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Bon Appétit

Grilled Watermelon Salad

By Eric Werner

3.9

(7)

Image may contain Weapon Blade Knife Weaponry Plant Food Produce Human Person Meal and Fruit
Grilled Watermelon SaladDean Kaufman

Watermelon takes on a nice char on the grill. Don't fiddle with the pieces; just flip them when it's time.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    Makes 6 servings

Ingredients

1 large fresh basil sprig
1/3 cup plus 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil plus more for brushing
3 1/2"-thick slices seedless watermelon, rind removed, each cut into 6 wedges for a total of 18 wedges
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
1 tablespoon honey
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
3/4 pound pea sprouts or watercress (tough stems removed; about 12 cups)
36 slices Pickled Radishes , cut into eighths
1/2 cup (4 ounces) queso fresco, crumbled
1/4 cup (1 ounce) shelled pumpkin seeds (pepitas), toasted
Ingredient Info:Queso fresco, also known as queso blanco, is sold at better supermarkets and at Latin markets. If unavailable, mild feta can be substituted.

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Heat basil and 1/3 cup oil in a small skillet over medium heat until basil begins to bubble. Simmer for 3 minutes. Remove pan from heat. Let cool for 1 hour. Discard basil; set aside basil oil.

    Step 2

    Build a medium fire in a charcoal grill, or heat a gas grill to medium. Brush grill rack with oil. Grill watermelon until lightly charred, about 2 minutes per side. Set aside.

    Step 3

    Whisk remaining 1/2 cup oil, lime juice, and honey in a large bowl to blend. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Add pea sprouts and toss to coat.

    Step 4

    Place 3 pieces of grilled watermelon on each plate. Top with pea sprouts and drizzle basil oil over. Garnish with Pickled Radishes, queso fresco, and pumpkin seeds.

TagsSaladWatermelonMelonFruitWatercressLeafy GreensVegetableSproutQueso FrescoCheeseDairyPumpkin SeedSeedStarterDinnerLunchGluten FreeNut FreeVegetarianGrillingMemorial DaySummerBon Appétit

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