Balsamic Watermelon Cucumber Salad
User Reviews
5
Balsamic Watermelon Cucumber Salad
Description
Balsamic Watermelon Cucumber Salad features seeded watermelon cubes paired with peeled, cubed cucumber, a handful of arugula, crumbled goat cheese, and candied or regular nuts. The balsamic glaze is prepared by boiling balsamic vinegar and sugar until reduced to a syrupy consistency, enhancing the salad with a thick, sweet-tart dressing.
The glaze preparation involves careful simmering until about 80% reduced, with sugar adjusted midway to balance acidity to taste. When combined, the salad offers contrast between crisp, juicy watermelon and cucumber and creamy goat cheese, accented by the balsamic reduction's sweetness and acidity. The nuts contribute texture and a nutty note.
This salad is best served fresh but extra balsamic glaze can keep refrigerated for weeks to use on other dishes such as chicken or salmon.
Ingredients
Balsamic Glaze
- 500 milliliters balsamic vinegar
- 1 cup granulated sugar divided
Salad
- 3 cups watermelon seeded and cubed (I recommend seedless, firm watermelon)
- 1 cucumber peeled and cubed, or English cucumber; large
- 1 cup arugula 1 heaping handful
- ⅓ cup goat cheese crumbled or as desired
- ⅓ cup nuts store-bought or homemade, candied
Instructions
- To a high-sided medium/large kettle (use one bigger than you think you need), add the vinegar, 1/2 cup sugar, and heat over medium to medium-high until mixture boils and can sustain a fast rolling boil.
- Boil for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until reduced by about 80% and has thickened and is syrupy; stir intermittently and keep an eye on it so it doesn't bubble over.
- When the sauce looks like it's about halfway done, taste the sauce, and if it's too vinegary and bitter for you, add part of or all of the remaining sugar. I personally use almost 1 cup. Sauce will thicken up more as it cools.
- To a medium bowl, add all the remaining ingredients, stir to combine, and drizzle as much of the balsamic reduction as desired.
- Salad is best consumed fresh, although extra glaze will keep for many weeks airtight in the fridge.
Notes
- You can substitute store-bought balsamic glaze if preferred.
- Extra balsamic reduction keeps well refrigerated for weeks in a sealed container and is useful for other dishes.
- Nutrition counts consider full glaze amount, while only a small portion is used on the salad.
- Using seedless, firm watermelon ensures easier preparation and better texture.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 2Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 893 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1salad | |
| Calories | 893kcal | 45% |
| Carbohydrates | 171g | 57% |
| Protein | 12g | 24% |
| Fat | 16g | 25% |
| Saturated Fat | 6g | 30% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.3g | 2% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Cholesterol | 17mg | 6% |
| Sodium | 289mg | 12% |
| Potassium | 788mg | 17% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 160g | 320% |
| Vitamin A | 2033IU | 41% |
| Vitamin C | 25mg | 28% |
| Calcium | 186mg | 19% |
| Iron | 4mg | 22% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
You'll Also Love
