Name: Watermelon Shiso Salad Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 4 cups seedless watermelon, cubed; 6–8 fresh shiso leaves, thinly sliced; ½ small cucumber, thinly sliced; 2 teaspoons rice vinegar; 1 teaspoon sesame oil; ½ teaspoon honey or agave syrup; Pinch of salt; Toasted sesame seeds; Crumbled feta cheese

Description

A refreshing and vibrant Watermelon Shiso Salad that combines juicy watermelon cubes with crisp cucumber and fragrant shiso leaves. Tossed in a light dressing of rice vinegar, sesame oil, and a touch of honey, this salad is perfect for hot summer days. Garnished optionally with toasted sesame seeds or crumbled feta, it offers a delightful balance of sweet, tangy, and herbal flavors with an Asian-inspired twist.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad Ingredients

4 cups seedless watermelon, cubed
6–8 fresh shiso leaves, thinly sliced
½ small cucumber, thinly sliced

Dressing

2 teaspoons rice vinegar
1 teaspoon sesame oil
½ teaspoon honey or agave syrup
Pinch of salt

Optional Garnishes

Toasted sesame seeds
Crumbled feta cheese

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Instructions

Prepare the Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed watermelon, thinly sliced cucumber, and shredded shiso leaves. This creates the fresh base of your salad with crisp textures and aromatic flavor.
Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey (or agave syrup), and a pinch of salt until well blended. This light, tangy dressing enhances the natural sweetness of the watermelon and complements the herbaceous notes of the shiso.
Toss the Salad: Pour the dressing over the watermelon mixture and toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly without bruising the delicate watermelon cubes or shiso leaves.
Chill Before Serving: Place the salad in the refrigerator and chill for 10–15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and to serve the salad cold, which enhances its refreshing qualities.
Garnish and Serve: Just before serving, sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds or crumbled feta cheese if desired, adding a nutty crunch or a creamy contrast to the salad’s flavors and textures.

Notes

Shiso leaves offer a unique, refreshing, minty-basil flavor—ideal for summer salads.
If fresh shiso is unavailable, substitute with fresh mint or basil to achieve a similar herbal note.
For a vegan option, omit feta cheese garnish or replace it with toasted nuts or seeds.
Adjust the honey or agave syrup amount based on desired sweetness.