If you’re craving something cool, colorful, and full of fresh flavor, this Peach Watermelon Salad is your new go-to recipe. Sweet peaches and juicy watermelon pair beautifully with a zesty citrus dressing, fragrant herbs, and a hint of creaminess from optional cheese. It’s a hydrating fruit salad that’s light, versatile, and perfect for summer gatherings, BBQs, and picnics.
This salad isn’t just delicious — it’s incredibly good for you. Watermelon is 92% water and rich in vitamins A and C, making it one of the best fruits for hydration. According to the CDC, watermelon is also a heart-healthy snack thanks to its low sodium and calorie content.
Peaches add natural sweetness and vibrant color. When shopping for peaches, it’s important to select ones that are firm yet fragrant. The USDA seasonal produce guide provides helpful tips on how to tell if a peach is ripe and ready to slice into this salad.
Aside from its refreshing taste, this salad offers excellent nutritional value. Watermelon is rich in antioxidants and low in calories. According to the CDC’s fruit guide, it’s a great option for hydration and heart health. Meanwhile, peaches bring fiber, vitamin C, and natural sweetness. Learn how to choose the ripest fruit from the USDA’s peach selection guide.
Love the peach flavor combo? Try it frozen with this Copycat Chick-fil-A Peach Milkshake Recipe for a sweet summer dessert to follow this light salad.
🥗 Why You’ll Love This Peach Watermelon Salad
This is no ordinary fruit salad. It’s a vibrant summer side dish with both sweet and savory notes, customizable with add-ins like feta cheese, herbs, or greens.
Here’s why it stands out:
- ✅ Low-calorie and nutrient-rich
- ✅ Hydrating and refreshing
- ✅ Pairs beautifully with grilled proteins
- ✅ Easy to make with minimal ingredients
- ✅ A total crowd-pleaser at summer events
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
The success of a fresh, flavorful peach watermelon salad starts with high-quality, seasonal ingredients. This is a flexible salad that balances sweet and savory, soft and crunchy, juicy and creamy — but it all begins with what you put into the bowl.
Here’s a full breakdown of the essential ingredients (and a few fun add-ons!) to help you create the perfect summer salad.
🍉 Fresh Fruit (The Base)
Watermelon – 3 cups, cubed or balled
- Use seedless watermelon for the best texture and easiest eating
- Make sure it’s fully ripe, chilled, and juicy
- A melon baller creates visual appeal, but cubes are just as effective
Peaches – 2 to 3 medium, sliced
- Choose ripe but firm peaches — not mushy
- Freestone varieties are easiest to work with
- Leave the skin on for added fiber, color, and contrast
Tip: If peaches aren’t in season, nectarines, plums, or even strawberries are great substitutes.
🧀 Optional Creaminess
Feta Cheese – ½ cup, crumbled
- Adds a salty, tangy contrast to sweet fruit
- Choose block feta in brine for the best flavor and texture
- Goat cheese or mozzarella pearls also work well as alternatives
If you’re going dairy-free, skip the cheese and add roasted nuts or avocado for richness.
🌿 Fresh Herbs
Mint or Basil – A handful, chopped
- Mint offers bright, cooling freshness
- Basil gives it a more Mediterranean twist
- Use only fresh herbs — dried won’t provide the same flavor or color
🥒 Optional Add-Ins
These extras can take your fruit and herb salad to the next level:
- Cucumber – Thinly sliced for crunch
- Red Onion – Adds sharpness and contrast (soak in water to reduce bite)
- Arugula or Baby Spinach – Adds greens and bitterness
- Chopped pistachios, almonds, or sunflower seeds – Crunchy texture + healthy fats
- Avocado – Creamy, heart-healthy addition
- Grilled corn – Smoky-sweet upgrade
Want even more flavor complexity? Add a drizzle of balsamic glaze right before serving.
🍋 Dressing (Simple but Flavorful)
Lime Juice – From 1 lime
- Brings acidity and brightness that ties all the elements together
Olive Oil – 1 tablespoon
- Balances acidity and adds a silky mouthfeel
Honey or Maple Syrup – 1 to 2 teaspoons (optional)
- Enhances sweetness naturally
- Great if your peaches or watermelon aren’t fully ripe
Salt & Pepper – To taste
- Don’t skip the salt — it amplifies the fruit’s natural sweetness
✅ Summary Checklist
To make this easy peach watermelon salad, gather:
- ✅ Fresh watermelon
- ✅ Ripe peaches
- ✅ Optional cheese (feta, goat, or mozzarella)
- ✅ Fresh herbs (mint or basil)
- ✅ Simple dressing: lime juice, olive oil, salt, optional honey
- ✅ Optional add-ins for color, crunch, or creaminess
With the right ingredients, this refreshing salad will deliver bold summer flavor in every bite.
Want another savory fruit dish? These Bang Bang Salmon Bites pair wonderfully with this salad on a summer dinner table.
