Summer parties just got a whole lot more exciting with this Grilled Watermelon Feta Salad! Seriously, when it’s blazing hot outside, the last thing I want is a heavy, complicated dish. This salad is my absolute go-to for those days. It’s got this amazing combo of sweet, salty, and even a little smoky from the grill. I remember the first time I tried grilling watermelon – I was a total skeptic, but wow, it changes everything! It brings out this incredible depth that you just don’t get from raw watermelon. This Grilled Watermelon Feta Salad is now a staple at every BBQ I host!
Why You’ll Love This Grilled Watermelon Feta Salad
Trust me, this Grilled Watermelon Feta Salad is a game-changer:
- Super Easy: It comes together in a flash, perfect for when you’re short on time.
- Flavor Explosion: Sweet watermelon, salty feta, fresh mint, and that smoky grilled char? Pure magic!
- Ultimate Summer Dish: It’s incredibly refreshing and light, exactly what you need on a hot day.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone raves about this one – it’s always a hit!
Ingredients for Your Grilled Watermelon Feta Salad
Okay, so for this amazing salad, you’ll need just a few things. Don’t worry, they’re all super easy to find! First up, grab about half of a small seedless watermelon and cut it into those nice, thick 1-inch wedges. Then, you’ll need a couple of tablespoons of good olive oil, a little salt, and some black pepper for seasoning. The star players are about 4 ounces of yummy feta cheese, crumbled up, and a quarter cup of fresh mint leaves, all chopped up nice and fine. And for that final drizzle of deliciousness, just a couple of tablespoons of balsamic glaze will do the trick!
Essential Equipment for Grilling
You don’t need a fancy setup for this! Just make sure you have a grill that’s preheated properly. A good set of grill tongs will be your best friend for flipping those watermelon wedges without them falling apart. And a sharp knife is handy for cutting the watermelon into those perfect cubes later on. That’s really it!
How to Make the Perfect Grilled Watermelon Feta Salad
Alright, let’s get this magical salad made! It sounds fancy, but honestly, it’s a breeze. The key is just a little bit of prep and keeping an eye on the grill. You want that watermelon to get a nice char, but not turn to mush. Here’s the lowdown on how to whip up this amazing Grilled Watermelon Feta Salad:
Prepping the Watermelon for Grilling
First things first, grab your watermelon wedges. You want them to be about an inch thick – not too thin, or they’ll fall apart. Now, brush both sides with a little olive oil. It helps get those lovely grill marks and stops it from sticking too much. Give it a sprinkle of salt and pepper too, just to get things started. Don’t go crazy; we’ve got salty feta coming!
Grilling the Watermelon to Perfection
Get your grill nice and hot, like medium-high heat. This is important! You want it hot enough to get those beautiful grill marks quickly. Carefully lay your oiled watermelon wedges on the grill. Let them cook for about 2 to 3 minutes per side. You’re looking for those dark, yummy grill marks and you’ll see the watermelon soften up just a tiny bit. A little tip from me to you: make sure your grill grates are super clean before you start. Trust me, nobody wants bits of old barbecue stuck to their gorgeous watermelon!
Assembling Your Grilled Watermelon Feta Salad
Once the watermelon is grilled, take it off the heat and let it cool for just a couple of minutes. It should still be warm, not piping. Then, cut those wedges into bite-sized cubes. Pop those lovely, charred cubes into a big bowl. Toss in your crumbled feta cheese and that fresh, chopped mint. Finally, give it all a good drizzle of balsamic glaze. Give it a gentle toss, like you’re tucking it into bed – you don’t want to mash up that feta or watermelon!
