Sweet, Smoky and Savory: Grilled Watermelon Feta Basil Salad
If you think watermelon is only for sweet fruit bowls and icy slushies, this Sweet, Smoky and Savory: Grilled Watermelon Feta Basil Salad is here to totally surprise you. Imagine juicy watermelon with a kiss of smokiness from the grill, salty little cubes of feta, and fresh basil all tossed in zesty lime juice and finished with a glossy drizzle of balsamic glaze. It’s refreshing, a little fancy, and still easy enough to toss together on a busy weeknight.
This dish feels like something you’d order at a trendy café, but it comes together in minutes with just a handful of ingredients. It’s the kind of recipe that makes guests raise an eyebrow (“Grilled… watermelon?”) and then immediately ask for seconds. It’s quick, budget-friendly, and fun to make with kids – they’ll love watching watermelon hit the grill!
If you’ve tried my beloved caprese-style tomato and mozzarella salad, you already know how much I adore simple recipes that rely on fresh ingredients and bold flavor pairings. This Sweet, Smoky and Savory: Grilled Watermelon Feta Basil Salad follows the same philosophy but adds a playful twist with fruit on the grill. Light, colorful, and full of contrast, it’s perfect for BBQs, potlucks, or just a “we deserve something special tonight” dinner. Let’s get into it – you’re going to want this one on repeat all summer long.
What Is Sweet, Smoky and Savory: Grilled Watermelon Feta Basil Salad?
With a name like Sweet, Smoky and Savory: Grilled Watermelon Feta Basil Salad, you might be wondering, “Is it a salad? A side dish? A magic trick?” Honestly, it’s a little bit of all three. We take thick slabs of watermelon, give them a quick turn on the grill so they soak up that irresistible smoky flavor, then cut them into cubes and toss them with salty feta, fresh basil, and tangy lime. A drizzle of balsamic glaze over the top ties everything together.
Why call it this? Because every bite hits those three notes: sweet from the melon, smoky from the grill, savory from the feta and seasonings. It’s proof that, yes, fruit can totally hang out on the grill and still be fabulous. After all, they say the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach – but I’d argue this salad wins over everyone at the table. Ready to see what the grilled watermelon buzz is all about? Let’s make it!
Why You’ll Love This Sweet, Smoky and Savory: Grilled Watermelon Feta Basil Salad
1. A Show-Stopping Flavor Combo
The star of this recipe is the unexpected flavor pairing. Juicy watermelon gets lightly caramelized on the grill, bringing out a subtle sweetness with a hint of smoke. That plays so beautifully against the creamy, salty feta and fragrant fresh basil. The lime juice brightens everything up, and the balsamic glaze adds a slightly tangy, almost syrupy finish. Every bite is refreshing and full of contrast – soft and juicy, yet rich and satisfying.
2. Budget-Friendly and Better Than Restaurant Salads
Specialty salads at restaurants can be pricey, especially when they include cheese and “chefy” touches like balsamic reduction. Making this Sweet, Smoky and Savory: Grilled Watermelon Feta Basil Salad at home costs a fraction of what you’d pay eating out, especially during watermelon season. A small block of feta, a few sprigs of basil, a lime, and pantry staples like salt, pepper, and balsamic glaze are all you need. Just like my popular homemade pasta salad saves you from expensive deli versions, this recipe gives you gourmet flavor without the gourmet price tag.
3. Fresh Ingredients and Tasty Toppings
This salad is all about simple ingredients that deliver big flavor:
- Grilled watermelon – juicy, lightly smoky, and slightly warm.
- Feta cheese – creamy, salty cubes that add richness.
- Fresh basil – bright, aromatic, and so summery.
- Lime juice – zesty and refreshing, balancing the sweetness.
- Balsamic glaze – a sweet-tart drizzle that makes everything pop.
If you love my simple tomato, cucumber, and feta salad, this grilled version with watermelon is like its fun, slightly fancier cousin. Same simplicity, same freshness, just with a smoky twist. Give it a try and see which one becomes your new favorite – or rotate both into your summer menu!
Ready to impress your taste buds and your guests? Let’s talk about how easy it is to pull this together at home.
How to Make Sweet, Smoky and Savory: Grilled Watermelon Feta Basil Salad
Quick Overview
This Sweet, Smoky and Savory: Grilled Watermelon Feta Basil Salad comes together in just a few simple steps: slice, grill, cube, and toss. The grill time is short – only about 2–3 minutes per side – so the watermelon warms up, gets those gorgeous grill marks, and picks up a little smokiness without turning mushy. Then you quickly mix it with feta, basil, lime juice, salt, pepper, and finish with balsamic glaze. From start to finish, you’re looking at roughly 15–20 minutes, making it perfect for last-minute gatherings or a quick side dish with dinner.
Key Ingredients for Sweet, Smoky and Savory: Grilled Watermelon Feta Basil Salad
- 6 cups cubed watermelon, divided (you’ll start with 1-inch-thick slabs and cube after grilling)
- 4 ounces feta cheese, cut into small cubes
- 1–2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- Black pepper, to taste
- Balsamic glaze, for drizzling over the top
- Olive oil, for brushing the watermelon (about 1 tablespoon or just enough to lightly coat the slabs)
That’s it! Just a few fresh ingredients and a hot grill stand between you and this gorgeous, flavorful salad.
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Prep the watermelon.
