Watermelon Mint Salad with Cashew Ricotta

Prep: 15 min4 servingsmedium
Watermelon Mint Salad with Cashew Ricotta

Fresh watermelon cubes tossed with torn mint, lime zest and juice, topped with crumbled cashew ricotta and black sesame seeds. Light, refreshing, and naturally vegan. Serve chilled.

Ingredients

4 servings
  • 5 cup watermelon, cubed, seeds removed
  • 20 leaf mint, torn, some reserved whole
    basil1:1herbaceous

    different aromatic profile

    Full guide →
  • 1 lime, zest
  • 1 lime, juice
  • ¼ cup black sesame seeds
    white sesame seeds1:1nutty flavor

    visual contrast

  • ½ cup cashew ricotta
    almond ricotta1:1dairy-free

    similar texture and mild flavor

Instructions

  1. 1

    Cut watermelon into cubes and remove seeds.

  2. 2

    Tear mint leaves, reserving a few whole leaves for garnish.

  3. 3

    Tear cashew ricotta into pieces and distribute over watermelon.

  4. 4

    Pour lime juice and zest over the fruit and mix lightly.

  5. 5

    Sprinkle black sesame seeds over the salad.

  6. 6

    Serve cold, garnished with reserved mint leaves.

Tips

Tip 1

Use watermelon at peak ripeness for best flavor and juiciness.

Tip 2

Assemble just before serving to prevent the salad from becoming watery.

Good to Know

Storage

Store leftover cashew ricotta covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Watermelon and assembled salad best consumed same day.

Make Ahead

Prepare watermelon cubes and tear mint leaves up to 4 hours ahead. Assemble salad just before serving.

Serve With

Serve chilled. Garnish with reserved mint leaves.

See pairing guide →

Common Mistakes

Watch

Do not assemble more than 30 minutes before serving to avoid excess liquid from watermelon.

Watch

Do not over-mix to avoid breaking down the watermelon into mush.

Substitutions

Dairy-Free Swaps

cashew ricotta
almond ricotta1:1dairy-free

similar texture and mild flavor

General Alternatives

black sesame seeds
white sesame seeds1:1nutty flavor

visual contrast

mint
basil1:1herbaceous

different aromatic profile

Full guide →
Find more substitutions →