There’s nothing quite as unexpectedly delicious as this Grilled Watermelon with Feta, Basil, and Balsamic Recipe. It’s a playful twist on watermelon that transforms this familiar summer fruit into an irresistible, savory-sweet sensation. The smoky char from the grill enhances the juicy watermelon, while the creamy feta and fresh basil add brightness. A drizzle of thick balsamic vinegar rounds it all out, creating a dish that’s as eye-catching as it is flavorful. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll want to make it a staple for warm-weather gatherings and quick, impressive snacks.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Grilled Watermelon with Feta, Basil, and Balsamic Recipe is delightfully simple when it comes to ingredients. Each one plays an important role—bringing layers of contrasting flavors and textures that work perfectly together. You’ll appreciate how few ingredients create such a memorable dish.
- 1 small watermelon – seedless: Choose a seedless watermelon for easier grilling and convenience, and keep the rind on for easy handling or remove if you like.
- 1 cup feta: Crumbly and salty, feta cheese is the perfect creamy counterpoint to the sweet watermelon.
- Thick balsamic vinegar*: A rich, syrupy balsamic drizzle adds tangy sweetness to elevate the entire dish.
- Fresh basil: Bright and herbaceous, basil brings freshness that balances the smoky and sweet flavors.
- Good quality tasting olive oil*: A light brush of olive oil prevents sticking and adds a subtle fruity note.
- Salt: Just a tiny pinch enhances all the other flavors, making the watermelon taste even juicier.
How to Make Grilled Watermelon with Feta, Basil, and Balsamic Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Watermelon
Start by slicing your watermelon into the shape you prefer. The recipe shines with stick shapes because they’re perfect for grilling and easy to hold, but wedges work just as well. Leaving the rind on not only makes it more fun to eat but also helps keep the watermelon together as it grills. If you prefer to eat it without the rind, feel free to remove it before cooking.
Step 2: Get Your Grill Ready
Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat and lightly brush the grates with olive oil to prevent the watermelon from sticking. This step sets you up for those beautiful grill marks that add a smoky flavor and appealing aesthetics. Patience here is key; you want those marks to form without the watermelon becoming mushy.
Step 3: Grill the Watermelon
Place your watermelon slices on the hot grill and cook for just a few minutes per side until grill marks appear. The goal is to warm the watermelon and impart a smoky undertone without turning it soft. This quick grilling transforms the watery crispness into something unexpectedly savory and rich.
Step 4: Assemble the Dish
Now comes the magic moment! Remove the watermelon from the grill and arrange it on a serving platter. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of salt over each piece to amplify the flavors. Drizzle thick balsamic vinegar and a little olive oil generously over the watermelon, then scatter crumbled feta on top. Finish with freshly shredded basil leaves to lend a fresh herbal punch. Serve immediately while the grilled watermelon is still warm for the best taste experience.
How to Serve Grilled Watermelon with Feta, Basil, and Balsamic Recipe
Garnishes
Adding just a little extra something to garnish your dish can elevate it even further. Try sprinkling toasted pine nuts or chopped pistachios for some crunch, or a light dusting of cracked black pepper to contrast the sweetness. A few edible flowers can make this dish look stunning for a special occasion.
Side Dishes
This recipe plays well as a refreshing side for grilled meats like chicken or lamb, or alongside a light summer salad. Pair it with a crisp white wine or a chilled rosé for a perfectly balanced meal that’s light but bursting with flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
Impress your guests by presenting the Grilled Watermelon with Feta, Basil, and Balsamic Recipe in unique ways. Try stacking smaller cubes into a colorful tower or threading grilled watermelon, feta, and basil onto skewers for a fun appetizer. Serving it on a large wooden board with assorted bruschetta and olives is another crowd-pleaser.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the balsamic drizzle separate if possible to prevent the watermelon from getting too soggy.
Freezing
This dish doesn’t freeze well because watermelon loses its texture when frozen and thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a couple of days refrigerated.
Reheating
Reheat grilled watermelon gently if needed by warming briefly in a skillet or microwave; however, serving it slightly chilled or at room temperature preserves the fresh flavors best.
FAQs
Can I use regular balsamic vinegar instead of thick balsamic vinegar?
Yes, you can, but thick balsamic vinegar adds a syrupy texture and concentrated sweetness that really enhances the dish. If you only have regular balsamic, consider reducing it on the stove to thicken slightly.
Is it important to leave the rind on the watermelon when grilling?
Leaving the rind on is optional but helpful because it makes the watermelon easier to handle on the grill and keeps the pieces intact. Removing the rind works fine too, especially if you prefer bite-sized pieces.
Can I prepare this recipe without a grill?
Definitely. A grill pan or a very hot cast-iron skillet works well for getting those char marks and smoky flavor. Just remember to brush the pan with oil to prevent sticking.
What can I substitute for feta if I want a dairy-free option?
For a dairy-free version, try crumbly tofu marinated in lemon juice and salt or a nut-based cheese alternative. The key is to have something salty and crumbly to mimic feta’s texture and flavor.
How long should the watermelon be grilled?
Only about 2-3 minutes per side is sufficient to develop grill marks and warm the watermelon without making it mushy. The point is to enhance the fruit’s natural sweetness and add smoky depth without overcooking.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to wow your friends, family, or just treat yourself to a summer delight, this Grilled Watermelon with Feta, Basil, and Balsamic Recipe is absolutely a must-try. Its unexpected combination of flavors and ease of preparation make it a showstopper at any meal. Once you grill those juicy watermelon slices and bring all those bold tastes together, you’ll never look at watermelon the same way again. Give it a go and enjoy the smiles it creates!
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Grilled Watermelon with Feta, Basil, and Balsamic Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (4–6 pieces each)
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This refreshing and unique grilled watermelon recipe combines the sweet juiciness of watermelon with the salty tang of feta cheese, enhanced by a drizzle of thick balsamic vinegar, good quality olive oil, and fresh basil. Perfect as a light appetizer or summer snack, the grilling adds delicious smoky grill marks and slightly caramelizes the watermelon for a delightful flavor contrast.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 small seedless watermelon
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- Thick balsamic vinegar, for drizzling
- Fresh basil, shredded
- Good quality tasting olive oil, for brushing and drizzling
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- Slice Watermelon: Slice the watermelon into your preferred shapes, such as sticks or wedges. Leaving the green rind on is optional and can make the pieces easier to hold.
- Preheat Grill: Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Lightly brush the grill grates with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Grill Watermelon: Place the watermelon slices on the grill and cook for a few minutes on each side until grill marks appear and the watermelon is slightly warmed and caramelized.
- Assemble and Serve: Remove the grilled watermelon from the grill and transfer to a serving platter. Sprinkle each piece with a small pinch of salt, then drizzle thick balsamic vinegar and olive oil over the top. Finish by tossing on shredded fresh basil and crumbled feta. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Leaving the rind on the watermelon pieces makes them easier to handle and eat.
- If you don’t have a grill, a grill pan works perfectly for this recipe.
- Use a high-quality, thick balsamic vinegar to get the best flavor and texture.
- Serve immediately for best taste, while the watermelon is still warm.
- This recipe pairs well with other fresh summer salads or as an elegant appetizer at a BBQ.
