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I remember the first time I tried grilled watermelon. I was at a barbecue, and honestly, I was a little skeptical. Grilled watermelon? Really? But one bite, and I was hooked! The char, the slight caramelization—it just elevates the watermelon to a whole new level. Paired with the creamy, salty feta, it's a total flavor explosion. A friend, Mark, actually told me about a similar salad he had in Greece, served with balsamic glaze and oregano. It's crazy how such simple ingredients can make something so memorable, and so refreshing on a hot summer day. I think it was him who said, what if we try something similar ourselves?!
This recipe is more of an idea than a strict set of rules, really. Feel free to experiment with different herbs, cheeses, and dressings. A little balsamic glaze adds a tangy sweetness, while a sprinkle of chili flakes can bring some heat. I once even tried it with goat cheese instead of feta - talk about creamy! Trust your taste buds and get creative! I’ve even seen my sister, surprisingly, try this and it was the best day ever! She is a picky eater, so that day was special.
Required Equipments
Grill
Knife
Cutting Board
Mixing Bowl
Tongs
Grilled Watermelon and Feta Salad: Frequently Asked Questions
Grilled Watermelon and Feta Salad
This Grilled Watermelon and Feta Salad recipe is a surprisingly delicious combination of sweet, salty, and smoky flavors. Grilling the watermelon brings out its sweetness, which pairs perfectly with salty feta and fresh mint.
⏳ Yield & Time
Yield:4 servings
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time:
🍽 Ingredients
📖 Instructions
First, gently slice the watermelon into 1-inch thick rounds. Then, cut each round into triangles or squares. You want pieces that are easy to handle on the grill.
Brush each watermelon piece lightly with olive oil. This helps prevent sticking and enhances the grilling process. Don't be too heavy-handed; just a light coating will do.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Ensure the grill grates are clean to avoid any unwanted flavors transferring to the watermelon.
Carefully place the watermelon slices on the preheated grill. Grill for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until you see nice grill marks and the watermelon is slightly softened. Keep a close eye on them, as they can burn easily. What you wanna see are nice sear marks, dont leave unattended or you will cry!.
Remove the grilled watermelon from the grill and let it cool slightly on a plate. Letting it cool slightly prevents the feta from melting immediately.
In a large bowl or on a platter, arrange the grilled watermelon. Crumble the feta cheese generously over the top. Don't skimp on the feta – its saltiness is key to balancing the sweetness of the watermelon.
Sprinkle fresh mint leaves over the salad. You can tear the mint leaves for a more rustic look, or leave them whole for a cleaner presentation. Basil also works great in case you cant find mint!.
Drizzle with balsamic glaze, if desired. A little balsamic glaze adds a tangy sweetness that complements the other flavors. Start with a small amount and add more to taste.
Season with a pinch of sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. The salt enhances the sweetness of the watermelon, and the pepper adds a subtle kick.
Serve immediately and enjoy! This salad is best enjoyed fresh, while the watermelon is still slightly warm from the grill.
📝 Notes
Add a squeeze of lime juice for extra zing.
For a spicy kick, sprinkle with red pepper flakes.