As the sun shines brighter and the warm breezes of summer roll in, there’s nothing quite like the delightful zing of a fresh salad to elevate your outdoor gatherings. Picture this: the smooth, sweet flavor of grilled watermelon mingling with peppery arugula, creating a dish that not only looks stunning but is bursting with flavor. This isn’t just any salad; it’s my Ultimate Grilled Watermelon Salad, a masterpiece that celebrates the season’s bounty.
What makes this dish truly special is how effortlessly it comes together. With vibrant colors and delightful textures, each bite provides a refreshing contrast—juicy watermelon paired with creamy blue cheese and crunchy pistachios, all drizzled in a tangy balsamic glaze. Perfect as a side for your backyard barbecue or as a light appetizer for a summer soirée, this salad quickly transforms a simple meal into a culinary celebration. So, grab your apron and get ready to savor the essence of summer with this easy-to-make recipe!
Why is this Ultimate Grilled Watermelon Salad unforgettable?
Simplicity at its Finest: This salad comes together quickly, making it an ideal choice for busy summer days.
Delectable Flavor Combination: The sweet grilled watermelon and tangy blue cheese create a perfect balance that’s simply addictive.
Versatile & Customizable: You can easily swap ingredients to cater to your taste or dietary preferences, allowing you to make it your own.
Visual Appeal: The vibrant colors and textures make this salad a showstopper, guaranteed to impress at any gathering.
Crowd Favorite: Perfect for sharing, this dish is sure to win over friends and family, turning any meal into a celebration!
Healthy & Nutritious: Bursting with vitamins and nutrients, it’s a guilt-free indulgence ideal for any summer table.
Ultimate Grilled Watermelon Salad Ingredients
For the Salad
• Watermelon – Thick slices (3/4 – 1 inch) provide the sweet, juicy base essential for grilling.
• Arugula/Rocket – This peppery green enhances the flavor, adding a delightful contrast to the sweetness.
• Unsalted Pistachios – Lightly crushed for added crunch and an earthy flavor that complements the salad.
• Blue Cheese – The creamy, salty kick pairs beautifully with the watermelon; swap with feta or goat cheese if desired.
For the Dressing
• Balsamic Glaze – Adds a sweet acidity and depth; choose homemade for a personal touch or store-bought for convenience.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil – Essential for brushing the watermelon and drizzling over the salad for extra flavor.
• Lemon Juice – Freshens up the salad and brightens all the flavors; adjust to your taste.
• Salt & Black Pepper – Use to season each ingredient properly, ensuring a well-balanced taste throughout.
The Ultimate Grilled Watermelon Salad is a delicious way to enjoy summer’s bounty!
How to Make Ultimate Grilled Watermelon Salad
-
Prepare the Dressing: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the arugula, blue cheese, crushed pistachios, lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Stir gently until well mixed and set aside to let the flavors meld.
-
Shape the Watermelon: Cut thick circular shapes from the watermelon slice using a cookie cutter. Make sure they are about 3/4 to 1 inch thick for optimal grilling. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
-
Brush the Watermelon: Lightly brush both sides of each watermelon slice with extra virgin olive oil. This helps achieve those lovely grill marks and adds flavor.
-
Heat the Grill: Preheat a griddle pan or grill over high heat until it’s smoking. This usually takes about 5 minutes—perfect timing to get that crispy exterior!
-
Grill the Watermelon: Place the watermelon slices on the grill. Grill each side for about 2-3 minutes, or until grill marks appear and the melon is slightly caramelized.
-
Assemble the Salad: Once the watermelon is off the grill, sprinkle a pinch of salt over it. Top generously with the prepared arugula salad, and finish with a tantalizing drizzle of balsamic glaze.
Optional: Garnish with fresh mint leaves for an extra burst of flavor.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Ultimate Grilled Watermelon Salad components are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the arugula salad mix (including blue cheese and pistachios) and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just wait to add the balsamic glaze until right before serving to keep everything fresh and vibrant. If you want to grill the watermelon ahead of time, do so no more than 24 hours prior; simply grill, let it cool, then refrigerate in an airtight container. When it’s time to serve, just reheat the watermelon briefly on the grill or stovetop, assemble the salad, and you’ll have a refreshing dish ready in no time!
How to Store and Freeze Ultimate Grilled Watermelon Salad
Fridge: Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 1 day. Keep in mind that the watermelon may release juices, which can make the salad soggy.
Freezer: Not recommended for freezing, as the watermelon will lose its texture once thawed. Enjoy fresh for the best flavor and experience.
Reheating: This salad is best served cold or at room temperature. If necessary, let come to room temperature for a few minutes after refrigeration before serving.
Freshness Tip: For the most vibrant taste, prepare the Ultimate Grilled Watermelon Salad right before serving to enjoy the peak freshness and texture!
Grilled Watermelon Salad Variations
Feel free to get creative and tailor this salad to suit your tastes or dietary needs!
-
Cheese Swap: Substitute blue cheese for feta or goat cheese for a different creaminess and flavor profile. Each option brings a unique twist to your salad.
-
Nut Variations: Replace pistachios with almonds, walnuts, or even sunflower seeds for a delightful crunch and varied texture. The choice of nut will invigorate the salad with a new taste experience.
