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

ByMaya Arden August 12, 2026August 12, 2026

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Introduction

This Thai-Inspired Watermelon & Peach Salad is a refreshing mix of sweet fruit and spicy, tangy flavors. Perfect for a summer day, it combines juicy watermelon and ripe peaches with a zesty lime dressing and just a hint of heat.

The image shows a white bowl filled with a colorful fruit salad. The salad has three main layers: round red watermelon balls, bright yellow peach slices with red edges, and green basil leaves scattered on top. There are small pieces of chopped nuts and thinly sliced green onions or jalapenos sprinkled throughout. Two silver forks rest in the bowl, partially lifting some of the fruit. 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 thinly sliced scallions, serrano chile, and basil leaves to the dressing.

Step 3: Add the watermelon chunks, peach slices, and crushed peanuts to the bowl. Toss gently to coat everything evenly with the dressing.
Step 4: Sprinkle additional whole basil leaves and crushed peanuts on top for garnish. Serve immediately for the freshest flavor.

Tips & Variations

For a milder spice, reduce the amount of serrano chile or remove the seeds before slicing.

Substitute fresh mint for basil to give the salad a different aromatic twist.
Add a handful of thinly sliced cucumber for extra crunch and freshness.
Use honey or agave syrup to sweeten the dressing slightly if you prefer a balanced sweet and spicy flavor.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one day. Because the watermelon and peaches release juice, the salad is best consumed fresh. Toss gently again before serving if the dressing settles. Avoid storing for too long as the fruit can become soggy.

How to Serve

The image shows a bright fruit salad featuring three main layers: the bottom layer is made of round, juicy red watermelon slices with a smooth texture; the middle layer consists of thick yellow peach wedges with red edges, showing a slightly fuzzy skin texture; the top layer is scattered with green basil leaves sliced into thin strips and small, crunchy tan chopped nuts. There are also some thin, round green chili pepper slices visible throughout, adding a fresh touch. Two shiny silver forks scoop into the salad from the lower left side, lifting pieces of watermelon and peach. The whole scene sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

It’s best to prepare the dressing and slice the ingredients ahead, but toss the salad just before serving to keep the fruit fresh and prevent it from becoming watery.

What can I use if I don’t have fish sauce?

You can substitute soy sauce or tamari for a vegetarian option, though this will change the flavor slightly. Start with a small amount and adjust to taste.