Grilled Watermelon Salad Balsamic (Printable version)
Smoky grilled watermelon meets creamy feta and tangy balsamic glaze for the ultimate summer bite.
# What you need:
→ Produce
01 - 1 small seedless watermelon, cut into 1-inch thick slices
02 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
03 - 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
04 - 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves, roughly chopped
05 - 2 cups arugula or baby greens
→ Cheese
06 - 3/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
→ Dressing
07 - 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
08 - 2 tbsp balsamic glaze or balsamic reduction
09 - 1 tsp Dijon mustard
10 - 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
11 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
→ Garnish
12 - 1/4 cup toasted pumpkin seeds or pine nuts
# How to make it:
01 - Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
02 - Cut watermelon into rounds or wedges approximately 1-inch thick. Pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
03 - Place watermelon slices on the preheated grill. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until distinct grill marks appear while maintaining firm texture. Remove and let cool slightly, then cut into cubes or triangles.
04 - In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic glaze, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper until fully emulsified.
05 - In a large salad bowl, combine arugula or baby greens, grilled watermelon pieces, halved cherry tomatoes, and sliced red onion.
06 - Drizzle the balsamic dressing over the salad mixture. Using salad tongs, gently toss to coat all ingredients evenly without damaging the watermelon.
07 - Top salad with crumbled feta cheese, fresh mint leaves, and toasted pumpkin seeds or pine nuts if using. Serve immediately while watermelon is still slightly warm.
# Expert tips:
01 -
- It transforms predictable watermelon into something sophisticated and surprising without any fancy techniques
- The warm grilled fruit against cold greens creates this beautiful temperature contrast that wakes up your whole palate
02 -
- Wet watermelon will steam on the grill instead of developing those coveted char lines
- Do not skip the cooling step or your heat will wilt the greens the moment they meet
03 -
- Use a cast iron skillet on the stove if you do not have access to a grill
- Toast your pumpkin seeds in a dry pan until fragrant before sprinkling over the top