Description
A refreshing and unique twist on summer fruit, this grilled watermelon recipe infuses smoky grill flavor with a tangy lemon-honey glaze, topped with savory feta and fresh basil for a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and herbal notes.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Glaze
- 1 lemon (juice and zest)
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Watermelon
- 1 watermelon (5-6 pounds, cut into 1-inch thick wedges)
- Vegetable oil (for greasing the grill)
Toppings
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1-2 tablespoons small basil leaves, torn
Instructions
- Preheat the Grill. Set a gas or charcoal grill to high heat and allow it to reach grilling temperature. Grease the grill grates thoroughly with vegetable oil to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Lemon-Honey Glaze. 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.
- Brush the Watermelon Wedges. Generously brush the lemon-honey mixture onto both sides of each watermelon wedge, ensuring they are evenly coated for maximum flavor.
- Grill the Watermelon. Place the watermelon wedges on the hot grill and cook for about 2 minutes per side. Grill until distinctive grill marks appear and the watermelon is heated through but still firm.
- Assemble and Serve. Arrange the grilled watermelon wedges on a serving platter. Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the top and garnish with torn fresh basil leaves. Serve immediately to enjoy the contrast of smoky, sweet, salty, and fresh flavors.
Notes
- Ensure the grill grates are well-oiled to prevent the watermelon from sticking and breaking apart.
- You can substitute honey with agave syrup or maple syrup for a different sweetener.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of chili flakes to the glaze.
- For a vegan version, omit the feta cheese or substitute with a plant-based cheese alternative.
- This dish is best served fresh off the grill, as the texture of the watermelon changes if left to sit too long.
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
