Grilled Watermelon Salad

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 8 min
🍽 Serves: 4
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Grilled Watermelon Salad is a fun twist on a classic summer dish. The combination of sweet, juicy watermelon with savory feta and fresh mint makes it a refreshing and unexpected treat. Perfect for a summer BBQ or a light lunch, this salad is as beautiful as it is delicious.

Ingredients for Grilled Watermelon Salad

Watermelon is the star of the dish, offering a juicy and sweet base that grills beautifully. The slight char from grilling adds a new depth of flavor. Feta cheese provides a creamy, tangy contrast to the sweet watermelon, enhancing its natural sweetness. Fresh mint leaves add a burst of freshness and a hint of coolness. The balsamic glaze brings a rich, tangy sweetness that ties all the flavors together, while a touch of salt and black pepper enhances the overall taste.

Tips & Tricks

  • Make sure your grill is clean and well-oiled to prevent the watermelon from sticking.
  • Use a sharp knife to cut the watermelon; it makes the job much easier and safer.
  • Prepare the balsamic glaze ahead of time or buy a pre-made version for convenience.
  • For a little extra kick, sprinkle some chili flakes over the salad before serving.

Serving Suggestions

This Grilled Watermelon Salad is perfect as a side dish for grilled meats like chicken or steak. It also pairs beautifully with a chilled glass of rosé or a light, crisp white wine. For a full summer feast, serve alongside grilled corn on the cob and a fresh greens salad.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this salad ahead of time?
It's best to grill the watermelon just before serving, but you can prepare the other ingredients in advance.
What can I use instead of feta cheese?
Goat cheese or ricotta salata are great alternatives to feta if you prefer a different flavor or texture.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days, though the texture of the watermelon is best when fresh.

Grilled Watermelon Salad Recipe Walkthrough

First, fire up your grill to medium-high heat. While it's heating, take your large watermelon and cut it into 1-inch thick slices, ensuring you remove the rind. You want the slices to be just thick enough to hold up on the grill but still easy to bite into later.

Next, sprinkle a little salt and black pepper on both sides of each watermelon slice. This will help bring out the sweetness and add just a touch of seasoning.

Once the grill is ready, place the watermelon slices directly on the grill grates. Let them cook for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side. You're looking for those beautiful grill marks to form — that’s when you know they're ready.

Remove the watermelon from the grill and let it cool for a few minutes. This is the perfect time to get your other ingredients ready. Once the watermelon is manageable, cut it into bite-sized cubes.

In a large serving bowl, combine the grilled watermelon cubes with crumbled feta cheese and fresh mint leaves. Just before serving, drizzle the balsamic glaze over the salad. Give it a gentle toss to ensure everything is lightly coated.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Easy to prepare and takes just minutes to grill.
  • A unique way to use watermelon in a savory dish.
  • Healthy and refreshing, perfect for hot summer days.
  • Impressive presentation with minimal effort.

Ingredients

1 large watermelon, cut into 1-inch thick slices
4 oz feta cheese, crumbled
1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
1/4 cup balsamic glaze
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
2. Cut the watermelon into 1-inch thick slices, removing the rind.
3. Lightly sprinkle both sides of the watermelon slices with salt and black pepper.
4. Place the watermelon slices on the grill and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until grill marks appear.
5. Remove the watermelon from the grill and allow to cool slightly.
6. Once cooled, cut the grilled watermelon into bite-sized cubes.
7. In a large serving bowl, combine the grilled watermelon cubes, crumbled feta cheese, and fresh mint leaves.
8. Drizzle the salad with balsamic glaze just before serving.

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