Description

Experience the ultimate fusion of refreshing and satisfying. This re-imagined watermelon salad pairs sweet, juicy melon with hearty chickpeas and savory herbed tofu crumbles. A bright, sumac-lime vinaigrette ties it all together for a dish that’s as nourishing as it is vibrant—perfect for sun-drenched afternoons and elegant alfresco dining.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Herbed Tofu Crumbles:

1 14-ounce / 396 g block extra-firm tofu, pressed 20 minutes
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon dried oregano
⅛ teaspoon fine sea salt

For the Sumac-Lime Vinaigrette:

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
4 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1 teaspoon ground sumac
Zest of 1 lime
1 large garlic clove (grated or minced)
½ teaspoon fine sea salt
Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)

For the Salad Assembly:

8 cups seedless watermelon (about 1.2–1.3 kg, cut into 1-inch cubes)
1 15-ounce / 425 g can chickpeas, rinsed and drained well
1 ½ cups diced English cucumber
½ cup thinly sliced red onion
1 large ripe avocado (diced)
½ cup packed mixed fresh herbs (mint, basil, flat-leaf parsley, roughly torn)
½ jalapeño (very thinly sliced (optional))

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Instructions

Prepare the Tofu: Pat the pressed tofu dry. Crumble into a bowl. Add lemon juice, oregano, and salt; toss gently. Let stand 10–15 minutes.
Make the Vinaigrette: In a small bowl or jar, whisk olive oil, lime juice, sumac, lime zest, garlic, salt, and black pepper until emulsified.
Build the Salad: Gently blot watermelon cubes with paper towels to reduce excess juice. On a large platter, arrange watermelon, chickpeas, cucumber, and red onion.
Layer and Dress: Drizzle about half the vinaigrette over the base. Scatter avocado and the herbed tofu crumbles on top. Add torn herbs and jalapeño, if using.
Serve: Drizzle the remaining vinaigrette. Taste and adjust with a pinch more salt or a squeeze of lime, then serve immediately.

Notes

Nutrition Facts (per serving): Calories: 305 | Total Fat: 16.3 g (Saturated Fat: 2.4 g) | Total Carbs: 32.7 g (Fiber: 6.8 g, Net Carbs: 25.9 g) | Protein: 11.8 g | Sodium: 313 mg

These values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients and preparation.

Nutrition

Calories: 305