Watermelon Poke Bowls: The Ultimate Vegan Summer Bowl of Joy
My Favorite Vegan Recipes!
If summer had a flavor, this would be it.
Juicy, vibrant, and so refreshing you’ll want to dance barefoot in the grass—Watermelon Poke Bowls are the plant-based answer to hot days, heavy meals, and boring salads. This dish is everything: light yet satisfying, sweet but savory, and totally packed with color, nutrients, and pure feel-good vibes.
Why Watermelon?
Because it's magic in summer. Cold, crunchy, and bursting with hydration, watermelon is the last thing you'd expect to find swimming in a salty, umami marinade. But guess what? It works. It does more than just work; it impresses! Soy sauce, sesame oil, and a little lime transform watermelon cubes into something mind-blowingly delicious and sushi-adjacent. It’s like fruit that moonlights as sashimi. No cruelty, no compromise.
What You’ll Need
For the Watermelon “Poke”:
3 cups watermelon, diced into bite-sized cubes
2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce or tamari
1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
Juice of 1 lime
1 teaspoon rice vinegar (optional, but sharpens the flavor)
½ teaspoon grated ginger (optional, for zing)
For the Bowl:
1½ cups cooked jasmine or sushi rice (cooled)
½ cup cucumber, thinly sliced
½ avocado, sliced or cubed
½ cup shelled edamame, steamed and cooled
Optional toppings: sesame seeds, green onion, shredded nori, pickled ginger, chili flakes, microgreens
How to Make It
Marinate the Watermelon:
In a mixing bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, lime juice, and (if using) rice vinegar and ginger. Gently toss the watermelon cubes in the marinade, making sure every piece is coated. Let them chill in the fridge for at least 20–30 minutes, or up to a few hours if you want deeper flavor.Assemble Your Bowl:
Add a generous scoop of rice to your bowl. Top with the marinated watermelon (drained slightly), cucumber, avocado, and edamame. Artfully arrange for maximum Instagram potential, or simply pile it all in - your call.Garnish and Serve:
Sprinkle with sesame seeds, chopped green onions, or strips of nori. Want a little kick? Add a dash of sriracha or a spoonful of vegan wasabi mayo. Serve chilled and enjoy immediately.
Why This Bowl Rocks
Completely vegan and cruelty-free
No cooking required (other than rice, make extra and chill it)
Naturally gluten-free if you use tamari
Customizable: swap rice for quinoa, toss in mango or radish, or add seaweed salad
This is the kind of meal that makes you feel good from the inside out. Hydrating, nourishing, light but hearty, and it checks every box. Whether you're lounging poolside, hosting a barbecue, or meal-prepping lunches for the week, Watermelon Poke Bowls are the taste of summer done right.
🌱 Eat kind. Live bright. Stay cool. 🌞
Further Reading & Resources: