Wheat Free Vegan Watermelon Carpaccio
Watermelon carpaccio is one of those dishes that looks like it came out of a restaurant kitchen but comes together with almost no effort at home. Thin, jewel-bright slices of seedless watermelon are fanned across a platter, dressed in a bright lime and agave vinaigrette, and layered with cool cucumber, sharp red onion, fresh mint, and torn basil. The whole thing gets a short chill in the fridge so the dressing soaks into the fruit just enough before you finish it with flaky sea salt and a squeeze of lime. Every single ingredient here is naturally free of wheat — no swaps needed, no label-reading required, just clean, whole produce and pantry staples. The capers are optional but worth it if you want a briny little pop against all that sweetness. This is the kind of dish that disappears fast at a summer gathering, and it's just as satisfying as a light lunch on its own.
About FigFig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
- 1 small seedless watermelon (about 5–6 lb), rind removed
For the dressing
- 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice (from about 1 lime)
- 1 tsp agave syrup
- ¼ tsp fine sea salt
- ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
For the topping
- ½ english cucumber, very thinly sliced
- ¼ small red onion, very thinly sliced
- ¼ cup fresh mint leaves
- 2 tbsp fresh basil leaves, torn
- 1 tbsp capers, drained (optional)
For serving
- flaky sea salt, for finishing
- lime wedges, for serving
Instructions
- 1
Stand the watermelon half cut-side down on the cutting board. Using a sharp chef's knife, slice the flesh into rounds about 1/4 inch (6 mm) thick, then cut each round into half-moons or leave whole if small enough to fan attractively on the platter.
- 2
Arrange the watermelon slices in overlapping, slightly fanned layers across a large serving platter, covering the surface evenly.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!