Grilled Watermelon With Balsamic Dressing (Printable)

Smoky grilled watermelon meets tangy balsamic glaze, creamy feta, and fresh mint for a refreshing summer dish ready in 23 minutes.

# 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)

# Steps:

01 - Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
02 - Cut the watermelon into rounds or wedges about 1-inch thick. Pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
03 - Place watermelon slices on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until grill marks appear but 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 emulsified.
05 - In a large salad bowl, combine arugula or baby greens, grilled watermelon cubes, cherry tomatoes, and red onion.
06 - Drizzle with the balsamic dressing and gently toss to coat all ingredients evenly.
07 - Top with crumbled feta, fresh mint, and toasted seeds or nuts if desired. Serve immediately while the watermelon is still slightly warm.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The contrast between warm smoky watermelon and cool fresh greens creates this incredible temperature dance that wakes up your whole palate
  • People literally stop mid conversation when they see those gorgeous grill marks and ask what kind of magic you just made
02 -
  • Patting the watermelon completely dry before grilling is what creates those beautiful sear marks instead of just steaming the fruit
  • Let the grilled watermelon cool for at least five minutes so it does not wilt the greens when you toss everything together
03 -
  • If your watermelon is not quite sweet enough, a pinch of extra sugar in the dressing helps balance everything beautifully
  • Room temperature watermelon grills more evenly than cold, so let those slices sit out for about ten minutes before they hit the heat

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