What to Serve with Watermelon Salad? 10 BEST Side Dishes

Nothing mirrors summertime as a watermelon salad does.

This salad is bright, hydrating, and everything you want on a warm afternoon.

Being so light and refreshing, anyone can enjoy this salad as a snack.

But if you're serving it for a proper dinner, you need good sides to complement it.

Luckily, you'll have a trouble-free meal prep because we've done the hard part of the job for you.

Here's everything about what to serve with watermelon salad and why you should serve them.

10 Ideal Side Dishes for Watermelon Salad

Here are ten delicious sides that'll make your watermelon salad taste its best; it might even have your next favorite dish.

Chilled soups and light starters pair well with this lineup - watermelon gazpacho side ideas for summer match the salad's refreshing vibe.

1 - Salmon Steaks

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A sweet and savory salmon dish - like salmon en croute side ideas - is one exciting way to improve a watermelon salad.

It is packed with a rich marine aroma but isn't too fishy, so many people prefer it as a favorable fish choice.

Salmon steaks look appetizing on a dinner table, and their flaky meat easily crumbles in your mouth, making them more enjoyable and easier to eat.

You can bake, grill, or pan-fry the salmon, depending on your (and your guests) preferences.

Regardless of the method you choose, it shouldn't take any more than 15 minutes to bring the dish from start to finish.

This dish adds protein and healthy fats to your meal, making it nutritious and flavorful.

It is simple and helps you enjoy the watermelon salad without overpowering its taste.

2 - Egg Stuffed Avocadoes

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This simple dish uses eggs and avocadoes to create a meal rich in protein, fiber, and healthy fats - similar egg bites side suggestions also work well.

All you must do is remove the avocado pit, scoop out some flesh, and fill them with eggs.

Baking the avocadoes transforms their buttery texture into creamy goodness while releasing a smoky aroma.

Meanwhile, the eggs cook to become soft and jammy.

This dish looks and tastes appetizing; the nutty flavors of avocadoes contrast the juicy and refreshing watermelon salad.

It is a quick and simple way to transform everyday ingredients into a delicious treat.

3 - Gnocchi Soup

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A filling and comforting soup is one way to enhance any simple meal into something more nutritious and flavorful.

Gnocchi is potato dumplings but is often confused with pasta because you can cook them in the same way.

A gnocchi soup is filling and packed with fiber; the rich broth gives it a pleasant aroma - try gorgonzola gnocchi side pairings for extra richness.

But the best thing about gnocchi soup is that it isn't boring at all; you will receive a diverse range of textures and flavors to comfort you any day.

And if you like cheeses, you can use them liberally in this soup, and it'll taste even more delicious.

4 - Grilled Chicken Pasta

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Any juicy and refreshing salad always pairs well with a savory pasta dish.

And this simple and quick dish will have your guests looking for seconds.

A spicy and savory pasta dish best combines beautifully with grilled chicken as it enhances the mild flavors of the meat to its best.

All you must do is cook your pasta the traditional way and combine them with grilled chicken breasts.

This pasta dish combines everyone's favorite foods into one bowl and enhances the refreshing watermelon salad by providing filling elements.

For a surf-and-turf approach, consider fish as an alternative protein - grilled swordfish side ideas for hearty meals complement the pasta and salad.

5 - Pork Kabobs

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Protein-rich and fatty pork kabobs make excellent accompaniments for a watermelon salad - or try pork and sauerkraut side options for a tangier pairing.

Its savory and smoky flavors contrast and go with the fresh and tangy salad ingredients to give your meal a well-rounded flavor.

These kabobs are filling and look appealing on a dinner table; it is an exciting way to include meats without overpowering the light salad.

You can dress the kabobs in a hot sauce before serving them to add more dimension to your meal.

This step is optional and depends on your guests' preferences.

6 - Cabbage Rolls

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If you don't serve some savory protein wrapped in large cabbage leaves, you're missing out - see sausage and cabbage side ideas for hearty options.

These compact rolls combine everything your palate needs to enjoy a well-rounded meal: meat, veggies, and plenty of seasonings.

The best part about serving cabbage rolls with a watermelon salad is that it is delicious and nutritious.

The meat adds protein and fat, while the veggies provide phytochemicals to boost many body functions.

Steaming these cabbage rolls envelops them in a meaty aroma, making them even more irresistible.

7 - Mushroom Casserole

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A casserole dish is always a fun way to improve any meal.

And a cheesy mushroom casserole is perfect for serving alongside a watermelon salad because it is flavorful yet not too overwhelming - similar mushroom soup side pairings also complement the salad.

The umami flavors of the mushrooms combined with some sweet and tangy cheese make a great side to go with the refreshing flavors of the salad.

And the trick to making the best mushroom casserole is to add a layer of panko breadcrumbs over the cheese before baking; this adds a satisfying crispy crust, making the dish more enjoyable.

8 - Grilled Tofu Bites

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This side dish is packed with plant protein and is a nice option to add smoky elements to your meal without relying on meat products.

It is quick and simple yet doesn't lack flavor.

Your seasonings will determine their taste and change how it affects your meal.

So, avoiding anything that will extinguish the watermelon salad is essential.

Marinating the tofu in a simple seasoning of soy sauce, chili flakes, and aromatics brings out the best flavors of this dish.

As regards the tofu, you want to use a firmer variant as they retain their texture better.

Soft or silken tofu will likely disintegrate during grilling and become challenging to work with.

9 - Roasted Chickpea Tacos

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Tacos are some of the easiest and simplest dishes you can create when running short of time.

They require minimal preparation but always turn out tasty.

Roasted chickpeas are rich in plant protein and make suitable ingredients for tacos.

Their earthy taste contrasts with the tangy sweetness of watermelon salad, resulting in a lovely combination of flavors.

This side dish is pretty dry on the palate because the chickpeas and tortillas contain very little moisture.

So, they are a suitable dish to pair alongside the juicy salad.

10 - Bacon Wrapped Smokies

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Anything wrapped in bacon strips is bound to be savory and addictive.

And these bacon-wrapped smokies are some of the most tasty treats you can serve with a watermelon salad.

It uses just two ingredients and a few seasonings to produce a dish bursting with slaty and smoky flavors.

But you can add some sweetness to this dish by coating the wrapped smokies in a brown sugar glaze.

These smokies are fatty and rich in protein; they make a filling dish you can always rely on to spice up any dinner.

Conclusion

A watermelon salad is just as exciting as any other summer salad, but it has a lovely vibrancy and combination of flavors that make it a favorite among many.

Because this salad is light and refreshing, side dishes with filling ingredients make a great addition.

You can never go wrong with protein-rich sides, regardless of whether it is an animal or plant protein.

Nonetheless, asking your family members for recommendations or considering your guests' food preferences before settling on a side dish will always be helpful.

Balanced sides can shift the meal's focus. orzo salad side ideas for versatile menus and chef salad side suggestions for hearty plates pair well with many of the dishes above.