If you’re a big fan of watermelon, now is the time to indulge – the juicy fruit is at the peak of its growing season. Watermelon is not only sweet and refreshing, it’s also a low-calorie snack that provides much-needed hydration during scorching Arizona summers. You can eat watermelon straight from the rind or use the luscious red fruit in a variety of dishes. To that end, we’ve rounded up five places in the Valley to enjoy watermelon salad.
Alma West x Southwest
Alma’s watermelon salad is sprinkled with cotija cheese, mint sprigs, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, pickled Fresno chiles, tamarind paste and Tajín, a seasoning laced with chile peppers, lime and salt. Pair with an order of pork belly tacos and you’ll be a happy camper. 7001 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale, 480-687-2612, almascottsdale.com
Diego Pops
At Diego Pops, the watermelon and cotija salad is tossed with romaine, purple kale, arugula, pepitas and radishes and then bathed in a jalapeño vinaigrette, giving this summer salad a kick. Wash it down with a watermelon-mint margarita, made with muddled melon, Don Julio Blanco Tequila, house-made sweet and sour and a few other surprises. 4338 N. Scottdale Rd., Scottsdale, 480-970-1007, diegopops.com
EAT by Stacey Weber
Chef Stacey Weber, who operates EAT, a local meal prep service, is featuring heirloom tomato and watermelon salad during the month of July. The salad is chock-full of ripe watermelon, heirloom tomatoes, feta crumbles, pickled red onions and Marcona almonds dressed in a turmeric-lime vinaigrette. Weber also has breakfast, lunch and dinner options. eatbystaceyweber.com
Los Sombreros
Juicy watermelon is the star of this mixed green salad that includes cool cucumbers, crunchy red onions, dried cranberries and bits of cilantro. The finishing touch, a drizzle of balsamic vinaigrette, gives the dish a little tartness to balance the sweetness of the watermelon. Available at the Scottsdale and Mesa locations. lossombreros.com
Province Urban Kitchen & Bar
You don’t have to be a guest at the Westin Phoenix Downtown to enjoy Province’s watermelon salad made with Crow’s Dairy feta, crunchy pistachios and spicy piment d’espelette, a French hot pepper. This swoon-worthy salad is available in half or full size for sharing. 333 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, 602-429-3600, provincephx.com
