Oh, summer! You know those glorious, sun-drenched days when all you crave is something light, bright, and bursting with flavor? Well, let me introduce you to my absolute go-to for warm weather: *Grilled Watermelon Feta Salad*! It’s the perfect combo of sweet, salty, and a little bit tangy – seriously, your taste buds will do a happy dance. What’s even better? It’s ridiculously easy to whip up. Seriously, even if you’re, like, a total kitchen newbie, you can totally nail this. My first time making this salad was at a backyard BBQ a few years back. Everyone raved about it, and let me tell you, I felt like a total culinary rockstar! Now, it’s a summer staple in my house, and I think it’ll become one in yours too!
Why You’ll Love This *Grilled Watermelon Feta Salad*
Okay, friends, let me tell you why this *Grilled Watermelon Feta Salad* is pure summer bliss!
- Quick & Easy: Seriously, you can make this in under 30 minutes. Perfect for those busy weeknights or impromptu get-togethers.
- Refreshingly Delicious: The sweet watermelon, salty feta, and tangy dressing? It’s a flavor explosion!
- Summer in a Bowl: This salad screams sunshine and warm breezes. It’s light, vibrant, and the ultimate summer side.
- Visually Stunning: The colors are gorgeous! It’s a real looker, which always makes food taste better, right?
- Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone, and I mean *everyone*, I’ve ever served this to has LOVED it.
- Vegetarian-Friendly: A win-win for all you veggie lovers out there!
Trust me, once you try this salad, you’ll be making it all summer long!
Ingredients for the Perfect *Grilled Watermelon Feta Salad*
Alright, so to make this *Grilled Watermelon Feta Salad*, you’ll need just a handful of fresh, delicious ingredients. I always say, the better the ingredients, the better the salad, you know? So, here’s what you’ll be grabbing:
- 4 cups watermelon, cubed – Gotta get a juicy, ripe one!
- 4 oz crumbled feta cheese – Salty and creamy feta is a MUST. Try to find a good quality one.
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion – Adds a nice bite.
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves – Fresh is best, always! It makes all the difference.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – Good quality, extra virgin olive oil is my go-to.
- 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze – This stuff is pure magic and so good.
- Salt and pepper to taste – Season generously, don’t be shy!
Easy peasy, right?
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make *Grilled Watermelon Feta Salad*
Okay, friends, let’s get down to the good stuff – actually *making* this *Grilled Watermelon Feta Salad*! Don’t you worry, it’s super simple. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be chowing down in no time! Remember to have fun with it!
Prepping the Watermelon for Grilling
First things first, let’s get that watermelon ready. You’ll want about 4 cups of cubed watermelon for this recipe. I like to cut my watermelon into nice, even 1-inch cubes so they grill perfectly. Trust me, it’s all about getting that perfect balance of grilled edges and juicy center!
Grilling the Watermelon to Perfection
Now, let’s get that grill fired up! Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Then, lightly brush those watermelon cubes with a little olive oil. This prevents them from sticking and gives them those gorgeous grill marks we’re after. Grill the watermelon for about 2-3 minutes per side. You’ll want to see those lovely grill marks – that’s the sign it’s time to flip! Careful, it splatters!
Assembling the *Grilled Watermelon Feta Salad*
Alright, once your watermelon is grilled and looking fabulous, it’s time to assemble the salad! In a big bowl, combine those perfectly grilled watermelon cubes with the crumbled feta cheese, thinly sliced red onion, and fresh mint. Drizzle everything with that amazing balsamic glaze. Finally, season with salt and pepper to your liking. Toss it all gently, and then… dig in! It’s best served immediately!
Tips for Success: Mastering Your *Grilled Watermelon Feta Salad*
Okay, you guys, listen up! Want to make sure your *Grilled Watermelon Feta Salad* is absolutely perfect every single time? Here are a few things I’ve learned along the way that will make all the difference. Trust me, these little tricks are game-changers!
