The Summer Sensation Prawn & Watermelon Salad
Looking for a salad that screams summer? This grilled prawn and watermelon combination is absolutely show-stopping! The sweet juiciness of watermelon paired with perfectly charred prawns and fresh herbs creates the most incredible flavour experience. It's light, refreshing, and fancy enough for entertaining but simple enough for a weeknight treat.
I love creating dishes that celebrate seasonal produce at its peak. This salad is all about those gorgeous summer flavours - sweet watermelon, ripe heirloom tomatoes, and fresh herbs from the garden. The homemade chilli salt takes it to the next level!
A bit of education about the ingredients in this salad:
King Prawns - Excellent lean protein that's rich in selenium, B12, and omega-3 fatty acids. They support thyroid function, boost metabolism, and are incredibly low in calories.
Watermelon - Over 90% water for hydration, plus loaded with lycopene (a powerful antioxidant), vitamins A and C. The natural sweetness is nature's dessert!
Heirloom Tomatoes - These beauties are packed with more nutrients than regular tomatoes! Rich in lycopene, vitamin C, and potassium. The variety of colours means different antioxidants.
Fresh Mint & Basil - Both herbs aid digestion and provide antioxidants. Mint is cooling and refreshing, while basil has anti-inflammatory properties.
Lime - Vitamin C for immune support and the acidity brightens all the flavours beautifully. It also helps with protein digestion!
Chilli - Contains capsaicin which boosts metabolism, has anti-inflammatory properties, and adds that perfect kick of heat.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil - Heart-healthy fats that help you absorb all those fat-soluble vitamins from the tomatoes and herbs.
Naturally gluten-free and dairy-free - This salad is perfect for almost everyone!
You can also use different seafood - Try scallops, calamari, or even grilled fish if prawns aren't available!
CLEAN INGREDIENTS (I Choose organic when possible)
For the Chilli Salt:
– 3 dried long red chillies (or 3 teaspoons chilli flakes)
– 1½ tablespoons salt flakes
For the Salad:
– 500g mixed heirloom tomatoes (various colours and sizes)
– 500g watermelon (1 large wedge), skin removed, cut into 5cm pieces
– 1/2 cup loosely packed fresh mint leaves
– 1/2 cup loosely packed fresh basil leaves
50ml extra virgin olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
Juice of 1 lime, plus extra lime halves to serve
– 12 king prawns, peeled with tails intact
– 3 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil (for prawns)
– Sea salt
METHOD
Making the Gorgeous Chilli Salt:
Toast the chillies - Preheat grill to low heat. Roast dried chillies until they turn dark red (about 2 minutes). You can also dry-roast them in a frying pan over low heat, watching carefully so they don't burn.
Grind to perfection - Pulse toasted chilli in a spice grinder or pound using a mortar and pestle to create fine flakes. Add salt flakes and pulse or pound once or twice. You can make this as coarse or fine as you like - just blend longer for a finer finish.
Building the Beautiful Salad:
Prep your gorgeous produce - Cut tomatoes into wedges and interesting shapes (vary the sizes for visual appeal!). Place watermelon pieces and tomatoes in a large bowl.
Add fresh herbs - Add mint, basil, and a generous pinch of your homemade chilli salt to the bowl.
Dress it up - Drizzle with 50ml olive oil and lime juice to taste. Gently toss everything together - you want to coat but not bruise those beautiful ingredients. Transfer to your most beautiful serving plate or bowl.
Grilling the Perfect Prawns:
Get your BBQ hot - Preheat barbecue (charcoal is amazing for this!) to high heat. Brush prawns lightly with the 3 teaspoons of olive oil.
Grill to perfection - Place prawns on the hot grill and cook for 2 minutes. Flip and cook for just 1 minute more until prawns turn white and opaque. Don't overcook - they should be tender and juicy!
The Stunning Finish:
Plate like a pro - Arrange the grilled prawns on top of your watermelon and tomato salad. Drizzle with a little extra olive oil and sprinkle with another pinch or two of chilli salt.
Serve immediately - Present with fresh lime halves on the side for squeezing. Watch it disappear!
PRO TIPS
Use the ripest, sweetest watermelon you can find
Heirloom tomatoes at room temperature taste best
Don't skip the chilli salt - it's what makes this special!
Make extra chilli salt - it's amazing on everything (eggs, avocado toast, roasted vegetables)
Prawns cook quickly - don't walk away from the BBQ!
This salad is best served immediately while prawns are warm
For extra wow factor, use yellow watermelon too
VARIATIONS
Seafood swap: Use scallops, calamari, or grilled white fish
Add crunch: Scatter with toasted pine nuts or almonds
Cheese option: Add crumbled feta or goat's cheese
Herb twist: Try coriander or Thai basil instead
Extra greens: Add rocket or baby spinach
Citrus change: Use lemon or blood orange instead of lime
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
Perfect light lunch on a hot summer day
Stunning starter for BBQ gatherings
Beautiful Christmas Day lunch option
Serve with crusty bread to mop up juices
Pair with chilled white wine or rosé
Great for entertaining - looks incredibly impressive
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION (per serving, serves 4)
Energy: 280 kcal
Protein: 24 g
Carbs: 18 g
Fat: 14 g
Fibre: 3 g
