Anjali Arora
This Grilled Watermelon Salad is a fresh and unique summer dish that brings out the natural sweetness of watermelon, enhanced with smoky grill flavors.
The watermelon slices are lightly seasoned with salt and pepper, grilled to perfection, and then topped with fresh mint and crumbled feta cheese for a savory contrast.
This salad is refreshing, savory, and perfect as a side dish for BBQs or a light, vibrant appetizer.
Table of Contents
Behind the Recipe
Grilling watermelon intensifies its sweetness and creates a delicious contrast with the fresh mint and salty feta. The result is a simple yet flavorful salad that showcases the best of summer produce. It’s a perfect combination of sweet, savory, and fresh, making it ideal for hot weather or gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to make
- A unique, refreshing twist on traditional salads
- Perfect for BBQs or outdoor gatherings
- Sweet and savory flavors come together beautifully
- Great for a light, healthy appetizer or side dish
Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results
- Make sure your grill is preheated to medium-high heat for the best sear on the watermelon
- Don’t overgrill the watermelon—just a few minutes on each side for those nice grill marks
- Use high-quality feta cheese for a richer flavor
- Garnish with extra mint leaves and a drizzle of olive oil for added freshness
- A small drizzle of balsamic glaze can add complexity, but be careful not to overdo it, as the glaze’s sweetness and tang may overwhelm the freshness of the watermelon and mint.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Grill or grill pan
- Tongs
- Knife and cutting board
- Basting brush for oil
- Serving platter or bowl
Ingredients in This Recipe
- 1-inch thick watermelon slices (cut into 1-inch thick rounds)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for brushing)
- 1 teaspoon salt (to season the watermelon)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (optional, for seasoning)
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves (chopped, for garnish)
- 1/4 cup feta cheese (optional, crumbled for topping)
Ingredient Spotlight
- Watermelon: Naturally sweet and refreshing, the main star of the dish
- Olive Oil: Helps the watermelon grill evenly and enhances flavor
- Feta Cheese: Adds a salty, creamy contrast to the sweetness of the watermelon
- Mint: Brings a refreshing, aromatic element to the salad
Ingredient Substitutions
- Watermelon: For a different melon variety, use cantaloupe or honeydew. However, keep in mind that honeydew is firmer and cantaloupe has a sweeter, more musky flavor, which will change the overall flavor profile of the salad.
- Olive Oil: You can use avocado oil or coconut oil for a mild flavor
- Feta Cheese: If you want a creamier texture, you can substitute feta with goat cheese for a tangy, creamy alternative. Ricotta is much milder and may alter the balance of flavors.
- Mint: Basil or parsley can be used as an alternative herb
How To Make This Recipe
- Preheat the grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
- Brush the watermelon slices with olive oil on both sides.
- Season the watermelon with salt and black pepper.
- Place the watermelon slices on the grill each side for 1.5–2 minutes to achieve the desired grill marks and slight softening, without losing the texture of the watermelon. Keep an eye on it to avoid over-grilling.
- Remove the watermelon slices from the grill and arrange them on a platter.
- Sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese (if using) and chopped fresh mint leaves.
- Serve immediately as a refreshing side dish or appetizer.
Grilled Watermelon Salad
This dish features whole slices of watermelon grilled over direct heat until lightly charred, enhancing their sweetness and adding smoky undertones. The grilled fruit is then cut into chunks and combined with fresh herbs, creating a salad with a tender yet firm texture, and a balance of sweet, smoky, and salty flavors.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
- Brush the watermelon slices with olive oil on both sides.
- Season the watermelon with salt and black pepper.
- Place the watermelon slices on the grill each side for 1.5–2 minutes to achieve the desired grill marks and slight softening, without losing the texture of the watermelon. Keep an eye on it to avoid over-grilling.
- Remove the watermelon slices from the grill and arrange them on a platter.
- Sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese (if using) and chopped fresh mint leaves.
- Serve immediately as a refreshing side dish or appetizer.
Notes
Ensure the grill is properly preheated to achieve nice grill marks. Watch the watermelon closely to prevent burning. This salad is best served warm or at room temperature.
Try Some Other Amazing Recipes
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
- This salad is best served fresh, but you can grill the watermelon ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 1 day.
- If storing leftovers, keep the watermelon, mint, and feta separate to prevent the salad from getting soggy.
How to Serve This Dish
- For the best experience, serve this salad slightly warm or at room temperature to preserve the grilled texture and flavors.
- Pair with grilled meats or seafood for a complete meal
- Garnish with additional herbs or a drizzle of balsamic reduction for extra flavor
Additional Tips
- If you don’t have a grill, use a grill pan or broil the watermelon in the oven for a similar effect
- For a vegan version, skip the feta cheese and use avocado for creaminess
- Try adding a sprinkle of chili flakes for a spicy twist
Creative Leftover Transformations
- Use leftover grilled watermelon in smoothies or juices
- Add it to a quinoa or couscous salad for added sweetness and texture
- Combine with yogurt for a refreshing breakfast or dessert
Make It a Showstopper
- Arrange the grilled watermelon slices in a fan shape on a large platter
- Garnish with extra mint and drizzle with honey or balsamic glaze for an elegant presentation
- Serve in individual bowls or mason jars for a rustic touch
Variations to Try
- Add arugula or mixed greens for a leafy base
- Top with roasted nuts like almonds or pistachios for crunch
- Try a squeeze of lime juice for extra tanginess
FAQs
- Can I make this salad ahead of time? It’s best served fresh, but you can grill the watermelon in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 1 day.
- Can I use a grill pan instead of an outdoor grill? Yes, a grill pan works great for creating those grill marks indoors.
- Can I make this salad without feta cheese? Yes, the salad is delicious without cheese, or you can use a vegan cheese substitute.
- What other fruits can I add to this salad? You can add fruits like grilled peaches or strawberries. Grilled pineapple might be too sweet and intense for this light, refreshing salad, so use it sparingly or opt for fresh pineapple instead.
- How long should I grill the watermelon? Grill each side for 2-3 minutes, just enough to get a slight char and soften the melon slightly.
- Can I use watermelon rind? The rind is typically not used in this salad, but it can be pickled or used in smoothies, or even grilled to add a unique texture if you prefer to experiment.
- How do I store leftovers? Store the leftover grilled watermelon separately from the mint and feta in the fridge for up to 1 day.
- Can I make this salad ahead of time? It’s best to grill the watermelon fresh, but you can prepare the dressing and chop other ingredients in advance.
- What other fruits can I add to the salad? You can add other summer fruits like peaches, strawberries, or mango for extra flavor and variety.
- Can I use a different type of cheese? Yes, feta can be substituted with goat cheese or even mozzarella for a different texture and flavor.
Hi, I’m Anjali Arora — the curious heart behind Feast Chase.
To be honest, I’ve always felt most at ease in my own company. I’m not exactly a people-person (small talk still makes me cringe), but there are two things I’ve always loved deeply: animals and food.