First, and this is important: pick a watermelon that’s *ripe*! Look for one that’s heavy for its size and has a nice, dull sound when you tap it. For grilling, medium-high heat is ideal, so watch those grill marks closely – you want them, but you don’t want burnt watermelon! If you’re not a fan of mint, toss in some basil instead, or even a mix of both. And don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of feta! The key is to have fun and make it your own! And one last tip? Don’t skimp on the balsamic glaze – it really does makes the salad.
Variations on the *Grilled Watermelon Feta Salad* Theme
Okay, so once you’ve nailed the basic *Grilled Watermelon Feta Salad*, the fun really begins! You can totally get creative and switch things up to fit your mood or what you have on hand. It’s all about playing around with flavors!
If you’re not a fan of mint, try some fresh basil or cilantro for a different vibe. You could swap the feta for some creamy goat cheese or even grilled halloumi for a fun, salty squeak! Need more texture? Throw in some diced avocado, crunchy cucumber, or even some yummy grilled corn. Don’t be afraid to experiment to find your fave — the possibilities are endless!
Serving Suggestions to Complement Your *Grilled Watermelon Feta Salad*
So, you’ve got this amazing *Grilled Watermelon Feta Salad*, and you’re wondering what to serve it with? Lucky you! It’s super versatile, so you can pair it with all sorts of yummy things.
I love it with some grilled chicken or fish – hello, healthy and delicious summer dinner! It’s also amazing alongside some veggie burgers or even a simple grilled cheese. You could even serve it as an appetizer before a nice pasta dish. Really, almost anything goes! Consider it the star side dish of your meal this summer.
Storage & Reheating Instructions for *Grilled Watermelon Feta Salad*
Okay, so, let’s talk about what to do with any leftover *Grilled Watermelon Feta Salad* – because, hey, sometimes you’re not going to eat it all in one sitting! Good news: you can totally store it!
Just pop any leftovers in an airtight container and stick it in the fridge. Be aware though, this salad is *best* enjoyed fresh, so I find it’s always best to eat it within a day or so. The watermelon can get a little soggy after a while. If you want to make it ahead of time, I suggest you prep the ingredients individually then toss it all together right before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions About *Grilled Watermelon Feta Salad*
Alright, friends, let’s get to some of the questions I often get about my amazing *Grilled Watermelon Feta Salad*! I get it – you wanna make sure your salad turns out perfectly, so let’s dive in!
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Well, sort of! You can prep the watermelon, red onion, and mint in advance. Just store them separately in the fridge. But, here’s the kicker: I recommend grilling the watermelon and assembling the salad *right* before serving. The feta and the watermelon can make things a little soggy if they sit together for too long. Trust me, it’s worth waiting!
What if I don’t have a grill?
No grill? No problem! You can totally get the same smoky flavor by using a grill pan on the stovetop! Just get that pan nice and hot, brush your watermelon with oil, and cook it for a few minutes per side until you see those lovely grill marks. Or, if that’s not possible, you can just serve the watermelon uncooked.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While feta is my go-to for its salty, creamy deliciousness, you can totally experiment with other cheeses. Goat cheese is a great option! You can even try halloumi cheese because it grills up beautifully. Just pick something you love!
Nutritional Information for *Grilled Watermelon Feta Salad*
Heads up, folks! The nutritional info below is just an estimate. It can totally change depending on the specific ingredients and brands you use. So, take it with a grain of salt (or a sprinkle of feta!). Enjoy!
Based on the recipe, the estimated nutritional information per serving of Grilled Watermelon Feta Salad is:
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Grilled Watermelon Feta Salad
- Total Time: 25 min
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing salad with grilled watermelon, salty feta, and a tangy dressing.
Ingredients
- 4 cups watermelon, cubed
- 4 oz feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Brush the watermelon cubes with olive oil.
- Grill the watermelon for 2-3 minutes per side, until grill marks appear.
- In a bowl, combine the grilled watermelon, feta cheese, red onion, and mint.
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- You can add other grilled vegetables to this salad.
- Feel free to substitute the mint with basil.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 10 min
- Category: Salad
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: grilled watermelon, feta salad, watermelon salad, summer salad, easy salad