Description
A refreshing and vibrant side dish featuring caramelized, smoky grilled watermelon paired with salty feta cheese, fresh mint, and a tangy balsamic glaze. It’s the perfect light, gluten-free counterpoint to heavy barbecue mains.
Ingredients
- 4 cups cubed seedless watermelon (about 1 small melon)
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese (about 150g)
- ½ cup chopped fresh mint leaves
- ½ medium red onion, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional, based on sweetness of melon)
- Freshly cracked black pepper
- Pinch of sea salt
- Optional: Diced avocado
- Optional: Chili flakes or red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Cut the watermelon rind off and slice the flesh into 1-inch cubes. Pat the cubes dry with a paper towel to ensure proper charring.
- Whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey (if using), black pepper, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl to create the dressing. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates.
- Thread watermelon cubes onto skewers (soaked in water if using wooden skewers) or place them in a grill basket.
- Grill the watermelon for 2-3 minutes per side until golden-brown char marks appear and the melon softens slightly but holds its shape.
- Transfer grilled watermelon to a large serving bowl.
- Add crumbled feta cheese and thinly sliced red onion (grilled or raw, depending on preference).
- Just before serving, drizzle the balsamic glaze over the warm watermelon and toss gently to coat.
- Sprinkle chopped mint over the top and give one final gentle toss. Serve immediately.
Notes
[‘Pat watermelon dry before grilling to prevent steaming and ensure good char marks.’, ‘Do not dress the salad until ready to serve to prevent the watermelon from becoming watery.’, ‘Use cold feta for a pleasing temperature contrast with the warm melon.’, ‘Rub mint leaves between hands before chopping to release essential oils and enhance flavor.’, ‘If watermelon is very sweet, skip the honey in the dressing.’]
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5-7 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 12
- Sodium: 250
- Fat: 6
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Carbohydrates: 15
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 4
Keywords: grilled watermelon, feta salad, labor day side dish, summer salad, gluten-free recipe, balsamic glaze, barbecue sides, healthy side dish