Grilled Watermelon Balsamic Salad (Print Version)
Smoky watermelon meets tangy balsamic in this vibrant summer dish with feta and fresh mint.
# 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 (optional)
11 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
→ Garnish
12 - 1/4 cup toasted pumpkin seeds or pine nuts (optional)
# How To Make It:
01 - Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
02 - Cut the watermelon into rounds or wedges approximately 1-inch thick. Pat slices 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 and fruit is lightly charred but still firm. Remove and set aside to 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 fully emulsified.
05 - In a large salad bowl, combine arugula or baby greens, grilled watermelon cubes, cherry tomatoes, and red onion slices.
06 - Drizzle the balsamic dressing evenly over the salad. Using salad tongs, gently toss all components to coat thoroughly without damaging the ingredients.
07 - Top with crumbled feta cheese, fresh mint leaves, and toasted seeds or nuts if desired. Serve immediately while watermelon is still slightly warm.
# Handy Tips:
01 -
- The contrast between smoky warm watermelon and cool crisp greens hits every note your cravings want on sweltering days
- It comes together faster than you can pour a glass of wine but looks like something from a restaurant menu
02 -
- Patting the watermelon completely dry before grilling is the difference between getting proper char marks and steaming the fruit into mush
- Grilling the watermelon transforms its texture and flavor profile, making it taste almost like a different ingredient entirely
03 -
- The balsamic glaze is worth seeking out over regular vinegar for its syrupy consistency that coats every bite
- Grill extra watermelon slices and keep them for snacks the next day