By Grocery List Plus Editorial Staff | Published on June 12, 2026

Serves 4
428 cal · 15 min
Watermelon Wedge Salad
Recipe GLPR1f24a6b7b32fbd
A vibrant summer salad featuring fresh watermelon wedges drizzled with balsamic, creamy goat cheese mixed with basil and olive oil, crispy toasted marcona almonds, and peppery arugula. Perfect as a light appetizer, side dish, or refreshing starter.
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Ingredients
1/2 cup marcona almonds
4 cups fresh arugula
5 fresh basil leaves, chopped
1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
1/4 cup goat cheese, about 3 ounces
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
sea salt, to taste
1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette dressing
1/2 small seedless watermelon
Directions
Preheat the oven to 400°F.
Cut the watermelon in half, then cut one half into four equal wedges. Place the wedges in a shallow dish and drizzle with 2 tablespoons of the balsamic dressing. Set aside to let the flavors meld while you prepare the remaining components.
In a small bowl, combine the marcona almonds with 1 teaspoon of olive oil, the fresh thyme, and a pinch of sea salt. Toss until evenly coated.
Spread the almond mixture on a foil-lined baking sheet in a single layer. Toast in the preheated oven for about 7 minutes, or until golden brown and fragrant. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
While the almonds toast, combine the goat cheese, chopped basil, remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and a pinch of sea salt in a small bowl. Stir until well combined and creamy.
Place the arugula in a large bowl and dress with the remaining 2 tablespoons of balsamic dressing, tossing gently to coat.
To assemble, place one watermelon wedge on each of four plates. Spread about 1 tablespoon of the goat cheese and basil mixture onto each plate beside or on top of each wedge. Top with a portion of the dressed arugula and finish by sprinkling the toasted marcona almonds over the greens. Serve immediately.
Comments
Marcona almonds will require a second stop—Harris Teeter carries them in the specialty section but they run $8–$10 per package, making them the cost driver at roughly $2–$2.50 per serving before greens and cheese. The 15-minute claim holds if your watermelon is already cut; the real time is 20 if you're halving a whole fruit. The dish itself is a weeknight winner: greens, goat cheese, and watermelon are stocked everywhere in Charlotte during summer, it feeds four without fussing, and it does not keep (eat it fresh the night you make it). In peak season—June through August when North Carolina watermelons flood the farmers market and chain produce sections—this becomes a genuine local strength and cost lightens noticeably if you buy the melon loose rather than pre-cut.
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