Grilled Watermelon Balsamic Dressing (Printable)

Smoky grilled watermelon paired with tangy balsamic, creamy feta, and fresh mint for a refreshing summer bite.

# 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)

# How-To Steps:

01 - Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
02 - Cut watermelon into rounds or wedges approximately 1-inch thick. Pat slices dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
03 - Place watermelon slices on preheated grill. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until distinct grill marks appear while 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 balsamic dressing evenly over salad mixture. Using salad tongs, gently toss to coat all ingredients without crushing the watermelon.
07 - Top salad with crumbled feta, fresh mint leaves, and toasted seeds or nuts if desired. Serve immediately while watermelon retains its slight warmth.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The smoky sweetness of grilled watermelon creates this incredible contrast with tangy feta and peppery arugula that somehow just works
  • It comes together in under 25 minutes but looks like something from a restaurant menu
02 -
  • Dry your watermelon slices really thoroughly before grilling—excess moisture means steam, not those beautiful char marks we're after
  • The salad needs to be served immediately after dressing or the arugula wilts and loses that fresh snap
03 -
  • Use your hands to gently toss the salad—tongs can bruise the delicate watermelon and tear the greens
  • If your balsamic glaze is too thick, warm it for 10 seconds in the microwave before whisking

Return