Heirloom Tomato and Watermelon Bliss Salad
This vibrant Heirloom Tomato and Watermelon Bliss Salad showcases the incredible flavors of summer. Inspired by Chef Gerald Hirigoyen's mastery of fresh ingredients, this salad combines juicy heirloom tomatoes in a rainbow of colors with sweet watermelon and creamy avocado. Cucumber adds a refreshing crunch, while fresh herbs contribute aromatic brightness. Drizzled with a simple dressing of aged balsamic vinegar and extra virgin olive oil, this dish celebrates the beauty of seasonal produce, making it a perfect centerpiece for warm-weather gatherings or a light, healthy meal any day of the week.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Heirloom tomatoes
3-4 (cored and cut into 1 inch chunks)
Cucumber
1 small (peeled, seeded, and cut into 1 inch cubes)
Watermelon
1 cup (seedless flesh (red or yellow), cut into 1 inch cubes)
Hass avocado
1 (halved, pitted, peeled, and cut into 1 inch cubes)
Fresh herbs
1 tablespoon (chopped (mixed in any combination of basil, tarragon, chives, and cilantro))
Coriander seed
1/4 teaspoon (ground to a fine powder)
Extra virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons (as dressing)
Aged balsamic vinegar
3 tablespoons (as dressing)
Kosher salt
to taste (for seasoning)
Freshly ground black pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
Instructions
1
Start by preparing all the vegetables and fruits. Core the heirloom tomatoes and cut them into 1-inch chunks. Peel and seed the cucumber, then cut it into similar-sized cubes. Next, cut the watermelon into 1-inch cubes, and prepare the avocado by halving, pitting, peeling, and cutting it into cubes.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the prepared heirloom tomatoes, cucumber, watermelon, avocado, and your choice of fresh herbs. Mix gently to avoid mashing the ingredients.
3
Using a spice grinder or mortar and pestle, grind the coriander seeds until they reach a fine powder consistency. Sprinkle the ground coriander over the salad mixture, and fold it in carefully to incorporate.
4
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil and aged balsamic vinegar. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Adjust the ratio of oil to vinegar based on your preference for acidity.
5
Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to ensure everything is evenly coated. Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or vinegar, if necessary.
6
Allow the salad to sit for a few minutes to let the flavors meld before serving. Enjoy this refreshing salad as a side dish or light main course.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Heirloom Tomato and Watermelon Bliss Salad?
It is a vibrant summer salad featuring heirloom tomatoes, sweet watermelon, creamy avocado, and refreshing cucumber, dressed with balsamic vinegar and olive oil.
Who inspired this recipe?
This recipe was inspired by Chef Gerald Hirigoyen's mastery of fresh ingredients.
Is this salad suitable for vegans?
Yes, the salad is vegan as it contains only plant-based ingredients.
Is the Heirloom Tomato and Watermelon Bliss Salad gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
How many heirloom tomatoes are needed?
The recipe calls for 3 to 4 heirloom tomatoes.
How should the tomatoes be prepared?
The tomatoes should be cored and cut into 1-inch chunks.
What type of watermelon should I use?
You should use 1 cup of seedless watermelon flesh, which can be either red or yellow.
How do I prepare the cucumber for this salad?
The cucumber should be peeled, seeded, and cut into 1-inch cubes.
What kind of avocado is recommended?
The recipe specifically recommends using one Hass avocado.
How is the avocado prepared?
The avocado should be halved, pitted, peeled, and cut into 1-inch cubes.
Which fresh herbs are used in this recipe?
You can use a mix of basil, tarragon, chives, and cilantro.
How much fresh herbs should be added?
The recipe requires 1 tablespoon of chopped mixed fresh herbs.
What spice is added to the salad?
The salad uses 1/4 teaspoon of coriander seeds.
How should the coriander seeds be prepared?
The coriander seeds should be ground to a fine powder using a spice grinder or mortar and pestle.
What are the ingredients for the dressing?
The dressing consists of extra virgin olive oil, aged balsamic vinegar, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
How much olive oil and vinegar are used?
The recipe calls for 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil and 3 tablespoons of aged balsamic vinegar.
Can I adjust the acidity of the dressing?
Yes, you can adjust the ratio of oil to vinegar based on your personal preference for acidity.
How should I mix the salad?
Mix the ingredients gently in a large bowl to avoid mashing the delicate items like avocado.
When should I add the ground coriander?
Sprinkle the ground coriander over the salad mixture after combining the fruits and vegetables, then fold it in carefully.
Should the salad be served immediately?
It is recommended to let the salad sit for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
What type of salt is best for this recipe?
Kosher salt is recommended for seasoning to taste.
Can this be served as a main course?
Yes, it can be served as either a side dish or a light main course.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 10 ingredients in total.
What texture does the cucumber provide?
The cucumber adds a refreshing crunch to the salad.
Is there any sugar added to the recipe?
No, the recipe does not call for added sugar; the sweetness comes naturally from the watermelon and aged balsamic.
What size should the watermelon be cut into?
The watermelon should be cut into 1-inch cubes.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is preparing all the vegetables and fruits by coring, peeling, seeding, and cubing them.
How do I incorporate the dressing?
Drizzle the whisked dressing over the salad and toss gently to ensure even coating.
What should I do if the salad needs more seasoning?
After tossing with the dressing, taste the salad and add more salt, pepper, or vinegar if necessary.
Is this a healthy recipe?
Yes, it is described as a light, healthy meal that celebrates seasonal produce.