While watermelon dates back to ancient origins, the watermelon salad recipe as we have come to know likely originates from African and Middle Eastern culinary traditions who were the likely the first to pair the bright, juicy fruit with spices, herbs and other ingredients as part of a meal or celebration.
The modern watermelon salad recipe we now know it i s believed to have taken root in the American South where it was first combined with other ingredients like cucumbers, onion and feta cheese to achieve the culinary triumvirate of sweet, salty and savory – any chef's delight.
With its southern backdrop in the foreground, it is hardly any surprise that a watermelon salad recipe pairs well with fried chicken, pulled pork, crabcakes or soft-shelled crab.
For a simple – virtually unnoticeable – cheat, use frozen watermelon pieces from your grocery store which help to keep your watermelon salad recipe chilled for any outdoor festivities like a barbeque, picnic or an afternoon on the water.
For a party in your mouth at a party on the beach, a watermelon salad recipe is destined to become a summer classic. The interchangeable herbal notes of fresh mint, dill or oregano make for a welcome surprise anytime your watermelon salad shows up to the party.