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Grilled Watermelon with Feta and Basil Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.7 from 45 reviews
  • Author: Hailey
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4 minutes
  • Total Time: 14 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This grilled watermelon recipe offers a delightful combination of sweet, smoky, and tangy flavors. Juices from lemon and honey glaze the watermelon before it’s seared on a hot grill, creating beautiful grill marks that enhance its natural sweetness. Finished with salty crumbled feta and fresh torn basil, this dish makes a refreshing and unique appetizer or side perfect for summer gatherings.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 watermelon (5-6 pounds, cut into 1-inch thick wedges)
  • Vegetable oil for grill

Marinade

  • Juice and zest of 1 lemon
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Toppings

  • 1/4 cup crumbled feta
  • 1-2 tablespoons small basil leaves, torn

Instructions

  1. Preheat Grill Preheat a gas or charcoal grill on high heat so it reaches a very hot cooking temperature. Lightly grease the grill grates with vegetable oil to prevent sticking.
  2. Prepare Marinade In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice and zest, honey, olive oil, kosher salt, and black pepper until well combined to create a flavorful glaze.
  3. Coat Watermelon Brush the watermelon wedges on both sides generously with the lemon-honey marinade to infuse them with sweet and tangy flavors.
  4. Grill Watermelon Place the coated watermelon wedges on the hot grill and cook for about 2 minutes per side. Grill until visible grill marks appear, and the fruit is slightly softened but not mushy.
  5. Assemble and Serve Arrange the grilled watermelon wedges on a serving platter. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese evenly over the top and garnish with torn fresh basil leaves just before serving for a burst of freshness.

Notes

  • Use a ripe but firm watermelon to ensure it holds together well on the grill.
  • Be careful not to overcook the watermelon; grilling for too long will make it soggy.
  • Feta adds a salty contrast that complements the sweetness; goat cheese is a good substitute if preferred.
  • You can prepare the lemon-honey glaze ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to a day.
  • For a smoky flavor, use charcoal grilling rather than gas.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 236 kcal
  • Sugar: 41 g
  • Sodium: 350 mg
  • Fat: 5 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 49 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 4 mg

Find it online: https://pickledplate.com/grilled-watermelon-with-feta-and-basil-recipe/