What do you get when you mix two iconic summer fruits, a nutty twist, and a spicy kick? The ultimate watermelon cucumber salad!

The chef, Nicole Modic, J.D. (aka food blogger @kalejunkie) says this salad is the ultimate because the juicy melon, crunchy cucumber, tangy feta, nutty pistachios, and kick of jalapeno blend together for the ultimate combination of flavors.

We also think it’s a fantastic recipe because it’s full of beneficial nutrients, vitamins, antioxidants, and electrolytes. Here are healthy benefits it brings to the table:

- The salad’s stars, watermelon and cucumber, are both great sources of water and electrolytes to keep you hydrated and ease digestion.

- Watermelon provides calcium, vitamins C and A, magnesium, and potassium as well as antioxidants lycopene, beta carotene, and cucurbitacin E. Antioxidants help lower your risks of cardiovascular disease, cancer, and obesity. Lycopene helps keep your eyes healthy and reduces your risk of macular degeneration.

- Cucumbers also provide vitamins K and C, magnesium, potassium, and manganese. Vitamin K helps your body absorb calcium to optimize bone health. Vitamin C boosts the immune system.

- Both watermelon and cucumbers contain L-citrulline, an amino acid with antioxidant properties that may relieve muscle soreness. Coupled with their hydration and electrolytes, they’re great post-workout options.

- Not to be overlooked, pistachios are rich in vitamin B6 and provide thiamine, copper, manganese, phosphorus, and potassium. Jalapenos are also rich in vitamins B6 and C, and contain vitamins A and K, manganese, and folate. Red onion is a good source of the antioxidant quercetin, as well as other needed vitamins and minerals.

This salad is as delicious as it is nutrient rich! It makes 6-8 servings.

Recipe for the Nutrient-Rich Salad

INGREDIENTS

For the Salad:

• 4 Cups watermelon cubed
• 6 Persian cucumbers sliced
• 1/2 Red onion thinly sliced
• 1/2 Bunch mint chopped
• 1 Jalapeno, chopped with seeds removed
• 1/2 Cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/2 Cup pistachios chopped

For the Dressing:

• 1/4 Cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 Tablespoons honey or maple syrup
• 1 Lime zested and juiced
• 1 Lemon zested and juiced
• 1/2 Teaspoon sea salt

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Wash and chop watermelon and Persian cucumbers and add them to a large bowl.
2. Add in the rest of your salad ingredients and set the bowl to the side.
3. In a separate small bowl, whisk together all of the dressing ingredients until fully combined.
4. Finally, pour the dressing on top of the salad and toss until everything is fully coated in the dressing.
5. Serve and enjoy! Store any leftovers in a container, in the fridge, for up to three days.