Grilled Watermelon With Balsamic Dressing (Print View)

Smoky grilled watermelon meets tangy balsamic glaze with feta and mint for a refreshing summer dish.

# Ingredient List:

→ 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:

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 slices dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
03 - Place watermelon slices on preheated grill. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until distinct grill marks appear and fruit is slightly charred but still firm. Remove and let cool slightly.
04 - In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic glaze, Dijon mustard, honey if using, salt, and pepper until emulsified and smooth.
05 - In a large salad bowl, toss together arugula or baby greens, grilled watermelon cut into cubes or triangles, cherry tomatoes, and sliced red onion.
06 - Drizzle balsamic dressing over salad mixture. Use salad tongs to gently toss until all components are lightly coated.
07 - Top salad 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 grill transforms ordinary watermelon into something sophisticated and slightly savory
  • It comes together in under 25 minutes but looks like something from a restaurant
  • The sweet smoky salty creamy combination is absolutely addictive
02 -
  • Grilled watermelon loses structural integrity quickly, so add it to the salad right before serving
  • Patting the watermelon dry is not optional if you want those gorgeous grill marks
  • The contrast between warm smoky watermelon and cool crisp greens is the whole point, so don't let everything come to room temperature
03 -
  • Make the dressing ahead of time and let the flavors meld for at least an hour
  • If you're not eating immediately, keep the dressing separate and toss just before serving
  • Toasted pumpkin seeds add protein and make this feel more like a complete meal

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