🍓🍉 Watermelon Strawberry Basil Salad

Sweet, fresh, and juicy—summer in every bite.

This salad is super simple but tastes like something you’d get at a fancy brunch spot.

You get the sweetness from the strawberries and watermelon, the brightness from the lemon, a little extra flavor from the honey, and that pop of fresh basil that takes it to the next level.

It’s one of those dishes that feels light, happy, and super refreshing.

You can throw it together in under 15 minutes, and it goes with everything.

⏱ Servings + Time

• Serves: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 10 minutes

this recipe!

💛 Why I Love This Recipe

This is one of those go-to salads I make anytime it’s too hot to cook. I started making it one summer when I had extra berries and a big slice of watermelon in the fridge. I tossed in some basil from the garden and added a quick lemon-honey drizzle—boom! A simple salad that totally stole the show.

Here’s why I keep coming back to it:

• Bright, sweet, and super fresh
• Perfect for hot days or last-minute gatherings
• Easy to make with just a few ingredients
• No fancy tools or cooking needed
• That lemon-honey dressing ties it all together

🍓 Macros (Per Serving – Approximate)

• Calories: 120
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 1g
• Carbs: 30g
• Sugar: 25g
• Fiber: 2g

🧠 Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)

• Sweet + tart = balance – Strawberries and watermelon are sweet, but the lemon juice adds acidity to balance it out.
• Honey rounds things out – It softens the tang from the lemon and enhances the fruit’s natural sweetness.
• Basil adds dimension – The herbal, peppery flavor from basil brings depth and freshness to each bite.

🛒 What You’ll Need

• 3 cups seedless watermelon, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp honey
• Pinch of sea salt
• 2 tbsp fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced (chiffonade)

🔪 Tools You’ll Need

• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Citrus juicer (optional)
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring spoons
• Small spoon or whisk

💡 Pro Tips

1. Use cold fruit – It makes the salad extra refreshing.
2. Slice the basil last – It browns quickly if it sits out.
3. Drizzle dressing right before serving – Keeps the fruit from getting mushy.
4. Use ripe, sweet strawberries – They’ll hold their shape and taste better.
5. Adjust sweetness – Add a little extra honey if your fruit isn’t super sweet.

🔁 Substitutions & Variations

• Try mint instead of basil for a cooler vibe.
• Add blueberries or raspberries for more berry flavor.
• Toss in feta or goat cheese for a salty kick.
• Add arugula or baby spinach to turn it into a leafy salad.

⏳ Make-Ahead Tips

• You can cube the watermelon and prep the strawberries a few hours in advance.
• Store in the fridge, then toss with lemon, honey, and basil just before serving.

⚠️ Common Mistakes

• Cutting fruit too small – Bigger pieces hold up better.
• Over-mixing – Stir gently to keep fruit from breaking.
• Adding dressing too early – It’ll make the fruit soggy.

🍽 What to Serve With

• Grilled chicken or fish
• Quiche or egg dishes for brunch
• Pasta salads or couscous
• Toasted bread or pita
• Sparkling lemonade or iced tea

🥗 How to Make Watermelon Strawberry Basil Salad

Step 1: Cube the Watermelon

Cut 3 cups of seedless watermelon into 1-inch chunks.

Step 2: Prep the Strawberries

Hull and halve 2 cups of fresh strawberries.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1 tsp honey, and a pinch of sea salt.

Step 4: Toss the Fruit

Add the cubed watermelon and halved strawberries into a large mixing bowl.

Step 5: Add Basil + Dressing

Drizzle the lemon-honey dressing over the fruit and sprinkle on 2 tbsp thinly sliced basil. Toss gently to combine.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer to a serving bowl or platter and enjoy immediately!

🧊 Leftovers & Storage

• Best eaten fresh.
• If needed, store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 1 day.
• Basil may wilt a bit, but it still tastes great.

❓ FAQ

Can I use frozen strawberries?
Not ideal—they’ll get mushy. Stick to fresh.

Can I use lime instead of lemon?
Yes! Lime works just as well and gives it a tropical twist.

Can I make this ahead?
You can prep the fruit, but don’t add basil or dressing until serving time.

What’s the best type of basil?
Sweet basil works best, but Thai basil adds a fun twist too.

🥄 That’s a Wrap

If you’re looking for a salad that’s juicy, fresh, and just a little fancy—this is the one. It’s quick to make, easy to love, and perfect for summer. Give it a try and let me know how it turns out in the comments. Got questions or your own twist? I’d love to hear about it! 🍉🍓🌿