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Spicy Watermelon Arugula Salad Recipe

4.9 from 110 reviews

A vibrant and refreshing Spicy Watermelon Arugula Salad featuring a zesty chipotle strawberry dressing, juicy watermelon cubes, fresh strawberries, peppery arugula, creamy goat cheese, and crunchy pepitas, balanced by spicy serrano peppers and crisp cucumbers. Perfect for a light, flavorful summer dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Chipotle Strawberry Dressing

  • ½ pint strawberries (hulled)
  • 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce
  • 1 tbsp adobo sauce (from canned chipotle)
  • ½ cup apple cider vinegar
  • 5 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 4 tbsp fresh parsley (stems removed)
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp kosher salt (Diamond Crystal brand)
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 cup olive oil

Salad

  • 4 oz arugula
  • 16 oz watermelon (cut into ½ inch cubes)
  • ½ pint strawberries (hulled and sliced)
  • 4 oz goat cheese (crumbled)
  • 2 Persian cucumbers (sliced thin)
  • 1 serrano pepper (sliced thin)
  • 2 oz pepitas
  • 1 pinch kosher salt (Diamond Crystal brand)

Instructions

  1. Make the Chipotle Strawberry Dressing: Add the hulled strawberries, chipotle pepper in adobo, adobo sauce, apple cider vinegar, granulated sugar, fresh parsley, Dijon mustard, kosher salt, and black pepper into a food processor. Blend until smooth with just a few small chunks remaining.
  2. Incorporate the Olive Oil: With the food processor running on low speed, slowly drizzle in the olive oil. Continue blending without stopping until all the oil is fully incorporated and the dressing emulsifies.
  3. Prepare the Salad Base: Arrange the arugula in a large salad bowl as the base layer for the salad.
  4. Add the Fruit and Vegetables: Top the arugula with the cubed watermelon, sliced strawberries, crumbled goat cheese, thinly sliced Persian cucumbers, and serrano pepper slices evenly distributed.
  5. Finish and Serve: Sprinkle a pinch of kosher salt over the salad, drizzle the chipotle strawberry dressing generously on top, and garnish with pepitas. Serve immediately for the freshest taste and texture.

Notes

  • The dressing can be made a day ahead and refrigerated to enhance flavor; bring to room temperature before serving.
  • Adjust the amount of serrano pepper to control the heat level.
  • Use fresh, ripe watermelon and strawberries for the best sweetness and juiciness.
  • Chipotle in adobo sauce adds smoky heat; substitute with smoked paprika for a milder version.
  • For a vegan option, omit goat cheese or substitute with a plant-based cheese alternative.

Keywords: Watermelon salad, Arugula salad, Spicy salad, Chipotle dressing, Summer salad, Healthy salad