Mouth-watering watermelon, strawberries, mint, basil and goat cheese summer salad recipe!

Spring is in full bloom and summer nights are almost here. This delightful mix of fresh ingredients always hits the spot from sun up to sun-set. Fourth of July celebrations are only a month away and I know what I will be making for all those picnic parties :)

This recipe is so fresh, sweet, salty, crisp and hydrating that there are never any leftovers. This dish is best eaten fresh on the same day its prepared as this deliciousness gets juicier the longer it sits.

The recipe is just below so make this sweet and crisp concoction, sit down and relax, and read how beneficial these ingredients are to your health all while enjoying this flavor explosion.

***Bonus tips below on making watermelon lemonade with leftover watermelon!

RECIPE: (serves 4, time less than 15 minutes) (gluten-free, vegetarian)

4-6 cups cubed watermelon - seeded or organic, 1'' cubes, making sure to add some white rind along with the cubes (read below to find out why!)

2 cups strawberries - organic, cut into 1/2'' pieces

1/4- cup goat cheese - raw or organic, original or honey flavor (add more if you want!)

10 mint leaves - cut into a fine chiffonade

10 large basil leaves - cut into a fine chiffonade

Juice of half a lemon, plus wedges for serving.

DIRECTIONS:

1) Place all ingredients except goat cheese and lemon juice together in a large mixing bowl (reserving a few pieces of herbs for topping at the end).

2) Gently fold over 1-3 times until the basil and mint have been incorporated throughout the watermelon and strawberries.

3) Squeeze 1/2 lemon over the bowl and gently crumble the goat cheese over the entire thing breaking it up into smaller pieces.

4) Top with a sprinkle of remaining herbs and Voila! Summer perfection!

Eat right away or chill the ingredients in the fridge for 30 minutes before preparing for particularly hot days.

Can also top with toasted pine nuts for more creaminess and crunch.

SARAH'S STAR INGREDIENTS:

WATERMELON:

These juicy melons are packed with nutrients and hydrating water due to the naturally occurring electrolytes within the liquid. The perfect liquid to replenish sweat lost in the heat. The white part of the rind of watermelon is naturally high in an amino acid called L-citrulline which is a rockstar nutrient. It acts like a vasodilator which increases blood flow to all tissues in the body and acts as a natural way to lower blood pressure. L-citrulline is naturally found in pre-workout supplements as a way to increase circulation so this summer salad can help fuel some high-intensity summer activities and help rehydrate afterwards too!

HERBS:

Basil and mint are both found to contain anti-anxiety and relaxing compounds that can also help with soothing the digestive system. Herbs are a fabulous way to add tons of flavor as well as a mega-dose of naturally occurring fat-soluble phytonutrients (essential oils) and antioxidants.

STRAWBERRIES:

All the berries, including strawberries, are loaded with antioxidants, help fight off inflammation, contain fiber, and improve your health all with lower natural sugars than other fruits. These strawberries are the perfect companion to watermelon and work excellently with the fresh herbs added.

OVERALL VIBE:

This dish is hydrating, cooling, refreshing and relaxing. Equal parts sweet, salty and tangy, its easy to make and even easier to eat. Enjoy immediately, or store in airtight container for up to 1 day, test before eating leftovers.

LEFTOVER WATERMELON? NO PROBLEM!

Scoop all leftover watermelon into a blender and add juice from 1-2 lemons, blend on high and add this easy 2 ingredient watermelon lemonade to your picnic table or kitchen counter all summer!

Submit your favorite recipes or photos to sarah@sarahcns.com for a chance to get featured!

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About Sarah:

Sarah Holgen MS, CNS is a certified nutrition specialist that is passionate about teaching and educating her clients on how to make absolutely delicious meals that optimize health and vitality. She specializes in diabetes, skin conditions and digestive disorders and consults people all over the world via online meetings. Functional nutrition and lifestyle medicine help her and her clients achieve health freedom and let them get back to enjoying this one beautiful life we get!

To schedule a FREE 15 minute discovery phone call, please email her at sarah@sarahcns.com or call and leave a message at 541-633-7717.

In good health,

Sarah