Dessert

Thai-Inspired Watermelon & Peach Salad Recipe

Name: Thai-Inspired Watermelon & Peach Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 1/4 cup fresh lime juice; 1 tablespoon sambal oelek; 1 teaspoon finely grated peeled ginger; 1 teaspoon fish sauce; 2 scallions, thinly sliced; 1/2 serrano chile, thinly sliced; 1/2 cup thinly sliced fresh Thai or Italian basil leaves, plus whole leaves for serving; 6 cups seedless watermelon chunks or melon balls; 2 ripe peaches, seeded and cut into 1/2-inch slices; 1/2 cup dry roasted peanuts, crushed, plus more for serving

Bylilan Sage August 13, 2026August 13, 2026

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Introduction

This Thai-inspired watermelon and peach salad is a refreshing blend of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors. Perfect for hot days, it combines juicy fruit with a zesty dressing and crunchy peanuts for a vibrant summer dish.

A white bowl filled with bright red watermelon balls and yellow peach slices mixed evenly throughout. Scattered green basil leaves and thin green slices of chili add color contrast on top. Small pieces of chopped nuts are sprinkled all over the fruit, adding texture. Two silver forks rest inside the bowl, one holding a watermelon ball with bits of basil and nuts on it. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1/4 cup fresh lime juice
1 tablespoon sambal oelek
1 teaspoon finely grated peeled ginger
1 teaspoon fish sauce
2 scallions, thinly sliced
1/2 serrano chile, thinly sliced
1/2 cup thinly sliced fresh Thai or Italian basil leaves, plus whole leaves for serving
6 cups seedless watermelon chunks or melon balls
2 ripe peaches, seeded and cut into 1/2-inch slices
1/2 cup dry roasted peanuts, crushed, plus more for serving

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together the lime juice, sambal oelek, grated ginger, and fish sauce until well combined.
Step 2: Stir in the sliced scallions, serrano chile, and basil leaves to the dressing.
Step 3: Add the watermelon chunks, peach slices, and crushed peanuts to the bowl.
Step 4: Gently toss everything together to coat the fruit evenly with the dressing.
Step 5: Sprinkle additional basil leaves and peanuts over the salad just before serving for extra flavor and crunch.

Tips & Variations

For a milder salad, remove the serrano seeds or substitute with a milder chili.
Try adding fresh mint leaves along with the basil for a different herbal note.
Use honey or agave syrup if you prefer a sweeter dressing to balance the spice.
To make it vegan, replace fish sauce with soy sauce or tamari.

Storage

Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one day. Because the fruit releases juice, it is best enjoyed fresh. If needed, toss gently before serving to redistribute the dressing. Avoid storing with crushed peanuts on top to keep them crunchy; add them just before serving.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of a fresh fruit salad with three main layers. The bottom layer has sliced yellow peaches with smooth, curved edges and a soft texture. The middle layer features round, bright red watermelon slices with a juicy look. The top layer includes green basil leaves cut into thin strips, fresh green jalapeño slices, and small crunchy peanut pieces sprinkled on top. Two shiny silver forks hold some of the salad, and the whole dish is on a white plate with a white marbled surface underneath. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this salad in advance?

It’s best to assemble the salad shortly before serving to keep the fruit fresh and the peanuts crunchy. If needed, prepare the dressing ahead and toss with fruit just before serving.

What if I can’t find sambal oelek?

Sambal oelek is a chili paste that adds heat and depth. You can substitute it with any chili paste or a pinch of red pepper flakes mixed into the dressing.