Grilled Watermelon Balsamic Dressing (Printable)

Smoky grilled watermelon with tangy balsamic glaze, creamy feta, and fresh mint makes a refreshing summer dish ready in under 25 minutes.

# What You'll Need:

→ Produce

01 - 1 small seedless watermelon, cut into 1-inch thick slices
02 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
03 - 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
04 - 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves, roughly chopped
05 - 2 cups arugula or baby greens

→ Cheese

06 - 3/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled

→ Dressing

07 - 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
08 - 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze or balsamic reduction
09 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
10 - 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
11 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Garnish

12 - 1/4 cup toasted pumpkin seeds or pine nuts (optional)

# Method:

01 - Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
02 - Cut the watermelon into rounds or wedges about 1-inch thick. Pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
03 - Place watermelon slices on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until distinctive grill marks appear while the fruit remains firm. Remove and let cool slightly, then cut into cubes or triangles.
04 - In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic glaze, Dijon mustard, honey (if using), salt, and pepper until fully emulsified.
05 - In a large salad bowl, combine arugula or baby greens, grilled watermelon cubes, cherry tomatoes, and red onion slices.
06 - Drizzle the balsamic dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat all ingredients evenly.
07 - Top with crumbled feta, fresh mint, and toasted seeds or nuts if desired. Serve immediately while watermelon is still slightly warm.

# Insider Tips:

01 -
  • The grill transforms watermelon into something almost savory, while keeping that refreshing burst that makes you close your eyes on hot days
  • This salad comes together in under 25 minutes but looks like something from a restaurant that requires reservations three weeks out
02 -
  • Grilled watermelon softens quickly, so get everything else prepped before you fire up the grill, this is a race against the clock once the fruit hits the heat
  • The dressing can be made a day ahead and kept at room temperature, but never dress the salad until you are ready to serve or it will wilt into sadness
03 -
  • Use paper towels to really pat the watermelon dry, this is the difference between beautiful char marks and steamed fruit, moisture is the enemy here
  • Let the dressed salad sit for 5 minutes before serving, the watermelon absorbs just enough dressing to become even more incredible

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