Grilled Watermelon Balsamic Dressing (Print Version)

Smoky grilled watermelon meets tangy balsamic dressing, creamy feta, and fresh mint for a vibrant summer dish ready in under 25 minutes.

# What You'll Need:

→ 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)

# How-To Steps:

01 - Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
02 - Cut watermelon into rounds or wedges approximately 1-inch thick. Pat slices dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
03 - Place watermelon slices on preheated grill. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until distinct grill marks appear while maintaining firm texture. 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 fully emulsified.
05 - In a large salad bowl, combine arugula or baby greens, grilled watermelon cubes, cherry tomatoes, and red onion slices.
06 - Drizzle balsamic dressing evenly over salad. Gently toss with salad tongs to coat all ingredients without damaging the watermelon.
07 - Top salad with crumbled feta cheese, fresh mint leaves, and toasted pumpkin seeds or pine nuts if desired. Serve immediately while watermelon is still slightly warm.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Its the perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and tangy that wakes up your taste buds
  • Grilling transforms ordinary watermelon into something restaurant-worthy in minutes
  • The combination comes together so effortlessly, youll look like a culinary genius
02 -
  • Dry those watermelon slices thoroughly or you will not get proper grill marks
  • The watermelon only needs a few minutes per side, do not walk away from the grill
  • Assemble this salad right before serving or the arugula will start to wilt
03 -
  • Use a grill basket if you are worried about watermelon falling through the grates
  • Room temperature watermelon grills more evenly than cold straight from the fridge

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