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I'll never forget the first time I tried this salad. It was at a friend's backyard barbecue, and honestly, I wasn't expecting much. Watermelon and corn together? Seemed a little odd. But wow, was I wrong! The smoky char of the grilled corn, the juicy sweetness of the watermelon, and the bright, herby notes of mint and lime created this explosion of flavor that just screamed summer. It's like sunshine in a bowl. I knew immediately I needed to recreate it at home. After a few tries (and a couple of slightly too charred corn incidents – whoops!), I've nailed the recipe. And now, I am excited to share it with you. It's seriously the perfect dish for potlucks, picnics, or just a light lunch on a hot day. Prepare for compliments, because this one's a winner!
What makes this salad sing is the grilling. Grilling the corn not only gives it that lovely smoky flavour, but it also intensifies its sweetness. And don't skimp on the fresh mint! It's the perfect counterpoint to the sweetness of the watermelon and corn, adding a refreshing coolness that really balances things out. I like to use a good quality honey for the dressing (local if you can find it!), because it adds a depth of flavour that you just don't get with regular sugar. And of course, that vibrant lime juice brightens everything up and brings all the flavors together. You can add little feta cheese if you want, but I don't think you need too. Are you ready to dive in and make this amazing salad? Let's get grilling!
Required Equipments
Grill
Cutting board
Sharp knife
Mixing bowl
Whisk
Tongs
Grilled Corn and Watermelon Salad with Mint and Lime: Frequently Asked Questions
Grilled Corn and Watermelon Salad with Mint and Lime
Elevate your summer gatherings with this Grilled Corn & Watermelon Salad, a refreshing blend of smoky sweetness and tangy zest. Perfectly balanced with fresh mint and lime, it's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
⏳ Yield & Time
Yield:4 servings
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time:
🍽 Ingredients
📖 Instructions
Get your corn ready: Shuck the corn, removing all the husks and silk. Now, lightly brush the corn with olive oil. This helps it char nicely on the grill.
Fire up the grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 375-450°F or 190-230°C). Make sure the grates are clean so your corn doesn't stick.
Grill the corn: Place the corn on the grill grates. Grill for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the kernels are slightly charred and tender. You want those nice grill marks all around!
Cool the corn: Once grilled, remove the corn from the grill and let it cool slightly. You should be able to handle it without burning your fingers.
Cut the kernels: Using a sharp knife, carefully cut the kernels off the cob. I find it easiest to stand the corn upright on a cutting board and slice downwards. Pro tip: if you put a small bowl upside down in the middle of a larger bowl, it makes this process easier.
Prep the watermelon: Cut the watermelon into bite-sized cubes. You want them to be big enough to hold their shape but small enough to eat easily.
Mint matters!: Chop the fresh mint leaves. Don't chop them too finely, you want to be able to see and taste those lovely green flecks.
Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, honey (or agave), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. I like mine a little tangy!
Combine everything: In a large bowl, combine the grilled corn kernels, watermelon cubes, and chopped mint. Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine. Be gentle so you don't mash the watermelon.
Chill (optional): For the best flavour, chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together. However, it's also delicious served immediately!
Garnish and serve: If you want to be fancy (and I usually do!), garnish the salad with extra mint leaves and a few lime wedges before serving. Enjoy!
📝 Notes
Add crumbled feta cheese for a salty, tangy twist.
For a spicier kick, add a pinch of chili flakes to the dressing.