Grilled Watermelon Feta Mint (View Print Version)

Sweet grilled watermelon meets creamy feta and fresh mint for a vibrant summer salad.

# What You'll Need:

→ Produce

01 - 1 small seedless watermelon (about 3 to 4 pounds), cut into 1-inch thick wedges
02 - 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
03 - 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves, torn
04 - 1 cup arugula or baby greens, optional

→ Dairy

05 - 3/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled

→ Pantry

06 - 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
07 - 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze or reduction
08 - Freshly ground black pepper to taste
09 - Sea salt to taste

# Method:

01 - Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
02 - Lightly brush the watermelon wedges on both sides with 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
03 - Grill watermelon for 1 to 2 minutes per side, just until grill marks appear and the fruit is slightly caramelized. Remove from grill and let cool slightly.
04 - Cut the grilled watermelon into cubes or triangles and arrange on a large platter.
05 - Scatter the red onion, mint leaves, and arugula over the watermelon.
06 - Sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese.
07 - Drizzle with the remaining olive oil and balsamic glaze.
08 - Season with freshly ground black pepper and sea salt to taste. Serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The watermelon transforms into something almost candy-like when kissed by heat, so unexpected and addictive.
  • It looks fancy enough to serve at dinner parties but takes barely twenty minutes from start to table.
  • The salty feta and bright mint balance the sweetness perfectly, making it feel light rather than heavy.
02 -
  • Don't skip the pre-heating step or you'll get pale, sad watermelon with no caramelization, which defeats the entire purpose of grilling it.
  • The watermelon releases liquid as it cools, so assemble this right before serving or the mint will get soggy and the feta will weep into a puddle.
03 -
  • Cut your watermelon wedges at least an inch thick so they don't collapse into the grates, and make sure they're as dry as possible before brushing with oil.
  • The balsamic glaze is the secret ingredient that ties everything together, so don't skip it or substitute it for regular vinegar, which will throw off the balance.
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