Vegan watermelon and cucumber salad with mint

Vegan watermelon and cucumber salad with mint, lime and olive oil: a fresh summer salad with watermelon, cucumber, black sesame and a delicate acidity.

At a glance

• Serves 2
• Prep time: 10 min
• No cooking needed
• Total time: 10 min
• Calories: 120 kcal per serving
• Protein: 3 g
• Fat: 2 g
• Carbs: 22 g

Ingredients

• 1 large cucumber
• Juice of 1 unwaxed lime
• 400g seedless watermelon
• 1 large handful of mint leaves
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp black sesame seeds
• 1 pinch of coarse sea salt

Method

You’ll need: mixing bowl

1. Put the watermelon and cucumber in a large bowl and mix loosely.
2. Whisk the lime juice and olive oil together in a small bowl until smooth.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and turn everything gently so the watermelon stays juicy.
4. Roughly tear the mint leaves and fold them in with the coarse sea salt and a little freshly ground pepper.
5. Finally, sprinkle with black sesame seeds if you like.
6. Serve the salad well chilled.

Good to know

This makes a hot day taste a little lighter. Fresh, juicy and bright in flavour – no fuss.

Swaps

Watermelon → strawberries (less sugar, more vitamin C) Cucumber → fennel (more fibre, a spicy freshness) Black sesame → chopped walnuts (more omega-3 fatty acids, more filling) Olive oil → avocado (creamy texture, extra fibre)

Allergens

Sesame is an allergen that must be declared. For children, it's best to sprinkle it finely; during pregnancy the ingredients are unremarkable in normal kitchen amounts, as long as they're well washed and fresh.

Frequently asked questions

What nutrients are in watermelon?

Watermelon mainly provides water as well as vitamin C and, depending on the variety and ripeness, carotenoids such as lycopene. Overall it's fairly light in nutrients, which suits fresh summer salads.

What does cucumber bring nutritionally?

Cucumber is mostly water and contains small amounts of vitamin K and other plant compounds. It's mild in flavour.

Is mint just for flavour, or does it matter nutritionally?

Mint is usually eaten in small amounts, so it doesn't bring large amounts of nutrients. It does contain essential oils and polyphenols, which give it its fresh aroma.

Why is lime in this salad for more than just flavour?

Lime provides vitamin C and organic acids. Both shape the flavour and add a fresh acidity to the otherwise mild ingredients.

What's in black sesame?

Black sesame provides fat, fibre and minerals such as calcium, iron and magnesium. Because the amount in the salad is small, its contribution to your overall intake is supplementary rather than large.

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