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Fresh Japanese Watermelon Cucumber Salad with Miso Vinaigrette

japanese watermelon cucumber salad - featured image
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A refreshing summer salad combining crisp watermelon and cucumber with a tangy, umami-rich miso vinaigrette. Perfect as a light side dish for warm days.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 small seedless watermelon, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 2 medium English cucumbers, sliced into thin rounds or half-moons
  • 2 tablespoons fresh mint leaves, roughly chopped
  • 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons white miso paste
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon soy sauce or tamari
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the fruit and vegetables: Peel the watermelon and cut into 1-inch cubes. Slice the English cucumbers into thin rounds or half-moons. If excess moisture is present, lightly salt cucumber slices and let sit in a colander for 5 minutes, then pat dry.
  2. Make the miso vinaigrette: In a small bowl or jar, combine white miso paste, rice vinegar, honey, toasted sesame oil, soy sauce, lime juice, and grated ginger. Whisk or shake vigorously until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
  3. Toss the salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine watermelon cubes, cucumber slices, and chopped mint leaves. Pour over the miso vinaigrette and gently toss until evenly coated, being careful not to break the watermelon cubes.
  4. Finish and serve: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top. Serve immediately or chill for 10-15 minutes to let flavors meld and salad cool.

Notes

For best texture, keep the miso vinaigrette separate until just before serving if making ahead. Use ripe but firm watermelon to avoid mushy cubes. Thinly slice cucumbers to blend well with watermelon. White miso paste is preferred for its mild, sweet flavor. Gently toss salad to keep watermelon intact. Variations include adding nuts for crunch, a spicy kick with red pepper flakes, or swapping watermelon for pears or apples in cooler months.

Nutrition

Keywords: watermelon salad, cucumber salad, miso vinaigrette, summer salad, Japanese salad, refreshing side, vegan salad, gluten-free salad

Find it online: https://islatable.com/fresh-japanese-watermelon-cucumber-salad-with-miso-vinaigrette-recipe-easy-perfect-summer-side/