Watermelon Radish and Melon Salad

I’m so excited to share this vibrant Watermelon Radish and Melon Salad! It’s not only a feast for the eyes but also packed with nutrients, making it a perfect, refreshing addition to your summer meals. You'll definitely want to add this healthy summer salad into your rotation along with my Spinach Salad with Peaches and Gorgonzola, Heirloom Tomato Basil and Seed Salad and Sprouted Lentil Salad.

Watermelon Radish and Melon Salad Flavor Profile

This healthy salad is bursting with flavor and texture from both savory and fruity ingredients.

You can probably see how Watermelon radishes get their name. Their unique gorgeous hot pink center is similar in color to watermelon. You'd never know how beautiful they are inside until you actually cut them open. They're a bit larger than regular red radishes, and have a delicious slightly peppery flavor. I go crazy when I find them at the farmers market (you can also find them in Asian markets, and if your lucky your local grocery store).

I use a combination of mixed greens, salty feta, crushed walnuts and mint for the savory component. Perfectly ripe cantaloupe (you can use any orange variety) and sweet blackberries not only add unbelievable color, but intense fruity flavor. When tossed together with some mint and my delicious Wildflower Lemon Honey Dressing, well...chef's kiss!!

Prepping the Radishes and Fruit

It's important to slice the radishes as thinly as possible. You can use a mandolin slicer to do this. By slicing them thin, you get the perfect texture and slight crunch that goes perfectly with the melon and blackberries.

I recommend using a melon scooper to scoop the melon into both smaller and larger balls (this adds both visual and textural appeal). Once the radishes are sliced, and melon scooped, you can start layering the ingredients.

How To Add More Protein

This salad provides about 5 gms of protein per serving. If you want to make it more of a complete meal, here are some suggestions:

Plant-Based Protein Additions

• Marinated Tofu (grilled, air-fried or baked) ½ cup = 10 gms protein
• Edamame Beans- ½ cup= 8 gms protein
• Cooked Lentils- ½ cup= 12 gms protein
• Chickpeas-½ cup = 20 gms additional protein)
• Marinated tempeh- (air-fried, baked or pan sautéd) ½ cup = 15 gms protein

Meat Protein Additions

• Marinated shrimp or chicken (grilled, air-fried or baked) 3 oz = 26 gms protein
• Marinated steak (grilled) 3 oz = 21 gms protein

Nutrition Overview

Watermelon radishes are considered a cruciferous vegetable. They contain compounds unique to this category which help fight against certain types of cancers, help reduce inflammation in the body and promote heart health.

Watermelon radishes contain about 60 mg of calcium (per radish). Calcium is an essential mineral often overlooked, and is so important bone health, especially for women as they age.

Walnuts and olive oil in the dressing contain unsaturated fats (healthy fats), and when consumed within the context of a healthy diet, can help reduce risk of cardiovascular disease.

This healthy salad is low in calories but contains a good amount of fiber which can aid in weight loss.

It's high in vitamin c, antioxidants and phytochemicals that help supports immune function.