This post was sponsored by Fresh From Florida as part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central, however, all opinions expressed are my own.
The weather in Florida is finally warming up enough to start enjoying some outdoor time. The flowers are in bloom. Jasmine and honeysuckle aromas sweeten the air. Florida farmers begin reaping mid-spring harvests, and it’s time to start cutting the grass. The temperate weather beckons to me like a flower to a honeybee. It’s the perfect time of the year to open the windows – and to start cooking out. Yesterday, I tried this recipe I found on Fresh From Florida’s website called Grilled and Chilled Florida Watermelon with Feta and Mint.
While not a picky eater, I am selective about my desserts. I don’t like ultra-sweet. Ooey-gooey makes merely a messy Bessie. Give me something lightly sweet with just a hint of salt. Yep. I am one of those people. When the melon gets passed around, I reach for the salt shaker. Unlike most recipes I share, I haven’t “remade” this one. It is already perfect. Sure, it’s fun to sit outside in your shorts and drip juice up to your elbows, but grilling watermelon and topping it with feta and fresh mint adds a whole unexpected level of sophistication.
Tips for Grilling Watermelon
Start with a Fresh From Florida watermelon. Since the melons do not have to travel as far, farmers harvest them at the perfect ripeness, so they reach the markets at their peak. Otherwise, they taste more like water than melon and have a grainy texture. I recently wrote a post on selecting fresh local produce. Be sure to check that out for more information.
Select a smallish watermelon. 5-6 pounds feeds 6-8 people.
Do not overcrowd the grill. Leave room to flip the slices.
Keep an eye on the time. Watermelons grill FAST! Too long and they turn into a mushy mess on the grill.
Grilling watermelon slices is easier than grilling wedges. Wait to cut it into wedges until after it’s cooked. Slice your melons about an inch /2 inch thick. Thinner slices get over-grilled quickly.
If you prefer a sweeter dessert, try drizzling the finished recipe with a little honey. Go easy, though. You don’t want to overwhelm the juicy watermelon flavor.
Sure, it's fun to sit outside in your shorts and drip juice up to your elbows, but grilling watermelon and topping it with feta and fresh mint adds a whole unexpected level of sophistication.
Heat grill or grill pan to high.
Slice watermelon into 1-inch slices.
Grill watermelon rounds about 2 to 3 minutes on each side until charred.
Transfer watermelon to a cutting board and cut into wedges. Chill in refrigerator.
Arrange wedges on a plate.
Sprinkle with mint and feta.
Drizzle with oil and vinegar then sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Servings 8
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 113Calories from Fat 8
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 2g4%
- Cholesterol 3mg1%
- Sodium 95mg4%
- Potassium 322mg10%
- Total Carbohydrate 23g8%
- Dietary Fiber 2g8%
- Sugars 19g
- Protein 3g6%
- Vitamin A 34%
- Vitamin C 39%
- Calcium 4%
- Iron 4%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Ingredients
Directions
Heat grill or grill pan to high.
Slice watermelon into 1-inch slices.
Grill watermelon rounds about 2 to 3 minutes on each side until charred.
Transfer watermelon to a cutting board and cut into wedges. Chill in refrigerator.
Arrange wedges on a plate.
Sprinkle with mint and feta.
Drizzle with oil and vinegar then sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Alicia Taylor
We enjoy hosting parties and my husband and I are both avid gamers. You can find me on PS4 as SunshineFlaGirl. We also play tabletop RPGs and eurogames.
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12 Comments
Kristin
April 20, 2018 - 6:54 pmMmmm I am totally trying this at one of our barbecues this summer! It looks so good!
Alicia Taylor
April 21, 2018 - 11:15 amIt is delicious!
Rebecca
April 20, 2018 - 6:28 pmThis sounds delicious. I love watermelon in any form. So refreshing.
Alicia Taylor
April 21, 2018 - 11:15 amYes – it has a high water content, so it helps rehydrate on hot days.
Valerie Gray (@valmg)
April 20, 2018 - 6:19 pmI love watermelon, it’s one of my favorite fruits. I only like it cold but I know someone that tried grilling it that loved it.
Alicia Taylor
April 21, 2018 - 11:16 amValerie,
Actually, this one IS served cold. You grill it – and then refrigerate it till it is chilled. Then top it with the cheese and herbs.
Veena Azmanov
April 20, 2018 - 2:05 amWhat an AMAZING idea! This recipe really impresses! Very interesting idea. I really like. Very interesting combination of ingredients. I definitely want to try it and I’m sure it is very tasty. Thank you for sharing this great recipe! YUM!
Marie
April 19, 2018 - 11:11 pmI can’t wait to start grilling again! I love the sweet and salty flavours in this watermelon feta dish. Looks so refreshing.
Camila Hurst
April 19, 2018 - 9:44 pmThis is perfect for summer! Cant wait til I can grill a watermelon. Delicious ingredients
Sonal
April 19, 2018 - 8:34 pmI can’t wait for the cold weather to shoo away from Pittsburgh and welcoming juicy sweet watermelons! This grilled watermelon recipe sounds so refreshing and cooling.
Amanda Kanashiro (@glutenfreemiami)
April 19, 2018 - 8:08 pmI can’t wait for the Florida watermelons to roll in so I can get grilling. I’m not a fan of feta, but I have a good, salty Mexican cheese that should work great.
Alicia Taylor
April 19, 2018 - 8:27 pmOoh! A nice Queso Fresco would work great with this.