Start by cutting your watermelon into 1-inch-thick slabs or “steaks.” Aim for large, flat pieces that will sit nicely on the grill grates. You’ll need enough to yield about 6 cups of cubed watermelon once grilled and cut.
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Heat the grill.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. You want it hot enough to create grill marks quickly without overcooking the fruit. If you’re using a grill pan on the stove, heat it until it’s very hot before adding the watermelon.
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Brush with olive oil.
Lightly brush both sides of each watermelon slab with olive oil. This helps prevent sticking and encourages those pretty grill marks. You only need a thin layer – don’t drench the fruit.
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Grill the watermelon.
Place the slabs of watermelon cut side down on the heated grill. Grill for about 2–3 minutes per side, or until you see clear grill marks and the watermelon is just warmed through. It should still feel firm enough to handle; you’re not trying to cook it until soft.
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Cool slightly and remove the rind.
Take the grilled watermelon off the grill and let it cool for a minute or two so it’s easier to handle. Cut off the rind from each slab, then cut the grilled watermelon into 1-inch cubes. Transfer the cubes to a large mixing bowl.
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Add the seasonings and basil.
Sprinkle the chopped fresh basil over the warm grilled watermelon. Add the kosher salt, a few grinds of black pepper, and the fresh lime juice (start with 1 tablespoon, then taste and add more if you like a brighter flavor). Gently toss to combine, being careful not to smash the watermelon.
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Fold in the feta.
Add the cubed feta cheese to the bowl. Using a soft touch, fold the feta into the salad so the cubes stay mostly intact. You want little bursts of salty creaminess throughout, not a mushy mixture.
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Drizzle with balsamic glaze.
Transfer the salad to a serving dish, if desired. Just before serving, drizzle the top with balsamic glaze. You can do this in a zigzag pattern for a pretty presentation or simply spoon it over in thin streams.
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Serve immediately.
This salad is best enjoyed right after it’s made, while the watermelon is still slightly warm and the textures are at their best. Dig in and enjoy that sweet, smoky, and savory goodness in every bite!
What to Serve Sweet, Smoky and Savory: Grilled Watermelon Feta Basil Salad With
This vibrant salad is incredibly versatile. Here are some tasty pairing ideas:
- Grilled meats: Serve alongside grilled chicken, steak, pork chops, or lamb for a fresh, juicy contrast.
- Seafood: Pair with grilled shrimp, salmon, or white fish for a light summer dinner.
- Veggie mains: It’s wonderful next to veggie burgers, grilled portobello mushrooms, or stuffed peppers.
- Bread and dips: Add crusty bread, hummus, and olives for a Mediterranean-style spread.
- Refreshing drinks: Try it with iced tea, sparkling water with lime, or a light mocktail for a complete warm-weather meal.
Whether it’s a backyard BBQ, a picnic, or a simple family dinner, this Sweet, Smoky and Savory: Grilled Watermelon Feta Basil Salad fits right in.
Top Tips for Perfecting Sweet, Smoky and Savory: Grilled Watermelon Feta Basil Salad
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Choose a firm, seedless watermelon.
A firm watermelon holds up better on the grill and is easier to cut into slabs and cubes. Seedless makes eating and tossing the salad much easier. -
Don’t over-grill.
Stick to 2–3 minutes per side. Over-grilling can make the watermelon too soft and watery. You just want grill marks and a little warmth. -
Adjust the lime juice to taste.
Start with 1 tablespoon of lime juice, then taste and add more if you prefer a tangier salad. Lime balances the sweetness beautifully. -
Use good-quality feta.
A block of feta that you cut into cubes yourself tends to be creamier and less crumbly than pre-crumbled feta. It also holds its shape better in the salad. -
Flavor boosts and substitutions.
No fresh basil? Try fresh mint or a mix of basil and mint. No balsamic glaze? Gently simmer balsamic vinegar until it reduces and thickens into a syrupy consistency, then cool and drizzle. -
Serve right away.
Because watermelon releases liquid over time, this salad tastes best on the day it’s made, ideally within an hour or two of grilling.
Storing and Reheating Tips
This Sweet, Smoky and Savory: Grilled Watermelon Feta Basil Salad is at its absolute best fresh, but if you do have leftovers, here’s how to handle them:
- Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Because watermelon is very watery, the salad will release more liquid as it sits. It’s best eaten within 1 day, though it can be kept for up to 2 days if you don’t mind a softer texture.
- Keeping it fresh: For the best texture, you can store the grilled watermelon and feta separately and combine them just before serving. Add a fresh splash of lime juice and a little extra basil to wake up the flavors.
- Reheating: This salad is meant to be eaten chilled or at room temperature, not reheated. Reheating will make the watermelon mushy, so simply enjoy leftovers straight from the fridge or after a brief rest at room temperature.
- Freezing: Freezing is not recommended. Watermelon becomes mushy and watery after thawing, and the feta’s texture will suffer too.
If you’re watching your intake, here’s a quick note: a serving of this salad is roughly 146 calories, with about 19g carbohydrates, 6g protein, and 6g fat, along with a little fiber and natural sugars from the fruit. Light, flavorful, and satisfying – a win all around.
Next time you fire up the grill, add a slab or two of watermelon to the grate and give this Sweet, Smoky and Savory: Grilled Watermelon Feta Basil Salad a try. It might just become your new signature summer dish!
