fbpx
Hamburger menu icon
COOK
Alton Brown Logo on one line in white font
Alton Brown logo stacked in white font
SHOP
Magnifying glass search icon
Baseboard page divider
Alton Brown logo in grey font
Black x

SEARCH

A rolled up screen projector
Sweet, smoky grilled watermelon gets a savory upgrade in Alton Brown's summer salad. Grilled shallots, feta & olives add Mediterranean flair.
Jump to Recipe - Print Recipe

 

Course: Sides & Salads
Keyword: Appetizers, Entertaining, Fruit, Grill, Grilled Watermelon Salad, Summer, Vegetarian

Grilled Watermelon Salad

Alton Brown's Grilled Watermelon Salad Recipe
ACTIVE TIME: 20 minutes
TOTAL TIME: 35 minutes
Yield: 10 to 12 servings
Grilling watermelon gives it a sweet, smoky flavor that balances beautifully with savory salad toppings like feta, olives, and shallots.
Most people enjoy it cold because it’s 92 percent water, so it’s very refreshing. Well, I cook it. And I cook it a lot, especially on the grill. I love how the sweet melon gets along with salt and certain herbs.
Tip: If you own a panini press, you can make this entire meal sans grill. Make sure to blot the watermelon with paper towels to pull out the surface moisture and brush it with oil. Basically, treat it like a steak or fish.
This recipe first appeared on altonbrown.com.
Read More
Read Less
Print Recipe

Software

  • 1 medium watermelon, approximately 8 pounds
  • 2 medium shallots, thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil, divided
  • 1 tablespoon sherry vinegar
  • 3/4 cup feta cheese
  • 2/3 cup cured black olives, such as kalamata
  • 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Kosher salt, to taste

Specialized Hardware

Panini press
Alton Brown's Grilled Watermelon Salad Recipe
ACTIVE TIME: 20 minutes
TOTAL TIME: 35 minutes
Yield: 10 to 12 servings

Procedure

  • Heat a panini press or gas grill to high.
  • Remove the each end of the watermelon. Stand the watermelon on either end and slice away the rind on each of the four sides, creating a solid rectangle of melon. Turn the block on its side and cut it into 6 squares, roughly 3-by-3 inches and 1-inch thick.
  • Toss the shallots with 1 teaspoon of olive oil and a pinch of salt. Grill the shallots for 2 to 3 minutes until softened and charred. Remove the grilled shallots to a small bowl and coat with the sherry vinegar.
  • Brush the watermelon in the remaining olive oil on each side. On a grill, cook until marked and warm, 5 to 7 minutes. On a panini press, cook for 10 to 12 minutes or until marked and warm.
  • Place the grilled square on a plate, top with the shallots, crumbled feta, olives and mint. Season with additional salt and pepper as desired.
Baseboard page divider

X

Leaving so soon?

Before you go, check out what’s new in the Alton Brown Shop!