Charred watermelon with feta and mint
Grilled Watermelon Salad
Prep Time
10 min
Cook Time
6 min
Total Time
16 min
Servings
4
4 portions
Difficulty
Easy
Cost
Budget
$
Recipe at a Glance
Thick watermelon slabs grilled until caramelized and paired with salty feta, fresh mint, and a balsamic drizzle. A surprising and refreshing summer salad.
Cuisine: American, Mediterranean
Category: Salad, Side Dish
Difficulty: Easy
Cost: $
Dietary: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Quick Summary
16 min total time|4 servings|Easy difficulty
Thick watermelon slabs grilled until caramelized and paired with salty feta, fresh mint, and a balsamic drizzle. A surprising and refreshing summer salad.
AmericanMediterraneanVegetarianGluten-Free
Sarah Chen
(Updated )
Grilling watermelon concentrates its sweetness and adds a smoky dimension that pairs perfectly with salty feta and peppery arugula. It is the most unexpectedly delicious thing you can put on a grill.
This is the kind of recipe that defines American home cooking at its best — straightforward, satisfying, and built on flavors that everyone loves.
Ingredients
- 4 thick slabs seedless watermelon (1 inch thick)
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tbsp balsamic glaze
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
- 2 cups arugula
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- 1
Pat watermelon slabs dry with paper towels—this is essential for good grill marks.
- 2
Brush lightly with olive oil and preheat grill to high heat.
- 3
Grill watermelon 2-3 minutes per side until distinct char marks appear.
- 4
Arrange arugula on a platter and top with grilled watermelon.
- 5
Crumble feta over the top, drizzle with balsamic glaze, and scatter mint leaves.
Serving Suggestions
Ways to Serve This Dish
Serve with crusty artisan bread for dipping
Finish with a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil
Pair with a simple arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette
Serve with classic coleslaw and cornbread on the side
Substitutions
FetaGoat cheese or ricotta salata
Any salty, crumbly cheese works well
Balsamic glazeHoney + lime juice
Different flavor profile but equally delicious
Tips & Storage
Pro Tips
Cut watermelon into thick steaks so they hold together on the grill.
Pat the surface as dry as possible—excess moisture prevents caramelization.
Dry your greens thoroughly — water on the leaves dilutes the dressing and makes everything soggy.
Dress your salad just before serving. Pre-dressed salads wilt quickly, especially delicate greens.
Storage
Store undressed salad components separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days. Keep dressing in a separate jar. Assemble just before serving for the freshest result.
Reheating
Salads are best enjoyed fresh and do not require reheating. If you have leftover dressed salad, it may be slightly wilted but still edible within a few hours.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (15mg) · 4 servings
Calories150
LowModerateHigh
A light, low-calorie option · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet
Protein5g
Carbohydrates7g
Fat18g
Fiber320mg
Sugar1g
Sodium14g
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does grilled watermelon taste weird?
- Not at all—grilling concentrates the sweetness and adds an irresistible smoky note.
- Can I add protein?
- Grilled shrimp or chicken pairs beautifully with this salad.
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About Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.
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