Sunday March 29, 2026
3 minutes to read
Darren Parker
Head Chef
Ingredients
Salad
- 2 cups organic strawberries, hulled and cut into ¼
- 2 cups watermelon, cubed
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- 2 Tbsp mint, minced
- 2 Tbsp basil (optional), minced
- Pinch of salt (optional)
Dressing
- 1 Tbsp tahini
- 2 Tbsp maple syrup or date paste (for a sugar-free option)
- 1 Tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice
- 2 Tbsp sliced almonds
Methods
- In a medium bowl, combine strawberries, watermelon, red onion, mint, and basil (if using). Add a light sprinkle of salt if desired.
- In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, maple syrup or date paste (for a sugar-free option), and lime juice until smooth.
- Divide the fruit mixture into serving bowls.
- Drizzle with the dressing.
- Top with almonds and enjoy.
Darren is a Head Chef with 35 years in the trade from the SouthWest of England. Having spent time honing his skills in the UK at prestigious hotels such as The Grosvenor Hotel, The Dorchester and Harrods Food Halls in London, he moved to New Zealand in 1995, and has been working in various restaurants and catering businesses within the Waikato region…
If you would like to learn more about Darren, see Expert: Darren Parker.
