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Fresh Grilled Watermelon Feta Salad Recipe with Easy Balsamic Reduction

fresh grilled watermelon feta salad - featured image

A refreshing summer salad featuring smoky grilled watermelon, tangy feta cheese, and a syrupy balsamic reduction glaze. Perfect for light meals or backyard gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 cups watermelon, cut into thick slices or cubes
  • 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, roughly chopped
  • 1 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Optional: 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts or walnuts
  • Optional: thinly sliced red onion

Instructions

  1. Pour 1 cup of balsamic vinegar into a small saucepan. Heat over medium-low, stirring occasionally. Let it simmer gently until it thickens to a syrupy consistency, about 10-15 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.
  2. Cut the watermelon into 1-inch thick slices or firm cubes. Pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
  3. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high. Brush watermelon slices lightly with olive oil on both sides.
  4. Grill watermelon slices for 2-3 minutes per side until grill marks appear and slight caramelization occurs. Remove and let cool slightly.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, combine grilled watermelon pieces, crumbled feta, and chopped mint. Add toasted nuts or sliced red onion if using.
  6. Drizzle olive oil over the salad and gently toss. Sprinkle with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  7. Arrange salad on serving plates and spoon the balsamic reduction over the top in a decorative pattern.

Notes

Pat watermelon dry before grilling to prevent steaming and achieve better caramelization. Stir balsamic reduction often and keep heat low to avoid burning. Add balsamic reduction last to keep salad fresh and prevent sogginess. For dairy-free, omit feta and add toasted seeds or nuts.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled watermelon salad, feta salad, balsamic reduction, summer salad, easy salad recipe, refreshing salad, healthy salad