Short Description

A vibrant, refreshing fruit salad featuring ripe peaches and juicy watermelon, brightened with mint, citrus, and a hint of olive oil—a perfect quick and easy summer side or snack.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fresh and hydrating: Combines seasonal fruits that are naturally juicy and thirst-quenching
Easy to make: Requires minimal prep and no cooking—ready in just minutes
Flavor-balanced: Mint, citrus, sea salt, and cracked pepper lift the sweetness
Elegant enough for entertaining: Simple ingredients deliver a beautiful presentation

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

3 ripe peaches, sliced into wedges or bite-sized pieces
4 cups seedless watermelon, cubed into 1-inch chunks
2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped or torn
1 tablespoon lemon or lime juice
1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil (optional, adds richness)
Pinch of sea salt
Cracked black pepper, to taste

Directions

Prepare fruit and mint
Slice peaches into wedges or bite-sized pieces. Cube watermelon into 1-inch chunks. Roughly chop or tear fresh mint leaves.
Combine ingredients
In a large bowl, gently toss together peaches, watermelon, and mint.
Season the salad
Sprinkle sea salt and cracked black pepper over the fruit.
Dress lightly
Drizzle lemon or lime juice and olive oil (if using) over the salad.
Toss and serve
Gently toss once more to distribute flavors.
Chill if desired
For a cooler, more refreshing taste, chill the salad for 15–20 minutes before serving.

Servings And Timing

Yields 4 servings as a side dish
Prep time: ~10 minutes
Chill time (optional): 15–20 minutes
Total time: ~10–30 minutes depending on chilling

Variations

Cheese addition: Add crumbled feta or fresh mozzarella for creamy contrast
Nuts and seeds: Sprinkle toasted almonds, pistachios, or pumpkin seeds for texture
Herb switch-up: Use fresh basil or cilantro instead of mint
Fruit mix: Add berries like strawberries or blueberries for a colorful twist
Zesty upgrade: Add a splash of lime zest or a teaspoon of honey to sweeten

Storage/Reheating

Short-term storage: Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours—best eaten fresh as fruit will release juices
Avoid reheating: This dish is meant to be served cold or at room temperature
Keep dressing light: If not serving immediately, add lemon juice and olive oil just before serving to preserve freshness

FAQs

Can I use canned peaches or frozen watermelon?
Fresh peaches and watermelon offer the best flavor and texture. Canned or frozen versions may be too soft or watery.

Is the olive oil necessary?
No—it’s optional. Use it for a silkier flavor, or omit for a purely juicy, fruit-forward salad.

Can I make this ahead?
Yes, but best to prep fruit and mint separately and add seasoning and juice just before serving to maintain crispness.

How sweet should the salad be?
It relies on the natural sweetness of the fruit. If needed, lightly drizzle with honey or agave to taste.

What if I don’t have mint?
Fresh basil or cilantro make excellent substitutes, offering a different yet complementary flavor.

Can I make it vegan?
Yes—this salad is naturally vegan when made as written.

Is this kid-friendly?
Absolutely—bright, sweet, and fresh, it’s a hit with both kids and adults.

Can it turn mushy overnight?
Yes. Fruit will release water over time, so this salad is best enjoyed within a few hours or by storing components separately.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes—just use a larger bowl and maintain the same ratio of ingredients.

How spicy is the pepper?
Very mild. The cracked black pepper adds a subtle warmth but won’t make it spicy.

Conclusion

Easy Summer Peach Watermelon Salad is your go-to dish for hot days—it’s fresh, vibrant, and incredibly easy to make. With juicy fruit, bright mint, and a simple citrus dressing, it’s a delightful side for barbecues, a refreshing snack, or an elegant addition to any summer meal. Enjoy the natural taste of summer in every bite!