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Fresh Grilled Watermelon Salad with Feta and Mint

fresh grilled watermelon salad - featured image

A refreshing and easy-to-make salad featuring smoky grilled watermelon, creamy feta cheese, and bright fresh mint, perfect for summer gatherings or a light lunch.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ripe seedless watermelon (about 45 pounds), sliced into 1-inch thick wedges or large cubes
  • 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, torn or roughly chopped
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, plus more for brushing
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • Sea salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Optional add-ins: thinly sliced red onion, toasted pine nuts or walnuts, balsamic reduction drizzle

Instructions

  1. Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F).
  2. Slice the watermelon into 1-inch thick wedges or large cubes and pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
  3. Lightly brush both sides of the watermelon slices with extra virgin olive oil.
  4. Grill the watermelon slices for 2-3 minutes per side until grill marks appear and the fruit caramelizes slightly without becoming mushy.
  5. Remove the watermelon from the grill and let cool for 5 minutes.
  6. Cut the grilled watermelon into bite-sized pieces if you grilled wedges and place them in a mixing bowl.
  7. Add the crumbled feta cheese and torn mint leaves to the bowl.
  8. Drizzle with lime juice and a little more olive oil, then season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  9. Gently toss to combine all ingredients.
  10. If desired, add optional thinly sliced red onion, toasted nuts, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
  11. Serve immediately while the watermelon is still slightly warm and smoky.

Notes

Pat watermelon dry before grilling to ensure caramelization instead of steaming. Use a light brush of olive oil to prevent sticking and flare-ups. Add feta and mint just before serving for best flavor. Salad can be stored in the fridge for up to 1 day; drain excess juice before serving again. Reheat watermelon briefly on grill or pan to restore smoky flavor if desired.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled watermelon salad, watermelon feta salad, summer salad, grilled fruit salad, mint salad, easy salad recipe, healthy salad