Watermelon Salad with Basil Ginger Dressing

This watermelon salad with basil ginger dressing is packed with the perfect warm weather flavors: Sweet watermelon drizzled with delicious olive oil, garnished with toasted almonds, mint, sliced red onion, and a sweet basil and ginger dressing. This will be a BBQ hit all summer long.

Ingredients:

For Salad:

• 1 medium watermelon, cubed
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• Pinch fine sea salt
• 1/3 cup slivered almonds, toasted
• 1/3 cup feta cheese (omit for dairy-free)
• 1/4 small red onion, finely sliced
• 1–2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped or chiffonade
• 4 strips of cooked bacon, chopped (optional)

For Dressing:

• 1/4 cup fresh basil, not packed
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
• 1/2 teaspoon grated ginger

How to make it:

1. In a bowl place cubed watermelon. Drizzle olive oil and sea salt over watermelon.
2. In a small skillet over medium-low heat, toast almonds until golden, but not burned. Let cool.
3. If adding, cook bacon using your desired method (our favorite method is baking it). Let cool.
4. Assemble the salad by adding your sliced onion, optional bacon, feta, almonds, and mint leaves.
5. In a blender, blend dressing ingredients until smooth and drizzle over salad, tasting to ensure you have the amount you desire. If your blender is too large, blend using an immersion blender in a cup.
6. Serve immediately, or refrigerate if serving later. Best served within a few hours.