This refreshing Asian-inspired watermelon salad combines juicy watermelon, cucumber, fresh herbs, shiso, and a ginger lime dressing. A bright summer salad.
There is nothing you can see that is not a flower; there is nothing you can think that is not the moon.~ Basho
Here’s a refreshing Watermelon Shiso Salad with crunchy cucumbers, shiso leaves, scallions and a simple Asian Dressing. No problem if you can’t find shiso leaves -simply leave them off or sub basil or mint- but I wanted to introduce you to this delightful herb so you can put it on your radar for later down the road. It wasn’t until I went to Japan that I fully appreciated shiso’s lovely flavor.
What is shiso?
Shiso is a Japanese herb and a relative of mint and basil. Typically, heart-shaped with jagged edges, shiso is generally deep red, burgundy or light green. Shiso tastes herbaceous and slightly bitter, often with a hint of mint or lemon, adding a very unique complexity to dishes. Where to find shiso?
Why You'll Love This Watermelon Salad
The ultimate summer salad - Juicy watermelon, crisp cucumber, fresh herbs, and a bright ginger lime dressing make this salad incredibly refreshing.
A little unexpected - Asian-inspired, the shiso adds a unique twist and gives this simple fruit salad a beautiful, restaurant-style feel.
Sweet, savory, and fresh - The balance of juicy fruit, herbs, citrus, sesame, and a hint of spice makes every bite interesting.
Fast and easy - This salad comes together in minutes with no cooking required, making it perfect for hot summer days.
Perfect for gatherings - It's a beautiful side dish for BBQs, picnics, and summer dinners-and naturally vegan with an easy agave swap.
Where to find Shiso? The easiest way to find Shiso is to pick up a potted plant in the herb section of your local plant nursery or farmer’s market. Grow it in a container on the patio along with other herbs (or in the ground), and that way you’ll always have some on hand. Shiso is also available at upscale markets and Asian markets and is sometimes called perilla. It can range in color from green to burgundy to deep purplish black; just look for the jagged edges.
Asian Watermelon Salad Ingredients
- Watermelon - The star of this refreshing summer salad. Juicy, sweet watermelon pairs beautifully with savory, salty, and bright flavors.
- Cucumber - Adds a crisp, cooling texture that makes this salad especially refreshing on warm days.
- Shiso - A beautiful herb with a unique flavor somewhere between mint, basil, and a hint of spice. It adds an unexpected freshness and makes this salad feel extra special. Substitute basil or mint!
- Cilantro, scallions, and jalapeño - Bring brightness, savory depth, and a little heat to balance the sweetness of the fruit.
- Toasted sesame seeds - Add a subtle nuttiness and a little crunch to finish.
- Ginger lime dressing - A simple sweet-savory dressing made with fresh lime, ginger, sesame oil, and soy sauce that ties everything together.
How to make Watermelon Salad
The nice thing about this recipe is that it only takes 15 minutes to prepare.
Chop, stir in dressing ingredeints, and gently mix everything in a large bowl. Add optional jalapeño slices for a little heat.
Storage
The salad is best the day it is made; however, leftovers will keep 2 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator. If making this ahead, add the dressing and fresh herbs right before serving.
Serving Suggestions
With these Asian-inspired flavors, it will pair well with Teriyaki Mushroom Lettuce Wraps or Japanese Farm-Style Teriyaki Chicken. Or try it with our Broiled Miso Salmon or Spicy Miso Portobello Mushroom Burger!
More Fresh Summer Salads!
Watermelon Shiso Salad
- Prep Time: 15
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 5 1x
- Category: bbq side, gluten-free, salad, Side Dish, summer, vegan
- Method: tossed
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This refreshing Asian-inspired watermelon salad combines juicy watermelon, cucumber, fresh herbs, shiso, and a ginger lime dressing. A bright summer salad.
Ingredients
- 4 cups cubed seedless watermelon (cut into 1 inch cubes, or less)
- 1 cup diced cucumber
- 3 scallions, cut thin, at a diagonal
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- salt and pepper to taste
- few slices jalapeño ( optional)
- 2 shiso leaves, stacked, rolled and cut into thin ribbons – Optional-for garnishing
- 1–2 teaspoons toasted sesame seeds for garnishing
Ginger Lime Dressing
- 1/2 teaspoon very finely minced ginger ( or use ginger paste)
- 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 1/2 tablespoons honey or agave
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- 2 teaspoons shoyu, soy sauce or GF liquid amino acids
Instructions
Place watermelon, cucumber, scallions, and cilantro in a medium bowl.
Mix dressing ingredients together in a small bowl then pour over watermelon salad.
Gently toss. Taste for salt, adding a little salt and pepper to taste.
Garnish with jalapeño, shiso ribbons and toasted sesame seeds.
Notes
Serve this on its own as a refreshing side salad, or create a vegan “Poke” Bowl, serving it over rice with avocado, greens and edamame.
If making ahead, add the dressing and herbs right before serving.
Leftovers are best consumed within 2 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 74
- Sugar: 13.4 g
- Sodium: 3.2 mg
- Fat: 1.5 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 0.7 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
This was really flavorful and refreshing. I love the combination of watermelon and shiso. Thank you for the recipe.
I’m so glad you gave this a go Molly! Isn’t shiso delicious!
How long does this salad keep.
hi Ryann, it is best served the day of, but it will keep 1-2 more days. It’s just not as “crisp”.
This is so fresh and lovely!! Easy to make and perfect for a hot summer night. I wanted to use my fresh herbs, so I used fresh chives instead of the scallions and mint in place of the cilantro. Delicious!!!
I just made this very interesting salad and it is so refreshing and surprisingly delicious! I’m so glad I tried it. I do love poke and I agree, this would be a wonderful vegan substitute for it. All of the flavors and ingredients go so well together. I can’t wait to make this again and as you suggest; I’ll create a poke bowl. Your recipes are amazing!! You are amazing!
Thanks Debbie, glad you liked this!
A great way to use my shiso, thanks!
have been wondering how to include shiso in more dishes- we have a bunch growing in our garden. Thanks for a great recipe!
Looks delicious and refreshing. Nothing like watermelon to cool off!My husband loves sesame oil and would probably enjoy this salad
I really love the idea of pairing watermelon with this savory vinaigrette, so unexpected yet I’m sure it comes together beautifully.