Grilled Watermelon Balsamic Salad (Printable View)
Smoky grilled watermelon meets tangy balsamic glaze, creamy feta, and fresh mint for the ultimate summer salad.
# 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 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 thoroughly 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 while maintaining firm texture. Remove and set aside to cool slightly.
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, cooled grilled watermelon cut into cubes or triangles, cherry tomatoes, and red onion slices.
06 - Drizzle balsamic dressing evenly over salad mixture. Gently toss using salad tongs to coat all ingredients without damaging the watermelon.
07 - Top salad with crumbled feta cheese, fresh mint leaves, and toasted pumpkin seeds or pine nuts if desired. Serve immediately while watermelon retains slight warmth.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- The grill transforms ordinary watermelon into something extraordinary with minimal effort
- It hits every craving—sweet, smoky, tangy, creamy, and fresh all at once
02 -
- Patting the watermelon completely dry before grilling is the difference between getting those gorgeous char marks and ending up with steamed, watery fruit
- Grill the watermelon no more than 3 minutes per side—any longer and it starts to lose its structure and turns mushy
03 -
- Use a vegetable basket or grill mat if you're worried about the watermelon sticking to the grates
- Room temperature ingredients help the dressing emulsify better and coat everything more evenly