Sweet, smoky, and refreshingly unexpected, this Grilled Watermelon Salad is summer in a bowl. Light yet full of flavor, this salad makes a stunning side dish for cookouts, or a unique appetizer to impress guests on a warm day.

Watermelon Salad placed next to bottles of Blazing Bella Vinegar and olive oil.

With watermelon in season and showing up in every market and fridge, I figured it was the perfect time to get creative and come up with some fresh new ways to enjoy it!

While you've got the grill already heated, here are some fun pairing ideas that we've made alongside this Grilled Watermelon Salad:

Why You Should Grill Watermelon

Don't knock it til you try it! Grilling brings out the natural sugars in watermelon, adding a subtle caramelized depth that pairs beautifully with fragrant fresh basil and a tangy, homemade balsamic dressing.

Grilling Watermelon Tips:

Cut watermelon into large circles so it stays together on the grill
Grill on medium/high heat (4 minutes each side)
Cool watermelon in the fridge before using
After it's cooled, drain off excess liquid before cutting watermelon to prep salad

Watermelon salad in a blue bowl on a countertop.

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Why You Should Grill Watermelon
Ingredients
Step-by-Step Instructions
Substitutions and additions
Equipment and Supplies
Storage
More Salads
Video of Recipe
Recipe
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Ingredients

Watermelon
Red Onion
Fresh Basil
Cucumber
Feta
Salt and Pepper
Blazing Bella Balsamic Vinegar and Olive Oil

See recipe card for quantities.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Slicing watermelon into circles with a knife.

Step 1: Preheat grill to medium/high heat. Cut watermelon into large circles.

Flipping watermelon with tongs on a grill.

Step 2: Grill watermelon for 4 minutes on each side. You're looking for a bit of char on the watermelon slices.

Step 3: Remove watermelon from the grill and place in the refrigerator to cool for 15 minutes.

Step 4: Prep salad by slicing cucumber into ½ moons and thinly slicing red onion and basil. Drain liquid from watermelon and cut into cubes.

A spoonful of bright colored watermelon salad.

Step 5: Assemble by tossing together watermelon, basil, red onion and cucumbers. Top with feta cheese, salt, pepper and drizzle with balsamic vinegar and olive oil. Mix together and serve cold.

Substitutions and additions

Fruits and Veggie Ideas
- Cherry Tomatoes, Arugula, Grilled Corn, Mango or Pineapple
Cheese Substitutions
- Goat Cheese for a more creamy and tangy flavor.
- Halloumi
Dressing Alternatives
- Lime-Mint Dressing : anything citrus based will pair well with the sweetness of the watermelon and basil.
- Chili Lime Vinaigrette : play with different vinaigrette flavors! Adding a kick of spice to balance the watermelon keeps your taste buds interested 😉
- Honey Dressing : If you'd rather kick up the sweetness, make your own by combining honey, lemon juice, olive oil, dijon mustard and garlic.

Equipment and Supplies

Blazing Bella Balsamic Vinegar and Olive Oil - Quality is key! And Blazing Bella has it nailed down. Try out their sample pack to test out their different olive oil flavors (lemon, garlic, strawberry..) or build your own box full of your favorites!

Watermelon salad topped with basil and dressing.

Storage

Best if made and consumed right away. But if you have left overs, refrigerate and eat within 1 day. Watermelon will continue to release moisture which will cause basil to wilt.

If able, store ingredients separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Pro tip: If you'd like to make this ahead, add basil and dressing only when you're ready to serve.

More Salads

Video of Recipe

Recipe