Bav Media/Shutterstock/Candace Davison
My new go-to summer side came from the least likely of places. Over the years at PureWow, I’ve learned more than I ever anticipated about Kate Middleton, from her interest in photography to her favorite sports. But then I heard people rave about her watermelon salad, and as a food editor—particularly one craving easy, no-cook recipes to make this summer—I had to try it.
Spoiler: I’m so glad I did, even if researching the recipe (and its backstory) left me scratching my head.
You see, there isn’t an exact recipe for the Duchess of Cambridge’s watermelon salad, and she hasn’t officially confirmed whether it’s something she eats all the time. So, while many people seek out her specific recipe, it has yet to be shared. It’s more of a concept really, based on an Express story from 2022, in which nutrition experts at Barbend stated that, based on research they’d conducted, “watermelon salads are a staple of Kate’s lunches, and include juicy pink watermelon mixed with avocado, onion, cucumber and feta cheese,” deeming it “the perfect mix of sweet and savory.”
original photo: Candace Davison
Since that story was published, the idea of the salad has taken on a life of its own (much like the viral Jennifer Aniston salad, which Aniston later shared wasn’t actually something she ate every day while filming Friends). Every summer, the “Kate Middleton watermelon salad” makes the rounds across social media, and for good reason: Whether it’s hers or not, it is a great mix of sweet and savory. It’s a refreshing, low-lift meal that can wow a crowd, making it a great side for any cookout or party. Or just a random Tuesday, when you want to bust out of a lunch or dinner rut.
In a way, this is liberating—take the idea and do with it what you want. Make it your watermelon salad, using this suggestion as a jumping-off point. And if you’re not sure where to start, I’ll share the viral take on the salad, as well as my balsamic-lime version. (And if you have an alternate recipe, I’d love to hear that too. Please share it in the comments below!)