Grilled Watermelon Salad with Goat Cheese

Grilled Watermelon Salad with Goat Cheese Recipe from USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 4 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Grilled Watermelon Salad with Goat Cheese is a refreshing and unique dish that combines the sweetness of watermelon with the tanginess of goat cheese. This salad is perfect for a summer barbecue or a light lunch.

History

Grilled watermelon has been a popular dish in the southern United States for many years. The grilling process caramelizes the sugars in the watermelon, giving it a smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy goat cheese.

Ingredients

0.5 (5 lb (2.27 kg)) seedless watermelon
0.25 cup balsamic vinegar
Extra-virgin olive oil
kosher salt (specialty salt is great here, if available)
2 cup fresh baby arugula, washed and dried
1 cup crumbled goat cheese, preferably a French Chevre
Freshly cracked black pepper to taste

How to prepare

Stand the watermelon half with the cut side down on a cutting board and slice away the rind, leaving a solid block of melon. Turn the block on its side and cut it into 8 squares, roughly measuring 3 by 3 inches and 1 inch thick.
Pour the vinegar into a small saucepan and bring it to a simmer over medium-high heat. Cook until it is reduced to a thick syrup consistency. Set it aside.
Heat a nonstick grill pan over medium-high heat. Drizzle just enough olive oil over the watermelon slices to thinly coat them and place them on the hot grill pan. Grill each side for about 2 minutes until grill marks appear. Transfer them to a plate and season with salt.
To assemble the salads, put about 0.25 cup of baby arugula on a serving plate, followed by a grilled slice of watermelon in the center, and top it with a tablespoon of crumbled cheese and another 0.25 cup of arugula. Add another watermelon slice and another tablespoon of cheese. Repeat with the remaining ingredients. Finish each salad with a very light drizzle of olive oil and balsamic syrup. Dust with black pepper and serve immediately.
SOURCE: Food Network.

Variations

Add some chopped mint or basil for a fresh herb flavor.
Substitute feta cheese for the goat cheese for a different tangy flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to cut the watermelon into even slices so that they cook evenly on the grill.

- Be careful not to overcook the watermelon, as it can become mushy.

- Drizzling the olive oil on the watermelon before grilling helps prevent sticking and adds flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Grilled Watermelon Salad with Goat Cheese as a side dish at a barbecue or as a light lunch on its own.

Cooking Techniques

Grilling the watermelon adds a smoky flavor to the salad and caramelizes the sugars in the fruit.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can substitute feta cheese for the goat cheese if desired. You can also use honey or maple syrup instead of balsamic vinegar for a sweeter flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

You can grill the watermelon ahead of time and assemble the salads just before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Grilled Watermelon Salad with Goat Cheese on a bed of arugula for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

This salad pairs well with grilled chicken or fish. A crisp white wine or a light beer would also complement the flavors.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

This salad is best served fresh, but any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Grilled Watermelon Salad with Goat Cheese contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Grilled Watermelon Salad with Goat Cheese contains approximately 20 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Grilled Watermelon Salad with Goat Cheese contains approximately 10 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Grilled Watermelon Salad with Goat Cheese contains approximately 8 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Watermelon is a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as potassium. Goat cheese is a good source of calcium and vitamin D.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (goat cheese) and is not suitable for those with dairy allergies.

Summary

Grilled Watermelon Salad with Goat Cheese is a healthy and delicious dish that is high in vitamins and minerals. It is a great option for a light and refreshing meal.

Summary

Grilled Watermelon Salad with Goat Cheese is a unique and delicious dish that is perfect for summer. The combination of sweet watermelon, tangy goat cheese, and peppery arugula is sure to impress your guests. Enjoy this refreshing salad at your next barbecue or as a light lunch option.

How did I get this recipe?

I can't forget the moment I stumbled upon this recipe for Grilled Watermelon Salad with Goat Cheese. It was a warm summer day, and I was browsing through the farmers' market, looking for some fresh fruits and vegetables to add to my collection of recipes. As I walked past a stand overflowing with vibrant watermelons, I couldn't help but be drawn to their juicy red flesh.

The farmer behind the stand noticed my interest and struck up a conversation with me. He told me all about the benefits of watermelon, how it's not only delicious but also incredibly hydrating and full of nutrients. He then mentioned that he had recently tried a new recipe for grilled watermelon salad with goat cheese and how it had become his new favorite dish.

Intrigued, I asked him for the recipe. He gladly shared it with me, explaining that the combination of the sweet, smoky watermelon with the creamy tang of the goat cheese was simply irresistible. I thanked him profusely and headed home, eager to give this new recipe a try.

As I gathered the ingredients and prepared to make the salad, memories of my own culinary journey flooded my mind. I remembered all the different recipes I had collected over the years, from my mother, grandmother, and even friends and neighbors. Each recipe held a special place in my heart, a connection to the past and the people who had shared them with me.

I thought about how cooking had always been a way for me to express my creativity and love for others. Whether I was making a simple soup or a complex dessert, each dish was a labor of love, a gift to be shared with those I cared about.

As the watermelon sizzled on the grill, releasing its sweet aroma into the air, I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement. This new recipe was a challenge, a departure from my usual repertoire of dishes. But I was eager to embrace it, to see where this culinary adventure would take me.

Once the watermelon was grilled to perfection, I carefully assembled the salad, layering slices of the smoky fruit with crumbles of creamy goat cheese, fresh mint leaves, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. The colors and textures of the dish were a feast for the eyes, a celebration of summer's bounty.

As I took my first bite, the flavors exploded in my mouth. The sweetness of the watermelon paired beautifully with the tangy goat cheese, the mint adding a refreshing contrast. It was a symphony of flavors, a harmonious blend of sweet, savory, and tangy.

I couldn't wait to share this new recipe with my family and friends. I knew they would love it as much as I did, that it would become a staple at our summer gatherings and celebrations. And as I savored each bite of the grilled watermelon salad with goat cheese, I felt grateful for the serendipitous encounter at the farmers' market that had led me to this delicious new dish. Cooking had once again brought joy and inspiration into my life, reminding me of the power of food to nourish not just the body, but the soul.