Print

Fresh Grilled Watermelon Salad with Feta and Mint

fresh grilled watermelon salad - featured image

A quick and easy summer salad featuring smoky grilled watermelon paired with salty feta and fresh mint, perfect for backyard barbecues and casual dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 cups watermelon, cut into 1-inch thick slices (seedless or seedless-trimmed recommended)
  • 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, roughly chopped
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • Sea salt, to taste
  • Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: toasted pine nuts or chopped pistachios for crunch

Instructions

  1. Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F / 200°C).
  2. Slice the watermelon into 1-inch thick wedges or large cubes. Remove seeds if needed. Pat the pieces dry with a paper towel to prevent excess moisture.
  3. Brush both sides of each watermelon slice lightly with about 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
  4. Place watermelon slices on the grill. Cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes per side until grill marks appear and the watermelon is slightly charred. Flip carefully with tongs.
  5. Transfer grilled watermelon to a large mixing bowl and let cool slightly until warm but not hot.
  6. Add crumbled feta and chopped fresh mint to the bowl. Toss gently to combine.
  7. Drizzle the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and lemon juice over the salad. Season with sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Toss lightly again.
  8. If using, sprinkle toasted nuts on top just before serving.
  9. Serve immediately or chill for 10-15 minutes if you prefer it cooler.

Notes

Do not overcook the watermelon; grill 2-3 minutes per side to avoid mushiness. Pat watermelon dry before grilling to prevent steaming. Drain excess juice before adding feta to avoid sogginess. Optional toasted nuts add crunch. Vegan and dairy-free substitutions include plant-based feta or marinated tofu.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled watermelon salad, summer salad, feta cheese, mint, easy summer recipe, grilled fruit salad, healthy salad, quick salad