it! It doesn't keep well, so add the dressing and toss right when you are going to serve. I am not 100% sure that this salad is Spanish, but since I got it in a Spanish cookbook, I called it Spanish. As an inspiration, I included a photo by Maren Caruso in which the salad was made into a mosaic, good luck!

Updated 8/14/16 - Leave out avocado and coriander seeds. Avocado tends to brown quickly. Coriander seeds have a bit of a strong taste. I made the salad a few hours ahead and dressed right before serving and it worked out perfectly.

Updated 8/11/18 - I first made this recipe in 2011. This year we changed out the dressing to be a champagne vinaigrette. Another thing we sometimes do is add small fresh mozzarella balls.

Yield: 4 to 6 servings

Ingredients

3 or 4 small-medium heirloom tomatoes, cored and cut into 3/4-inch chunks

1 small cucumber, peeled, seeded, and cut into 3/4-inch cubes

1 cup 3/4-inch cubed yellow or red seedless watermelon flesh

1 Haas avocado, halved, pitted, peeled, and cut into 3/4-inch cubes (optional)

several small fresh mozzarella balls (optional)

1 tablespoon chopped mixed fresh herbs, in any combination; basil, tarragon, chives, and cilantro

1/4 teaspoon coriander seed (optional)

 

~ original dressing ~

3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

kosher sea salt, to taste

freshly ground pepper, to taste

 

~ alternate dressing ~

1 tablespoon champagne vinegar

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

Maldon salt, to taste

freshly ground pepper, to taste

Method

Combine the tomatoes, cucumber, watermelon, avocado, and herbs in a bowl. Grind the coriander seeds to a fine powder, add to the tomato mixture and toss gently.

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and salt and pepper to taste. Pour over the tomato mixture and toss. Tasted and adjust the seasoning before serving.

 

(Photo by: Maren Caruso, found on www.epicurious.com)

 

(Ref. "Tomato and Watermelon Salad" recipe, Pintxos.)