Want a healthy, tasty and refreshing salad? Try this watermelon and cucumber salad! It is so simple to make yet delicious; great for hot days when you want something light to eat and a cooling salad to accompany spicy hot food. It makes a super side dish at barbecues and parties too.

Sweet refreshing chunks of watermelon are mixed in with crunchy cucumber chunks, fresh mint and peppery rocket. Lime juice gives a fresh tangy zing and chia seeds and pumpkin seeds add crunch (the chia seeds also help to thicken the dressing).

A variation of this salad includes adding a little cheese (vegan if required); the contrast of sweet, citrus, peppery rocket and creaminess is delicious!

This salad can be whipped up in under 15 mins and stores well in the fridge. I love taking leftovers for packed lunch!

Makes: 1 large bowl (serves 2 as a main dish or 4 as a side dish)

Preparation time: 12-15 mins

Ingredients:

• ½ small red onion, finely chopped
• 3 tbsp lime juice
• 1 small watermelon cut into chunks
• 1 cucumber, cut into chunks
• 30g rocket leaves
• 10g chopped fresh mint
• 30g pumpkin seeds
• 1 tbsp chia seeds
• Black pepper, to taste

Variations:

• 30g toasted pistachios (for a nutty crunch)
• 20g feta or vegan cheese, crumbled (adds a creamy, salty dimension)

Method:

• Marinade the chopped red onion with the lime juice for about 5 mins
• Whilst marinating, mix all other ingredients together in a large bowl. Then add the onion-lime dressing. Mix well.
• Enjoy!

With pistachios

With feta cheese