Strawberry Watermelon Salad (California Pizza Kitchen Inspired)
Recreate the California Pizza Kitchen-inspired strawberry watermelon salad with arugula, feta, pistachios, and a simple homemade vinaigrette.
If you love this salad, you'll also enjoy my Strawberry Salad with Poppyseed Dressing. It's fresh, easy to make, and always a favorite for summer gatherings, holidays, or any occasion.
This strawberry watermelon salad is inspired by a favorite restaurant dish, but with a few simple touches that make it our own. Sweet, juicy watermelon is paired with fresh strawberries, peppery arugula, crunchy pistachios, creamy feta cheese, then tossed in a light homemade vinaigrette.
This recipe was inspired by my daughter's favorite salad from California Pizza Kitchen. After ordering it nearly every visit, I decided to make my own version at home. The result is a salad that's just as colorful and refreshing, and perfect during the warmer season.
There really isn't a better time to make this recipe than the middle of summer. Watermelon is at its sweetest and juiciest, strawberries, especially in-season, have so much flavor, plus it's beautiful and inviting.
Watch Me Make It
Ingredients You Need
See the full list and measurments of ingredients in the recipe card below.
- Strawberries and Watermelon
- Arugula or use a spring mix if you don't care for the peppery taste of arugula.
- Feta or goat cheese
- Pistachios roasted and lightly salted
- Fresh basil is optional but offers another layer of fresh flavor.
- Olive oil
- White wine vinegar
- Lemon juice
- Honey or agave
- Dijon mustard
- Red onion
Making Strawberry Watermelon Salad
- Combine the dressing ingredients in a small bowl or mason jar with a fitted lid until emulsified.
- Layer the salad ingredients in a large serving bowl starting with the greens first, then fruit, nuts, and cheese.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and lightly toss.
Ang's Helpful Tips
- Choose a ripe, seedless watermelon that's heavy for its size and has a creamy yellow field spot.
- If your watermelon is extra juicy, pat it dry after cutting it to prevent excess moisture from watering down the dressing.
- Dress the salad just before serving to keep the greens crisp.
- If making ahead, prep all of the ingredients separately and assemble right before eating.
How Long Does Watermelon Salad Last?
This salad is best enjoyed fresh, however, I did assemble the salad before a picnic with my daughter and it was still very enjoyable.
Serving Suggestions
This salad is great alongside other summer dishes like salads, baked beans, or try these mains:
- Simple Grilled Chicken Breasts
- Greek Pita Burgers with Feta Yogurt Sauce
- Grilled Maple Chipotle Pork Chops
- Caprese Chicken Sheet Pan Meal
- Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Kabobs
- Better-Than-Restaurant Black Bean Burgers
More Summer Salads To Try
- Grilled Panzanella Salad
- Spaghetti Pasta Salad
- Layered Cobb Salad with Homemade Thousand Island
- Mom's Famous Potato Salad
- Coleslaw Pasta Salad
- Macaroni Salad with Greek Yogurt Dressing
Strawberry Watermelon Salad (California Pizza Kitchen Inspired)
Equipment
- small bowl
- large salad bowl
Ingredients
- 5 cups baby arugula or spring mix
- 3 cups watermelon, cubed
- 2 cups strawberries, sliced
- ¼ cup pistachios, roughly chopped I use roasted and lightly salted
- ⅓ cup feta cheese, crumbled
- ¼ cup freshly torn basil leaves optional
Dressing
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil
- ⅓ cup white wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2-3 teaspoon honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon red onion, minced
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Add the dressing ingredients to a small bowl. Use a whisk to combine until emulsified. Taste for salt and pepper and set aside.
- In a large salad bowl layer arugula and basil, then watermelon and strawberries, then pistachios and feta cheese. Pour about ½-3/4 of the dressing over the top and lightly toss the salad. Add more dressing if desired or serve it on the side. Enjoy immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
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