Grilled Watermelon Salad

A refreshing summer salad featuring grilled watermelon topped with pea sprouts, pickled radishes, queso fresco, and toasted pumpkin seeds, dressed with basil-infused oil and lime-honey vinaigrette.

6 servings
1 hr 28 min

Ingredients

  • 1 sprig large fresh basil sprig
  • cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 3 slices seedless watermelon
  • ¼ cup fresh lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 to taste Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • ¾ pound pea sprouts or watercress
  • 36 slices Pickled Radishes
  • ½ cup queso fresco
  • ¼ cup shelled pumpkin seeds
  • 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

Cooking Instructions

  1. 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.

    63 min

  2. 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.

    15 min

  3. 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.

    5 min

  4. 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.

    5 min

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