Tips for the Best Grilled Watermelon Feta Salad
Okay, so you’ve got the basic idea, but let me give you a few pointers to make your Grilled Watermelon Feta Salad absolutely sing! First off, the watermelon choice is key. Pick a ripe one – it should sound hollow when you tap it and feel heavy for its size. For the feta, I always go for a block that I crumble myself, not the pre-crumbled stuff. It just tastes way better and has a creamier texture. And if you want to jazz it up even more, try adding some thinly sliced red onion or even a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts for an extra crunch. Oh, and for the dressing? While balsamic glaze is divine, a little zesty lemon vinaigrette also works wonders if you want something a bit brighter!
Ingredient Variations and Substitutions
Part of the fun of this salad is that it’s super forgiving, so don’t be afraid to play around! If you’re not a huge fan of mint (though I really think it’s the bomb here!), fresh basil is a fantastic swap. It adds a lovely, slightly peppery note that’s just as delicious. For the cheese, if feta isn’t your jam, try some fresh mozzarella pearls; they’re milder and give a different kind of creamy bite. You could even do a crumbly goat cheese if you’re feeling adventurous! And if you want to add a little extra something, some thinly sliced red onion or even a handful of cucumber can give it a nice crunch.
Serving Suggestions for Your Salad
This Grilled Watermelon Feta Salad is seriously sunshine in a bowl! It’s picture-perfect alongside grilled chicken or fish, maybe some burgers for a backyard BBQ, or it would be lovely with some classic diner-style foods. It’s also a fantastic, light option for a family dinner when you want something different, like with these picky-family-approved dinners. Honestly, it’s so good, I’ve even served it as a light appetizer before a bigger meal, or just grabbed a fork and eaten it straight from the bowl. It’s that versatile!
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Leftovers of this amazing Grilled Watermelon Feta Salad are best enjoyed fresh, as the watermelon can get a bit watery sitting too long. If you do have some, pop it into an airtight container and stash it in the fridge. It’s really not meant to be reheated, so just enjoy it cold the next day!
Frequently Asked Questions
Got questions about this amazing Grilled Watermelon Feta Salad? I’ve got you covered!
Can I grill watermelon ahead of time?
You know, you *can* grill it a little bit ahead, but honestly, it’s best served soon after grilling. The watermelon is amazing when it’s still a little warm with that lovely char. If you absolutely have to, grill it an hour or two beforehand and keep it at room temperature draped with a little plastic wrap. But trust me, the star power comes from grilling it right before you toss everything together!
What kind of feta is best for this salad?
My absolute favorite is good old block feta, usually packed in brine. When you crumble it yourself right before adding it to the salad, it has this incredible creamy texture and the flavor is just so much better. Pre-crumbled feta can sometimes be a bit dry and dusty. Go for the block if you can – it makes a world of difference!
Can I make this salad vegan?
You totally can! The only non-vegan part is the feta cheese. So, just skip that when you’re assembling your salad. If you want something to fill that little salty, creamy void, you could toss in some toasted pumpkin seeds or even some marinated artichoke hearts for a bit of extra yumminess. It’s still super refreshing and packed with flavor even without the cheese!
My watermelon is sticking to the grill, what am I doing wrong?
Oh, that’s frustrating, but it happens! The biggest culprit is usually a grill that’s not hot enough, or those grates aren’t clean. Make sure your grill is preheated to medium-high and that you’ve given the grates a good scrub. Also, brushing the watermelon with that olive oil (don’t forget that step!) really helps create a barrier. Give it a good minute or two on each side before trying to flip it; sometimes it just needs a little persuasion to release.
Nutritional Information
Just a heads-up, these numbers are estimates and can change a bit depending on the exact ingredients you use. But for a serving of this vibrant Grilled Watermelon Feta Salad, you’re looking at roughly 150 calories, about 8g of fat, 5g of protein, and 15g of carbohydrates.
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
- 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 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 watermelon from grill and let cool slightly. Cut into bite-sized cubes.
- In a large bowl, combine grilled watermelon cubes, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped mint.
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze and toss gently to combine.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- You can substitute basil for mint 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: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: Grilled watermelon salad, feta cheese, mint, summer salad, easy salad, balsamic glaze