Grilled Watermelon Feta Basil (Printable)

Smoky grilled watermelon paired with creamy feta and fresh basil creates a refreshing Mediterranean summer dish perfect for outdoor gatherings.

# Ingredient List:

→ Produce

01 - 1 small seedless watermelon, cut into 1-inch thick slabs
02 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
03 - 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
04 - 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves

→ Dairy

05 - 5 oz feta cheese, crumbled

→ Dressing

06 - 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
07 - 1 tbsp balsamic glaze or reduction
08 - Juice of 1 lime
09 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
10 - Sea salt, to taste

# Steps:

01 - Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
02 - Brush both sides of the watermelon slabs lightly with olive oil.
03 - Grill the watermelon slabs for 2-3 minutes per side, until grill marks appear and the watermelon is slightly caramelized.
04 - Remove watermelon from the grill and let cool slightly. Cut into bite-size cubes.
05 - In a large bowl or serving platter, combine grilled watermelon cubes, cherry tomatoes, and red onion.
06 - Sprinkle crumbled feta evenly over the top, then add fresh basil leaves.
07 - Drizzle with olive oil, balsamic glaze, and lime juice.
08 - Season with sea salt and black pepper to taste. Toss gently and serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Grilling transforms ordinary watermelon into something extraordinary with just minutes of effort
  • The combination of sweet, salty, and smoky flavors feels restaurant fancy but comes together in under 20 minutes
02 -
  • Don't skip letting the watermelon cool slightly after grilling, otherwise it falls apart when you try to cube it
  • The salad is best served within 30 minutes of assembling, otherwise the watermelon releases too much water and everything gets soggy
03 -
  • Pat the watermelon dry with paper towels before brushing with oil, excess water prevents proper grill marks
  • Room temperature watermelon grills more evenly than cold straight from the fridge

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