🧑🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
This Peach Watermelon Salad is as easy as it is delicious. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a beautiful, refreshing summer dish ready in minutes. Follow the guide below for best results and perfect flavor balance.
🥄 1. Prep the Fruit
Start with ripe, chilled produce to maximize freshness and juiciness.
- Watermelon: Cut into 1-inch cubes or use a melon baller for a fun, uniform look. Chill in the fridge before assembly if possible.
- Peaches: Slice into thin wedges or bite-sized chunks. Leave the skin on for extra texture and color contrast.
- If you’re using optional fruits like strawberries or plums, wash, hull, and slice them now.
Tip: Keep all fruit cold until just before serving for optimal texture and temperature.
🧂 2. Make the Simple Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together:
- Juice of 1 fresh lime
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1–2 teaspoons honey or maple syrup (optional, for added sweetness)
- A pinch of sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
Taste and adjust — the lime should be bright but not overpowering, and the honey should enhance, not dominate.
🥗 3. Combine the Salad
In a large salad bowl or platter:
- Add cubed watermelon and sliced peaches
- Toss in a handful of chopped fresh mint or basil
- If using, add thin slices of cucumber, red onion, or a handful of arugula
- Drizzle the dressing evenly over the fruit and toss gently to combine
Be gentle! Overmixing can crush the fruit and cause it to release too much juice.
🧀 4. Add Cheese and Final Touches
- Sprinkle crumbled feta, goat cheese, or mozzarella pearls on top
- Optionally, finish with a drizzle of balsamic glaze or sprinkle of toasted nuts/seeds
Serve immediately or chill for up to 30 minutes before serving.
With these quick steps, your peach and watermelon salad will be ready to shine at any summer meal. It’s simple, stunning, and full of fresh, seasonal flavor — just the way a fruit salad should be.
🌿 Flavor Pairings & Serving Suggestions
Peach watermelon salad is a fantastic pairing for light proteins and summery drinks.
Pair it with:
- Grilled chicken or shrimp
- Lemon-garlic tofu
- Sparkling water with citrus
- Rosé wine or sangria
- Iced green tea with mint
Serve it as:
- A BBQ side dish
- A picnic-ready fruit salad
- A light lunch over greens
- A brunch platter centerpiece
Looking for a cozy pairing for cooler nights? Serve this as a bright side to this rich Creamy Garlic Baby Potatoes.
🌀 Creative Variations to Try
One of the best things about Peach Watermelon Salad is how easily it can be customized. Whether you’re catering to dietary needs or just feeling adventurous, here are some creative twists to try:
🍴 Add Grains for Heft
- Quinoa or couscous adds texture and turns this light salad into a complete meal.
- Toss grains in the dressing first to help them absorb the flavor.
🧀 Switch Up the Cheese
- Use goat cheese for a tangy, creamy contrast.
- Try fresh mozzarella pearls for a milder, creamier finish.
- Omit cheese entirely and use avocado or toasted almonds for a dairy-free version.
🍑 Grill the Fruit
- Lightly grill peaches or watermelon for a smoky-sweet flavor.
- Let them cool slightly before adding to the salad to preserve the texture.
🌿 Play with Herbs
- Swap mint for basil, cilantro, or even tarragon depending on your flavor profile.
- Add a pinch of chili flakes for heat if you’re feeling bold.
These simple swaps keep your summer fruit salad interesting all season long.
You can even turn this into a meal-prep bowl with protein — try it alongside Protein Pickle Tuna Salad for a nutrient-rich lunch.
🧊 Storage Tips
This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store it with a few tricks:
- Store undressed salad in an airtight container for up to 2 days
- Keep dressing separate and mix right before serving
- Avoid freezing — the texture of fresh fruit won’t hold up
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these pitfalls to make sure your fruit and herb salad turns out perfect:
- Using overripe peaches or watermelon — They’ll get mushy and waterlogged
- Adding dressing too early — Makes everything soggy
- Skipping salt — A pinch of salt enhances the natural sweetness
- Overmixing — Stir gently to keep fruit intact
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, just prep all components in advance and combine them right before serving.
What’s the best cheese for this salad?
Feta is ideal for its salty contrast, but goat cheese or mozzarella pearls work well too.
Can I grill the peaches?
Absolutely! Grilled peaches add a smoky, caramelized note that elevates the salad.
Is this salad keto or paleo-friendly?
It can be — just skip sweeteners and cheese for a paleo version, and monitor fruit quantities for keto.
Can I substitute other fruits?
Sure! Try nectarines, plums, strawberries, or even mango for a tropical twist.
🍽️ Final Thoughts
This Peach Watermelon Salad is the ultimate summer recipe: vibrant, flavorful, and simple to make. With endless ways to customize it — from adding herbs and nuts to switching up the dressing — it’s a refreshing salad that suits nearly any occasion.
Whether you’re throwing a backyard barbecue, prepping a picnic, or just want something fresh and colorful for lunch, this fruit-forward dish is your ticket to summertime bliss.
Want a protein-packed companion? Try it next to this Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stack for the ultimate summer duo.