Fresh Watermelon and Basil Salad

KyNola · July 12, 2011, 09:26:58 PM

Twice in the last 2 days while watching the Food Network I saw 2 different recipes for a Cold Watermelon salad. I looked at them both and took what I thought would be the best of both recipes. Made this tonight and Jan and I both found it to be a great flavor combination and incredibly refreshing after 2 days with a heat index of +115.

So here we go. Take a very sweet watermelon. I prefer the seedless sugar babies, the ones about the size of a volleyball. Slice it away from the rind and cut into bite size chunks. Next, take fresh basil leaves and slice it into ribbons or chop it. Take the watermelon chunks and place in individual serving bowls and sprinkle the basil over the top of the watermelon. Now, take sea salt and sprinkle it over the watermelon/basil combination. I used sea salt for 2 reasons. 1. Sea salt does not have the "bite" of table salt and 2. you want the "crunch" of the sea salt. If you don't have sea salt, substitute Kosher salt.

That's it folks. 3 ingredients. The recipes called for vodka to be added and I tried it the first time. The vodka added nothing in flavor in my opinion.

Gizmo · July 12, 2011, 10:44:01 PM

I have to admit that I love watermelon with sea salt and eat it that way almost exclusively but haven't tried basil. Have some in the garden just waiting for something for it to sit on and guess what was already on the shopping list for tomorrow ;D.

Hmmm, I wonder if Tequila would work over the Vodka? I have have done Rum with watermelon before. ::)

La Quinta · July 13, 2011, 01:36:43 AM

Ky...I think we watch the same shows!!! :D

KyNola · July 13, 2011, 06:41:30 AM

Quote from: Gizmo on July 12, 2011, 10:44:01 PM
Hmmm, I wonder if Tequila would work over the Vodka? I have have done Rum with watermelon before. ::)

Giz, believe it or not the other recipe called for Tequila rather than Vodka! :)

SnellySmokesEm · July 13, 2011, 07:21:22 AM

No Pics - Never Happened... ;)

ghost9mm · July 13, 2011, 09:12:42 AM

Larry did ya try a little of the blue mountain on the watermelon...nah...that don't even sound good...lol... :D

Tenpoint5 · July 13, 2011, 02:21:42 PM

Sea Salt and a light dusting of Chili Powder. Has been my go to for some time.

Gizmo · July 13, 2011, 10:18:06 PM

Quote from: KyNola on July 13, 2011, 06:41:30 AM
Quote from: Gizmo on July 12, 2011, 10:44:01 PM
Hmmm, I wonder if Tequila would work over the Vodka? I have have done Rum with watermelon before. ::)
Giz, believe it or not the other recipe called for Tequila rather than Vodka! :)

I can believe it.
First off, the watermelon was not cold and I prefer it to be real cold.
The fresh basil was interesting but can't say I would use it again. The dipping sauce I had was very good and will use as a watermelon marinade in the future. :o

Here is a picture and it did happen. 8)

KyNola · July 14, 2011, 07:00:42 AM

Quote from: Gizmo on July 13, 2011, 10:18:06 PM
Quote from: KyNola on July 13, 2011, 06:41:30 AM
Quote from: Gizmo on July 12, 2011, 10:44:01 PM
The fresh basil was interesting but can't say I would use it again.

Sorry you didn't care for the basil Giz. Perhaps mint would be better? That was in the other recipe along with the tequila.

hal4uk · July 15, 2011, 08:16:39 PM

Quote from: KyNola on July 14, 2011, 07:00:42 AM
Quote from: Gizmo on July 13, 2011, 10:18:06 PM
Quote from: KyNola on July 13, 2011, 06:41:30 AM
Quote from: Gizmo on July 12, 2011, 10:44:01 PM
The fresh basil was interesting but can't say I would use it again.
Sorry you didn't care for the basil Giz. Perhaps mint would be better? That was in the other recipe along with the tequila.

I'm thinkin' the basil would work for me!
I'd eat basil on ICE CREAM!