Vegan Watermelon Cararpaccio Salad With Tahini

This Watermelon and Dill Salad is vegan and totally on-trend - perfect for al-fresco dining as we begin to move into spring and summer.

It is a beautifully refreshing and summery starter or side that is so light. Serve at lunch or alongside a barbeque with Hibiscus, Rose and Basil Seeds cooler.

VEGAN WATERMELON CARPACCIO SALAD WITH TAHINI

The combination of crisp and sweet watermelon and the zing of lemony dill works wonders with creamy and earthy tahini.

I think what makes this salad so appealing is the gorgeous blush colour of the watermelon ... I guess it is true, we really do "eat with our eyes"!

Carpaccio is an Italian hors d'oervre traditionally made with thinly sliced raw meat or fish and served with lemon and olive oil.

We have thinly sliced our watermelon to make a vegan watermelon carpaccio. The addition of tahini and walnuts replaces some of the protein which would have been provided by the meat. 

How to choose the best watermelon from the supermarket

These are tips that I have learnt from my Mum over the years. No wonder my Dad always complained when she spent too long in the supermarket ...

• Pick up the watermelon - it should feel heavy for its size, which means it is full of water and therefore ripe.
• Look for a firm watermelon, free from cuts or dents.
• The melon of the skin should be dark green, dull, and shine-free.

How to store leftover watermelon?

If you find yourself with more watermelon then you can eat before it spoils, store it properly.

This happens as here in the western world usually we don't get cut melons the way they sell in the Indian subcontinent.

If you have leftover watermelon, make sure you store it right away before it starts going bad.

Refrigerate - Wrap the cut watermelon in cling film and store in the fridge away from strong odours and finish eating in the next couple of days. After 3 days it will go stale, slimy and smelly.

Freeze - Cut the watermelon, remove the rind and cut into cubes, store it in a freezable container, and freeze it right away.

Use it in making watermelon slush, granite, smoothie or mojito later. I love my Watermelon Mocktail which is so refreshing and easy to prepare.

Ingredients for Watermelon Carpaccio

 

● Watermelon

● Dill

● Mint

● Red Onion

● Walnuts

● Capers - these bring out an extra lemony and salty flavour to the salad

● Tahini - to make the tahini easy to drizzle, add some boiling hot water to the tahini paste and whisk vigorously until smooth.

● Olive Oil - Extra virgin olive oil works well.

● Lemon Juice - the juice from freshly squeezed lemons is the best but you can also use bottled lemon juice.

How to make Watermelon Carpaccio Salad

 

● Cut the watermelon into rounds about 2 inches thick

● Cut the rounds into 8 equal pieces

● Remove the rind and cut the triangles into 1cm thickness with a sharp knife - save for later use. See tips below

● Slice red onions and chop dill and mint.

● Assemble the salad with the watermelon, dill, mint, red onion, capers and walnuts.

● Drizzle with tahini, lemon juice and olive oil just before serving.

● Serve immediately.

Can I make this salad in advance?

This salad is best eaten immediately after making. The watermelon will release a lot of water when it is cut so will make the salad soggy if left for a long time.

Adjust the ingredients for dietary restrictions 

Nut allergy - can be omitted if making for allergy sufferers or use any other nuts which can be tolerated, or add any other seeds such as hemp, sunflower, or pepitas.

Vegetarian diet -  If you are not following a vegan diet, you could add crumbled feta or even grilled halloumi to the salad.

Tips:

If you cut the watermelon and it isn't sweet - which sadly sometimes happens :(, you can add a pinch of sugar to bring out the sweetness

Why not use a vegetable peeler to make paper-thin watermelon ribbons instead of cutting the watermelon into pieces.

Rocket or arugula also works wonders with crisp watermelon instead of the dill

If you do not have capers, you could add olives instead - they have a similar taste profile

Make a jam using the watermelon rind

We love these Vegetarian and Vegan Summer Salad ideas:

Strawberry and Watercress Salad

Grilled Corn, Nectarine and Mixed Bean Salad

Fresh watermelon mojito salad

📖 Recipe