Grilled Watermelon Feta Basil (Printable)

Smoky watermelon meets creamy feta and fresh basil in this vibrant Mediterranean-inspired summer salad.

# What You'll Need:

→ Produce

01 - 1 small seedless watermelon, cut into 1-inch thick slabs
02 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
03 - 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
04 - 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves

→ Dairy

05 - 5 oz feta cheese, crumbled

→ Dressing

06 - 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
07 - 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze or reduction
08 - Juice of 1 lime
09 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
10 - Sea salt, to taste

# How to Make It:

01 - Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
02 - Brush both sides of the watermelon slabs lightly with olive oil.
03 - Grill the watermelon slabs for 2-3 minutes per side, until grill marks appear and the watermelon is slightly caramelized.
04 - Remove watermelon from the grill and let cool slightly. Cut into bite-size cubes.
05 - In a large bowl or serving platter, combine grilled watermelon cubes, cherry tomatoes, and red onion.
06 - Sprinkle crumbled feta evenly over the top, then add fresh basil leaves.
07 - Drizzle with olive oil, balsamic glaze, and lime juice. Season with sea salt and black pepper to taste. Toss gently and serve immediately.

# Expert Hacks:

01 -
  • The smoky char against cool sweet watermelon creates this incredible contrast that wakes up your entire palate
  • Salty feta and bright basil turn a simple fruit into something that feels elegant enough for dinner parties but casual enough for Tuesday lunch
02 -
  • Grilling time varies by grill intensity so keep an eye on those first few pieces to avoid overcooking which makes the texture mushy
  • Watermelon releases quite a bit of water as it sits especially after being grilled so I always dress this right before serving
03 -
  • Room temperature watermelon grills more evenly than cold straight from the fridge so let those slabs sit out for about 20 minutes before grilling
  • A well seasoned grill creates better marks so brush the grates with oil before adding the watermelon

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