This recipe is perfect if you just need to add a burst of color and flavor to your Meatless Monday menu! This beautiful dish features juicy watermelon, heirloom tomatoes, creamy fresh mozzarella, olives, and zesty homemade herbs olive oil infused with ghost and Thai pepper. This dish is definitely on the spicy side! the heat from the ghost peppers mixed with the freshness of watermelon is definitely an elite combo!
Why you will want to try this Watermelon Rainbow Salad Recipe:
Beginner Friendly:This salad might have a fancy appearance, but it is actually very simple to make and requires minimal to no cooking skills. If cooking isn't your area of expertise, then this recipe is a perfect match.
Antioxidant-Rich: The assortment of herbs used in the recipe, including lemon basil, sweet basil, oregano, and rosemary, isn't just bursting with flavor but is also packed with antioxidants. Heirloom tomatoes and watermelon are rich in vitamins and antioxidants as well. Tomatoes are renowned for their high vitamin C content, which supports the immune system, and lycopene, a potent antioxidant associated with heart health. Watermelon provides a generous amount of vitamins A and C, both of which contribute to skin health and immune function.
Hydrating: Perfect for a hot summer day, this recipe is hydrating. Watermelon, the star ingredient of this salad, consists of over 90% water, making it an excellent source of hydration. Staying well-hydrated is crucial for various bodily functions, including temperature regulation, digestion, and circulation.
Ingredients & Substitutions:
Fresh watermelon, Sliced
Assorted heirloom tomatoes, sliced
Fresh mozzarella, torn into bite-sized pieces
Olives (your preferred variety), pitted and halved
Homemade Herbs Olive Oil (infused with ghost and Thai pepper)
Fresh herbs: lemon basil, sweet basil, oregano, rosemary
I grew these in my kitchen using a starter growing Kit. In my opinion, worth the investment!
Extra virgin olive oil
Substitutions:
Watermelon: If watermelon isn't available or you're looking to switch things up, you can substitute it with other hydrating fruits like cantaloupe, honeydew melon, or even cucumber for a refreshing crunch.
Assorted Heirloom Tomatoes: While heirloom tomatoes offer a unique flavor, any variety of fresh tomatoes will work. Roma tomatoes are a good alternative due to their firm texture and slightly tangy taste.
Fresh Mozzarella: For a dairy-free option, you can use vegan mozzarella or a firm tofu that's been marinated in your choice of herbs and olive oil.
Olives: If olives aren't your preference, consider substituting them with capers for a tangy bite or roasted red bell peppers for a hint of sweetness.
Homemade Herbs Olive Oil: If you're not a fan of spiciness, you can skip the ghost and Thai pepper infusion and opt for a milder herb-infused olive oil. Feel free to experiment with different herb combinations to suit your taste.
Fresh Herbs: If you can't find the specified herbs, don't hesitate to use what's available. Other fresh herbs like thyme, chives, or parsley can also bring delightful flavors to the salad.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: While extra virgin olive oil is recommended for its rich flavor and health benefits, you can substitute it with other high-quality oils like avocado oil or walnut oil.
Remember, cooking is all about creativity, and these substitutions can help you tailor the recipe to your preferences and ingredient availability. Feel free to mix and match to create a salad that's uniquely yours!
Directions:
Step 1: Prepare the Homemade Herbs Olive Oil with a Ghostly Kick
Combine a handful of lemon basil, sweet basil, oregano, and rosemary in a mortar and pestle.
Gently crush the herbs to release their aromatic oils.
Add olive oil to the crushed herbs and some slices of ghost pepper and Thai pepper (for those brave souls who love a spicy kick).
Allow the oil to infuse for about 15-20 minutes.
Step 2: Assemble the Salad
In a large salad plate, Place the watermelon, and sliced heirloom tomatoes.
This is your chance to get creative and match different colors and shapes!
Finish it off with torn fresh mozzarella, and halved olives.
Drizzle the hauntingly flavorful homemade herbs olive oil over the salad. Start with a little and adjust according to your taste preferences.
Step 3: Serve and Savor the Supernatural Flavors
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