Oh, you guys are going to LOVE this Grilled Watermelon Feta Salad! Seriously, it’s like sunshine in a bowl. I remember the first time I made this. It was during one of those sweltering summer afternoons when the thought of anything heavy just made me sweat more. I wanted something super refreshing, something that tasted like a cool breeze but had a little something special. I tossed some watermelon on the grill just to see what would happen, and BAM! This salad was born. It’s become my absolute go-to for BBQs, picnics, or honestly, just when I need a quick, light lunch that feels fancy. The combo of smoky, warm watermelon with salty feta and cool mint? Pure magic, trust me.
Why You’ll Love This Grilled Watermelon Feta Salad
This salad is a total game-changer, seriously! It’s ridiculously easy to whip up – you’ll be grilling watermelon and tossing it with feta and mint in no time. It’s the ultimate refreshing treat on a hot day; that warm, slightly smoky watermelon paired with cool, salty feta and bright mint feels like a summer vacation. Plus, the flavor combination is just *chef’s kiss* – sweet, smoky, salty, and herbaceous all at once. It’s perfect for BBQs, picnics, or any summer gathering where you want something a little different and totally delicious.
Ingredients for Your Grilled Watermelon Feta Salad
Here’s what you’ll need to make this amazing salad:
- About half of a small seedless watermelon, cut into nice, thick wedges (about 1-inch thick is perfect!)
- 2 tablespoons of good olive oil, but we’ll split it up
- A little pinch of salt
- A little grind of black pepper
- Around 4 ounces of feta cheese, crumbled up
- About a quarter cup of fresh mint leaves, all chopped up
- 2 tablespoons of balsamic glaze – adds that perfect sweet tang!
Equipment Needed for Grilled Watermelon Feta Salad
To get this delicious salad on your table, you’ll only need a few things. Make sure you have your trusty grill ready – that’s the star here! You’ll also want some good tongs for flipping that watermelon. Grab a sturdy cutting board and a sharp chef’s knife for prepping everything. And of course, a nice, big mixing bowl to bring it all together.
How to Prepare the Perfect Grilled Watermelon Feta Salad
Alright, let’s get this party started! Making this salad is super straightforward, but a few little tricks make all the difference. My biggest tip? Don’t be afraid of the grill! It’s what makes the watermelon taste so special. Just remember to keep an eye on it so it doesn’t get mushy. For a little extra zing, you can even whip up a quick vinaigrette like this zesty lemon vinaigrette to drizzle over the top, though the balsamic glaze is pretty darn perfect on its own.
Grilling the Watermelon for Your Salad
First things first, you gotta get that grill nice and hot – medium-high is where we’re aiming. While it’s heating up, grab your watermelon wedges. Brush them all over with about a tablespoon of olive oil. This helps prevent sticking and gets those gorgeous grill marks! Then, give them a little sprinkle of salt and pepper. Carefully lay them on the hot grill. You only need about 2 to 3 minutes per side. You’re looking for those beautiful charred lines and for the watermelon to feel just a *tiny* bit tender when you poke it, not mushy! Once they’re done, take them off and let them cool down for a few minutes. This step is crucial, trust me!
Assembling Your Grilled Watermelon Feta Salad
Once your grilled watermelon chunks are cool enough to handle, cut them into easy-to-eat, bite-sized cubes. Toss those sweet, smoky pieces into a big mixing bowl. Now, scatter in your crumbled feta cheese and all that lovely chopped fresh mint. Drizzle the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and that luscious balsamic glaze all over the top. Here’s the gentle part: give everything just a light toss. You want to coat everything without turning your beautiful watermelon into mush. Just enough to meld those flavors together. Serve it up right away while the watermelon is still a little warm – that’s truly the best way!
Tips for the Best Grilled Watermelon Feta Salad
Okay, so you’ve got your watermelon prepped and ready to go, but here are a few little secrets I’ve picked up that really make this Grilled Watermelon Feta Salad sing. First off, the watermelon! Don’t overthink it; seedless is easiest. And make sure it’s chilled *before* you grill it – cold watermelon hitting a hot grill is part of what gives it that amazing texture contrast. When you’re crumbling the feta, try to get some smaller bits and some slightly larger chunks; it makes for a more interesting bite. I also love adding a tiny pinch of red pepper flakes right before serving sometimes, it’s just a little something something that wakes everything up! It reminds me a little of the zing you get in dishes like my radicchio salad or a bright strawberry salad.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Your Salad
Let’s talk ingredients for this fantastic Grilled Watermelon Feta Salad! For the feta cheese, make sure you grab a block and crumble it yourself – it has so much more flavor than the pre-crumbled stuff, plus fewer anti-caking agents. If you’re not a fan or need to swap, creamy goat cheese is a divine alternative; it gives a similar tang. For the olive oil, a good extra virgin will give you the best fresh flavor, but any decent olive oil works perfectly fine for grilling. And if you’re curious about other ways to use feta, check out this Greek Salad with Feta!
Serving and Storage for Grilled Watermelon Feta Salad
Okay, so you’ve made this gorgeous Grilled Watermelon Feta Salad, and it smells amazing! The absolute best way to enjoy it is right after you’ve tossed it all together. Seriously, serve it immediately. That’s when the watermelon is still slightly warm from the grill, which creates this incredible sensation against the cool, salty feta and fresh mint. It’s just *chef’s kiss*. If you happen to have any leftovers (which I highly doubt!), you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for maybe a day. Honestly, though, the texture is best fresh, so try to make just what you’ll eat!
Frequently Asked Questions about Grilled Watermelon Feta Salad
Can I grill watermelon ahead of time?
It’s best to grill the watermelon just before you make the salad. Grilling it fresh gives you that perfect warm-meets-cool texture. If you absolutely have to, grill it a few hours ahead and keep it chilled, but it really is best served right after grilling!
What other herbs can I use in this salad?
Mint is pretty magical here, but if you don’t have it, try fresh basil or even a bit of dill. Both add a lovely fresh, herbaceous note that pairs really well with the watermelon and feta. Just a small handful, finely chopped, should do the trick!
Is this salad suitable for a picnic?
Absolutely! Just grill the watermelon ahead of time and let it cool completely. Pack the grilled watermelon, feta, and mint in separate containers. Toss everything with the olive oil and balsamic glaze right before serving to keep everything fresh and prevent it from getting soggy.
Nutritional Information for Grilled Watermelon Feta Salad
Just a little heads-up, these numbers are estimates, okay? Since we all use slightly different amounts or brands, your Grilled Watermelon Feta Salad might vary a bit. But generally, a serving clocks in around 150 calories. You’re looking at about 9g of fat, 4g of protein, 15g of carbs, and 12g of sugar. Pretty light and refreshing, right?
Print
Grilled Watermelon Feta Salad
- Total Time: 16 min
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing salad featuring grilled watermelon, feta cheese, mint, and a light vinaigrette.
Ingredients
- 1/2 small seedless watermelon, cut into 1-inch thick wedges
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
- 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
Instructions
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Brush watermelon wedges with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Grill watermelon for 2-3 minutes per side, until grill marks appear and watermelon is slightly softened. Remove from grill and let cool slightly.
- Cut grilled watermelon into bite-sized cubes.
- In a large bowl, combine watermelon cubes, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped mint.
- Drizzle with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and balsamic glaze.
- Gently toss to combine. Serve immediately.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- You can substitute goat cheese for feta if preferred.
- Ensure your grill grates are clean to prevent sticking.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 6 min
- Category: Salad
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: grilled watermelon salad, feta salad, summer salad, refreshing salad, easy salad, healthy salad