I’m still enjoying locally-grown watermelon, but know that the season will end soon. I came across a lovely hundred-year-old recipe for Watermelon Salad that bridges the summer and fall seasons, and decided to give it a try. This salad contains watermelon cubes that are coated with sugar, warm fall spices (cinnamon and nutmeg), and orange juice.
The Watermelon Salad was delightful. The cozy, warm cinnamon and nutmeg on the refreshing, juicy cubes of watermelon reminded me a bit of the apples in apple pie – though the texture was different. This salad is a lovely fall treat, though it would also work well during the summer (and, during any season, since watermelon can now be purchased year-round).
Here’s the original recipe:
When I made this recipe there was a lot of liquid, so I drained the salad before serving. Additionally, I skipped lining the bowl with lettuce.
Here’s the recipe updated for modern cooks:
Watermelon Salad
2 cups watermelon, cut into 1-inch cubes
1/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
3 tablespoons orange juice
Step 1. Put the sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a small bowl; stir until combined.
Step 2. Put the watermelon cubes in a bowl, then sprinkle the sugar mixture over it.
Step 3. Pour the orange juice over sugar mixture and watermelon; stir gently, then let sit for a few minutes.
Step 4. To serve, drain excess juice and put in serving bowl(s).
Yum, a perfect warm-weather dish.
It’s yummy.
I don’t remember ever making anything at all out of watermelon. I love a good ripe one though, and usually eat way too much of it when I have one.
Ripe watermelon is the best. I don’t worry much even if I eat a lot, since it’s mostly water and doesn’t have many calories.
True!
This is a new dish for me. It sounds yummy!
It’s tasty.
We still have melons here too, I think I’ll give this one a try!
I think that you’ll like it.
Sheryl, you and I are soooo on the same wavelength this week. I just received a melon in my CSA and thought “what can I do that’s different?” Thanks for the inspiration.
Nice to hear that we’re on the same wavelength.
I love orange juice, and this sounds like a nice addition to a meal. I don’t get the 4 tablespoons of sugar, though, since watermelon is already sweet, and so is orange juice. I guess it was just that thing about the affair with sugar…which is still a thing.
You could easily skip the sugar when making this recipe. My sense is that recipes a hundred years ago were more likely to put sugar on fresh fruit than what we are today. I’m not sure why.
I love a watermelon salad with Garam masala.
I never would have thought of putting Garam masala on watermelon, but it sounds good. I may have to give it a try.
Let me know if you try it.
Yum.
It’s tasty.
Wow, Sheryl! That recipe really does cover the transition from summer to autumn and sounds delicious. Thanks for sharing it.
You’re welcome. I think that you’d enjoy it.
Great tasty idea. I like the addition of orange juice.
If you still have the rinds, you can use them to make tasty preserves: https://ronitpenso.wordpress.com/2017/06/18/watermelon-rind-preserves/
mmm. . . the Watermelon Rind Preserves look wonderful. I’ve made and enjoyed Watermelon Rind Pickles, but never have made Watermelon Rind Preserves. It looks like a great way to use the rinds.
It is indeed. I also find the pickles a great way to use them. I’ll see if I can still get a nice watermelon and make it.
I think that you’ll like it.
This sounds very good! I’ve have pickled watermelon rind which I enjoyed.
I also like Pickled Watermelon Rind. In my opinion, watermelon rinds are underutilized as a food.
True!
What a fascinating combination, Sheryl! Cinnamon and nutmeg paired with orange juice and fresh watermelon sounds like such a cozy way to ease from late summer into autumn. Draining the excess juice was definitely a smart modern tweak! 🍉🍂
The watermelon, spices, and orange juice are a nice combination.
It really sounds like such a unique and refreshing mix! 🍉✨ I can’t wait to give it a try. Thanks for sharing the recipe!
Yummy – citrus, spice and everything nice!
You put it very nicely. 🙂