Grilled Watermelon Balsamic Salad (Printable)
Smoky watermelon with balsamic, feta, and fresh mint creates a refreshing summer dish ready in 23 minutes.
# What You'll 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 (optional)
11 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
→ Garnish
12 - 1/4 cup toasted pumpkin seeds or pine nuts (optional)
# Step-by-step:
01 - Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
02 - Cut watermelon into rounds or wedges about 1-inch thick. Pat slices dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
03 - Place watermelon slices on the grill. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until distinct grill marks appear while the fruit remains firm. 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 if using, salt, and pepper until well combined and emulsified.
05 - In a large salad bowl, combine arugula or baby greens, grilled watermelon pieces, cherry tomatoes, and red onion slices.
06 - Drizzle the balsamic dressing evenly over the salad. Using salad tongs, gently toss to coat all ingredients without damaging the watermelon.
07 - Top with crumbled feta cheese, fresh mint leaves, and toasted pumpkin seeds or pine nuts if desired. Serve immediately while watermelon is still slightly warm.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The warm grilled fruit against cool crisp greens creates this amazing temperature contrast that wakes up your whole palate
- It takes something totally ordinary and transforms it into something restaurant-worthy in under 25 minutes
02 -
- Patting the watermelon dry before grilling makes a huge difference in getting those beautiful sear marks instead of steaming
- The salad needs to be served immediately after dressing. If it sits too long, the watermelon releases water and everything gets watery
03 -
- Let the grilled watermelon cool for at least 5 minutes before cutting. Warm fruit is harder to handle and can lose those pretty charred edges.
- Toasting the pumpkin or pine nuts yourself makes such a difference in flavor. Buy raw and toast in a dry pan over medium heat until fragrant.