-
Herb Infusion: Add fresh mint or basil for a refreshing herbal note that elevates the salad’s flavor. These herbs will provide a fragrant contrast to the sweetness of the watermelon.
-
Fruity Boost: Toss in diced mango or strawberries to enhance sweetness and introduce a colorful twist. The combination of fruits transforms the salad into a vibrant summer delight.
-
Spicy Kick: Add sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of chili flakes for a fiery twist that complements the sweetness of the watermelon beautifully. This brings a thrilling heat that takes the dish to a new level.
-
Balsamic Alternatives: Experiment with a citrus vinaigrette or herb-infused olive oil to offer new layers of flavor. These alternatives can deepen the taste while complementing the salad’s fresh ingredients.
-
Texture Twist: Incorporate roasted chickpeas for added protein and crunch, creating a more filling dish. This substitution not only provides texture but also boosts nutritional value.
-
Sweeteners: Drizzle a little honey or agave syrup on top for an extra layer of sweetness that harmonizes lovely with the grilled watermelon. A touch of sweetness makes every bite delightful!
Expert Tips for the Ultimate Grilled Watermelon Salad
- Choose the Right Watermelon: Look for a seedless, ripe watermelon; a heavy one will have more water content, making it juicier and sweeter.
- Pat It Dry: Before grilling, ensure the watermelon slices are patted dry. Excess moisture can prevent the desired grill marks and charring.
- Grill Over High Heat: Preheat your grill or pan until it’s smoking hot; this will give you those beautiful caramelized grill marks while keeping the melon juicy.
- Balance the Flavors: Taste the salad as you mix your ingredients. Add salt gradually to ensure the pepperiness from the arugula and the sweetness of the watermelon harmonize perfectly.
- Experiment with Variations: Don’t hesitate to try different cheeses or nuts; each combination brings out unique flavors, transforming this into your signature Ultimate Grilled Watermelon Salad.
What to Serve with Grilled Watermelon Salad?
Bring your summer gatherings to life by pairing this refreshing salad with dishes that complement its vibrant flavors.
-
Grilled Chicken Skewers: Juicy and smoky, these skewers offer a delicious protein contrast that balances the sweetness of the watermelon.
-
Quinoa Salad: A nutty, wholesome side; its light flavors and chewy texture create a satisfying duo with the crisp salad.
-
Chilled Gazpacho: This chilled tomato soup bursts with fresh veggies, echoing the summer theme while offering a cool contrast to the grilled flavors.
-
Corn on the Cob: Grilled or charred to perfection, the sweet corn pairs beautifully, enhancing the overall outdoor dining experience.
-
Sparkling Lemonade: Refreshing and zesty, this drink complements the salad’s flavors while providing a thirst-quenching sip on a warm day.
-
Berry Tart: A delightful and sweet end to your meal, its fruity notes resonate beautifully after the savory salad.
Elevate your summer dining experience with these delightful pairings, creating a memorable meal that celebrates the best of the season!
Ultimate Grilled Watermelon Salad Recipe FAQs
What type of watermelon should I use?
Absolutely! Look for a ripe, seedless watermelon that feels heavy for its size. This typically indicates a higher water content, resulting in a sweeter taste. Ensure the rind is firm and free from dark spots or blemishes for the best grilling results.
How long does the salad stay fresh in the fridge?
Very good question! You can store any leftovers of the Ultimate Grilled Watermelon Salad in an airtight container for up to 1 day. However, be mindful that the watermelon tends to release juices over time, which can make the salad a bit soggy. Better to enjoy it fresh!
Can I freeze the grilled watermelon salad?
Not recommended! Freezing the Ultimate Grilled Watermelon Salad isn’t ideal because watermelon’s texture changes after thawing, becoming mushy. Enjoy it fresh to experience the balance of flavors and textures it provides.
What can I do if my watermelon is too soft?
If your watermelon is too soft, I recommend skipping grilling! Instead, you can cut it into cubes and serve it fresh over a bed of arugula, topped with the other ingredients. The salad will still taste delightful, but the grilling will highlight its sweet and caramelized flavor.
Is this salad suitable for people with food allergies?
Absolutely! This dish is gluten-free and can be customized based on dietary preferences. If you have nut allergies, simply omit the unsalted pistachios and try sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for crunch instead. Always double-check cheese labels for any hidden allergens, or substitute with dairy-free versions for a vegan option.
How do I adjust the sweetness of the salad?
Very easy! If you find your watermelon isn’t as sweet as you’d like, you can enhance it by adding a touch more balsamic glaze or lemon juice. For a balanced flavor, just add a little at a time and taste until it meets your perfect level of sweetness!
The Ultimate Grilled Watermelon Salad for Summer Bliss
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare the Dressing by combining arugula, blue cheese, crushed pistachios, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Stir gently and set aside.
- Shape the watermelon by cutting thick circular shapes using a cookie cutter. Pat them dry with paper towels.
- Brush both sides of each watermelon slice with olive oil.
- Heat the grill over high heat until smoking, about 5 minutes.
- Grill the watermelon slices for 2-3 minutes on each side until grill marks appear.
- Assemble the salad by sprinkling salt over grilled watermelon, topping with the arugula mixture, and drizzling balsamic glaze.