Description
A refreshing summer salad featuring grilled watermelon, feta, and arugula-mint pesto.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 small seedless watermelon, firm and sweet
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta, fresh
- 3 cups baby arugula, vibrant leaves
- 3/4 cup packed fresh mint, bright leaves
- 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts, pre-toasted or toasted fresh
- 1 garlic clove, minced, fresh
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 11/2 teaspoon lemon zest, freshly zested
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil, high-quality
- sea salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Grill the Watermelon: Start by placing thick wedges of watermelon on a hot grill. You should hear a satisfying sizzle as they hit the grate. Grill for 3-4 minutes on each side until caramelized and with beautiful grill marks. Keep an eye on them to prevent mushiness.
- Prep the Pesto: Blend arugula, mint, olive oil, and feta until smooth. The pesto should have a vibrant green color and smell amazing. If it is too thick, add a tablespoon of water or olive oil to loosen it for easy drizzling.
- Assemble the Salad: Lay grilled watermelon on a serving plate. Drizzle the fresh pesto over the top, allowing it to cascade down the wedges. Aim for a lovely color contrast without overloading it, to let the watermelon’s sweetness shine through.
- Top with Feta and Mint: Sprinkle crumbled feta and fresh mint leaves on top of the watermelon. The salty feta beautifully complements the sweetness of the fruit. Use sparingly to avoid overpowering the salad.
- Serve Immediately: Enjoy right away as the warm watermelon combines wonderfully with the cold flavors of the pesto and feta. If it sits too long, the watermelon may lose its desirable texture.
Notes
- Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, though the watermelon may lose its texture.
- Expert Tips: If grilling seems daunting, aim for 3-4 minutes on each side for those beautiful grill marks without overcooking. Taste the salad before serving to adjust the flavor balance with more sea salt or lemon juice if needed. For a bright flavor boost, squeeze fresh lemon juice right before serving.
- Reheating Instructions: Not applicable as this dish is best served fresh.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair with grilled chicken for a complete meal. Serve alongside shrimp skewers for a refreshing contrast. Garnish with extra mint sprigs for vibrant presentation.
- Recipe Variations: Add avocado slices for creaminess. Incorporate fresh basil into the pesto for a different herb profile. Top with balsamic glaze for added sweetness.
- Ingredient Notes: Select a small, firm seedless watermelon for grilling. Look for a sweet smell. Use fresh crumbled feta for the best taste; it is better than pre-crumbled options. Choose vibrant, crisp baby arugula leaves. Spinach serves as a good substitute if needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 143mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: null
- Unsaturated Fat: null
- Trans Fat: null
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 1.5g
- Protein: 4.8g
- Cholesterol: 11mg