Grilled Watermelon Salad

Posted on 28 July 2010

Grilled watermelon salad

My obsession with watermelon has grown deep like the rivers.

Two years ago, it was all about watermelon jam. Last year, pickled watermelon rind. This year, watermelon salad — the unlikely inspiration was the cover of Real Simple magazine.

Grilled watermelon salad

Yet I don’t even remember the last time I ate watermelon. Two years ago, I worried about the jam not setting so I never even attempted it. Last year, I allowed my apprehension about pickling (since conquered) to paralyze me. This year, I was sorely tempted to follow suit.

I turned to research; investigation and analysis generally allay my fears. It appeared as though watermelon salad could easily be done. They key was to let watermelon’s succulent juiciness dominate and shine.

Grilled watermelon salad

That meant nothing too complicated. Nothing involving red onions (a la Real Simple). It seemed as though grilling could bring forth an interesting contrast to its sweetness, with some arugula to give a bit of bite. A little cheese always makes everything better. And a simple vinaigrette to round things out.

Et voila — the perfect summer salad.

Grilled watermelon salad

Grilled Watermelon Salad

Yield: 2 servings

Ingredients

1 5-ounce package baby arugula*
Extra virgin olive oil
2 slices watermelon
3 ounces crumbled goat cheese
Balsamic vinaigrette **

Instructions

Preheat grill. Brush both sides of watermelon slices with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill the watermelon 1-2 minutes on each side.
Toss arugula with vinaigrette. Split onto 2 plates. Top with watermelon and sprinkle with cheese.
https://www.allfourburners.com/2010/07/28/grilled-watermelon-salad/

Generously adapted from Bon Appetit

* Oops, I accidentally bought mixed greens. Oh well, there’s always next time.

** I used a strawberry balsamic because I had it, but I’m sure this would be equally delicious made with regular balsamic.


6 responses to Grilled Watermelon Salad

  • Rebecca says:

    I love watermelon. It’s my favorite summer dessert…haven’t tried it in a salad though…

    • allfourburners says:

      Rebecca, this was surprisingly good. You may not even need to grill the watermelon (or try running it under the broiler for a few minutes), but it added an interesting smoky flavor. My grill is pretty dirty from all the grilling we have been doing so that may have actually been the smoky part.

  • Rosey says:

    I saw this featured on Robin’s blog today (Masshole Mommy) and had to come take a look. How cool!

    • allfourburners says:

      Rosey, it’s almost time for both grilling and watermelon seasons! This is the perfect light salad when it’s entirely too hot outside. Enjoy!

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