If you’re on the hunt for a salad that bursts with vibrant flavors and unexpected textures, the Watermelon Candied Bacon Salad Recipe is exactly what you need. This delightful dish masterfully combines sweet, salty, and tangy notes alongside fresh greens and a homey basil vinaigrette, making it a refreshing yet indulgent treat perfect for summer gatherings or a simple, satisfying lunch. Every bite delivers the juicy crunch of watermelon, the savory richness of candied bacon, and the creamy tang of feta, all brought together with a bright dressing that sings. Trust me, once you try this salad, it will quickly become one of your favorites to make and share.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a clear blender jar filled with fresh green basil leaves tightly packed inside. At the bottom, there is a layer of golden olive oil that is slowly mixing with the basil. Small pepper flakes are visible scattered among the leaves. The blender is placed on a black base, with a bottle and a white marbled kitchen background softly blurred behind. The jar has smooth and clear glass with light reflecting off its surface, showing the vibrant green and yellow colors well. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Watermelon Candied Bacon Salad Recipe calls for a handful of straightforward ingredients that are easy to find but essential in creating that harmony of tastes and textures. From the fragrant basil to the salty feta, every item plays a starring role in crafting a salad that’s both fresh and indulgent.

Basil leaves (1 1/2 cups): Fresh basil lends a sweet, herbal brightness to the vinaigrette that lifts the entire salad.
Olive oil (1/2 cup): Provides a smooth, fruity base for the dressing and helps meld all flavors beautifully.
Red wine vinegar (1/4 cup): Adds the perfect acidic punch to balance the sweetness and richness.
Garlic (1 clove): A subtle hint of pungency that gives the dressing depth without overpowering.
Sugar (1 tsp): Just a touch enhances the natural sweetness of the watermelon and balances acidity in the vinaigrette.
Kosher salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the ingredients’ full flavors.
Field greens (8 cups): Choose your favorite tender leafy greens; they provide the crisp, fresh canvas for this salad.
Watermelon, diced (2 cups): Offers juicy sweetness and a refreshing crunch that feels like summer on a plate.
Feta cheese (6 oz, crumbled): Its creamy, tangy flavor adds a wonderful contrast to the sweet and salty elements.
Candied bacon (12 slices, crumbled): The star of the show—sweet, smoky, and crispy bacon crumbles elevate this salad to another level.

How to Make Watermelon Candied Bacon Salad Recipe

Step 1: Whip up the Basil Vinaigrette

Start by combining fresh basil leaves, olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, sugar, kosher salt, and pepper in a blender or food processor. Blend everything until smooth and emulsified. This vinaigrette is the bright, herby dressing that ties all the salad components together with a delicious punch of flavor.

Step 2: Assemble the Greens and Watermelon

Next, divide your field greens evenly onto four plates or into bowls. Scatter the diced watermelon across the greens. This juicy fruit adds such an unexpected, refreshing twist that perfectly complements the savory ingredients.

Step 3: Add Feta and Candied Bacon

Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the greens and watermelon—its creamy tang balances both the sweetness of watermelon and the richness of bacon. Then, generously top with the crumbled candied bacon, delivering a satisfyingly crispy, sweet-savory burst in every mouthful.

Step 4: Dress and Serve

Finally, drizzle each salad plate with the freshly blended basil vinaigrette just before serving. Toss lightly if you like, or leave the topping artfully layered for the best visual appeal. That’s it—your Watermelon Candied Bacon Salad Recipe is ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Watermelon Candied Bacon Salad Recipe

The image shows a clear plastic container filled with a fresh salad made of mixed green and purple lettuce leaves. Scattered across the salad are several bright red cubes of watermelon and crispy brown bacon pieces. Crumbled white cheese is sprinkled over the top, adding texture and contrast. In the top right corner inside the container, there is a small white cup filled with a thick green salad dressing. The overall look is colorful and fresh, with a mix of soft, leafy textures and firm, juicy watermelon pieces, set against a white marbled surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For a little extra flair, try adding thinly sliced red onions or a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts for crunch. A few extra basil leaves atop enhance the herbal aroma, making the presentation even more inviting and fresh.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish, complementing light proteins without overpowering their flavor. For a vegetarian spread, some crusty bread or a simple quinoa pilaf will complete your meal with satisfying heartiness.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the salad in mason jars for picnic-friendly portions or use colorful bowls to highlight the vibrant watermelon and greens. You can also create individual mini salad cups topped with a bacon crumble for an impressive party appetizer.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers from the Watermelon Candied Bacon Salad Recipe, store the components separately. Keep the vinaigrette in a sealed container, the greens in a crisp bag, and the bacon crumbles in an airtight container to maintain their crunch.

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended for this salad since watermelon and greens will lose texture and become watery upon thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh to savor the contrast of crisp and juicy elements.

Reheating

The salad is best served chilled or at room temperature, so reheating is not advised. If your candied bacon loses some crispness, you can quickly warm it in a skillet to regain that perfect crunch.

FAQs

Can I use other types of greens besides field greens?

Absolutely! Baby spinach, arugula, or even a mix of spring greens all work wonderfully, each adding its own unique flavor and texture to the salad.

Is there a way to make this salad vegetarian?

Yes, simply omit the candied bacon and consider adding roasted nuts or crispy fried shallots for that crunchy contrast, ensuring your salad remains full of flavor.

How do I make candied bacon?

Candied bacon is easy to make by coating bacon slices with brown sugar and baking in the oven until crispy and caramelized. It adds that perfect sweet-and-savory punch needed for this salad.

Can I prepare the vinaigrette ahead of time?

Definitely! The basil vinaigrette can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge. Just give it a quick stir before dressing the salad to re-emulsify the ingredients.

What’s the best way to dice watermelon for this salad?

Choose a ripe but firm watermelon and cut it into small, bite-sized cubes. This ensures the pieces hold their shape and distribute nicely throughout the salad without turning mushy.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about the Watermelon Candied Bacon Salad Recipe that makes it an instant crowd-pleaser. The blend of sweet, salty, creamy, and fresh elements is simply unbeatable. Don’t hesitate to bring this recipe into your kitchen and share it with friends — it’s sure to brighten up any meal and leave everyone asking for seconds!

Watermelon Candied Bacon Salad Recipe