Description
Grilled Watermelon with a tangy balsamic glaze and fresh herbs, perfect as a vibrant summer starter or a light side dish. This recipe features charred watermelon slices infused with a sweet and savory glaze, enhanced by aromatic toppings like feta cheese and fresh mint, delivering a refreshing and unique flavor experience.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Components
- 1 small seedless watermelon (approx. 4.5–5.5 kg), thoroughly washed
Balsamic Glaze
- 60 ml extra virgin olive oil
- 30 ml balsamic vinegar
- 15 ml honey or maple syrup
- 5 ml freshly squeezed lime juice
- 2.5 ml fine sea salt
- 1.25 ml freshly ground black pepper
Suggested Toppings
- Crumbled feta cheese
- Fresh mint leaves
- Fresh basil leaves
- Chili flakes
- Balsamic glaze
Instructions
- Prepare the Watermelon: Cut off both ends of the watermelon and stand it upright. Trim away the rind vertically, then slice the watermelon into rounds approximately 2.5 cm thick. Use paper towels to blot each slice and remove excess moisture, which is essential for achieving distinct grill marks and preventing sogginess.
- Make the Balsamic Glaze: In a bowl, combine the extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey or maple syrup, freshly squeezed lime juice, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Whisk thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and fully emulsified. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Preheat Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, approximately 190–230°C. Clean the grill grates well and lightly oil them to ensure the watermelon slices do not stick during grilling.
- Brush with Glaze: Evenly brush both sides of each watermelon slice with the prepared balsamic glaze, ensuring a good coating for flavor and caramelization.
- Grill the Watermelon: Place the watermelon slices directly on the hot grill. Cook each side for 2–3 minutes until grill marks appear and the flesh softens slightly. If flare-ups occur, move the slices to a cooler area of the grill to avoid burning.
- Serve and Garnish: Transfer the grilled watermelon slices to a clean serving platter while still warm. Top with crumbled feta cheese, fresh mint or basil leaves, chili flakes, and drizzle additional balsamic glaze if desired. Serve immediately as an appetizing starter, side dish, or a refreshing dessert alternative.
Notes
- For a vegan option, replace honey with pure maple syrup and omit the feta cheese.
- Patting the watermelon dry before grilling is crucial to create distinct grill marks and achieve the best texture.
