Grilled Corn and Watermelon Salad with Feta and Mint

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever get bored with the same old summer salad recipes ? Honestly, I did too! So, I created this Grilled Corn and Watermelon Salad with Feta and Mint .

It's sweet, savoury, smoky and the perfect refreshing bbq side dish .

Brief Overview

This vibrant salad is straight out of a Mediterranean dream. It balances sweet and savoury. This makes it ideal for summer party food .

Think this salad is only for chefs? Not at all! It's easy to make in about 35 minutes. This recipe makes 6 servings.

Main Benefits

One of the best things about this salad? Watermelon is super hydrating. You can enjoy it as one of your easy summer sides .

It is the perfect addition to any picnic salads . What sets it apart? Grilling the corn adds a smoky depth.

Ready to dive in? Let's gather our ingredients!

Let's Talk Ingredients & Gear, Yeah?

So, you want to make this amazing grilled corn salad ? Sorted! First things first, let's gather our troops. I am going to share some tips about the ingredients for the summer sides .

Main Ingredients: The Heart of Our Summer Sides Recipe

• Corn: 4 ears, husked (about 700g ). Fresh corn is key! The kernels should be plump and juicy. Avoid ones that look dry, that indicates it is less than ideal.
• Watermelon: 4 cups, cubed (about 600g ). Go for a seedless watermelon, it makes life easier. Tap it! You want a deep, hollow sound. That means it is perfect.
• Feta: 4 ounces, crumbled (about 115g ). I prefer Greek feta. It's creamier and tangier, honestly.
• Mint: 1/4 cup, chopped (about 15g ). Fresh is a must. If you have to use dried, use 1 teaspoon.
• Red Onion: 1/4 cup, thinly sliced (about 40g ).

Lime Vinaigrette Time

• Olive Oil: 3 tablespoons ( 45ml ). Extra virgin is best.
• Lime Juice: 2 tablespoons ( 30ml ). Freshly squeezed only!
• Honey/Maple Syrup: 1 tablespoon ( 15ml ). I like honey; maple is more hip these days.
• Salt: 1/2 teaspoon ( 2.5g ).
• Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon ( 0.5g ).
• Red Pepper Flakes: A pinch. Adds a nice kick, if you're feeling brave.

Seasoning Notes: Flavor Town, Population: YOU!

Lime, salt, and pepper are your base. The honey mellows it all out. Want some extra oomph ? Try a pinch of cumin.

You know? It makes it extra special. For my summer salad recipes , i use it a lot. Basil is a killer sub for mint too.

If you're out of lime, lemon does the trick. It’s not quite the same, but it’s close.

Equipment Needed: Simple Stuff, Promise!

You will need just a few items from the kitchen. You do not need something fancy, it is very easy to prepare this refreshing summer salads .

• Grill/Grill Pan: For that smoky grilled sides flavor on the corn.
• Mixing Bowls: One big one for the salad. One small one for the dressing.
• Whisk: To mix the vinaigrette properly.
• Cutting Board & Knife: Obvs.
• Tongs: I find this very handy for turning the corn.

Don't have a grill? No worries! A grill pan or even a regular frying pan works. See? I'm telling you! Making easy summer sides is not hard! Also, I hope you enjoy the corn watermelon feta salad .

This salad is so refreshing for bbq side dishes and is perfect for summer party food and picnic salads . Honestly, it is my go to for summer sides .

Cooking Method: Grilling Corn for a Summer Symphony

Alright, let's talk corn on the cob! Honestly, is there anything more summery? I'm gonna show you how to grill it perfectly for my Grilled Corn and Watermelon Salad with Feta and Mint.

It’s one of those easy summer sides that’ll have everyone begging for seconds. I think corn on the cob on the grill is an amazing way to add grilled sides to just about any meal or bbq side dishes .

Prep Steps: Get Your Sht Together (Mise en Place)

First things first: get organized. Peel back the husks and remove the silk. It's a pain, I know! You can also soak the corn in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning, but I never bother.

Live on the edge, you know? Safety wise? Just don't burn yourself, obviously. It's not rocket science.

step-by-step: From Zero to Grilled Hero

1. Preheat your grill to medium high heat . (375-400F) .
2. Place the corn directly on the grill grates.
3. Grill, turning every 3- 4 minutes , until lightly charred on all sides. This takes about 10- 15 minutes .
4. Let the corn cool slightly before handling it. You don't want to burn your mitts.
5. Stand the corn upright and slice off the kernels with a sharp knife.
6. Combine the kernels, feta, watermelon, and the vinaigrette (already made before) in a bowl.
7. Mix it all and serve immediately!

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Corn Game

Want next level corn? Baste it with melted butter and herbs while grilling. Oh my gosh, game changer! Also, don't overcook the corn.

Soggy corn is a tragedy. You can make the corn ahead of time and chill it. This will save time when it's time to eat it! It goes well with some refreshing summer salads.

I feel there is nothing better than using corn on the grill to add to my summer salad recipes . This would be one of the best picnic salads ever.

This would be amazing summer party food for your next shindig.

Honestly, this grilled corn salad recipe will blow your mind. And that watermelon feta salad? Oh my gosh. It is the definition of refreshing summer salads .

This combination is amazing. Summer would not be complete without this corn watermelon feta salad . Try it this weekend!

Recipe Notes: Making it Your Own

This grilled corn and watermelon salad is super flexible. Honestly, it’s one of those summer salad recipes that you can tweak to your liking.

Consider these notes as your guide. They are also useful if you plan to take it as one of your picnic salads

Serving Suggestions: Level Up Your Plate

Presentation is key, right? Try arranging the salad on a platter. Garnish with extra mint sprigs. For a fancy touch, use a melon baller.

Make watermelon spheres instead of cubes. You could also serve it in individual bowls. I love pairing this with a grilled halloumi burger or some simple grilled asparagus.

For drinks, a crisp Sauvignon Blanc goes brilliantly. Honestly, it's also really good with a chilled rose on a hot day.

Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh

Got leftovers? No worries. Store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge. It'll stay good for about 2 days .

Just keep in mind the watermelon will release some juice. Try to drain before serving again. I don't recommend freezing this salad.

The watermelon gets weird and mushy. Been there, done that, learned my lesson!

Variations: Mix It Up, Mate!

Fancy a little twist? Add a finely diced jalapeño for a spicy kick. For a vegan version, swap out the feta.

Use a vegan feta or crumbled marinated tofu instead. It works a treat! You could also add other fresh herbs.

Basil or cilantro would be lush. You can easily adapt this dish for different diets. This helps if you have friends with dietary restrictions.

Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Bite

Let's get down to brass tacks. Each serving clocks in around 220 calories . It's packed with 7g of protein and 25g of carbs .

You also get a good dose of Vitamin C from the watermelon. The feta offers calcium too. So, it's not just tasty, it's pretty healthy! I always feel good about serving this.

It is a perfect refreshing summer salads option. Making it one of the best options for summer party food , alongside other easy summer sides and great bbq side dishes .

So, that's it! Give this Grilled Corn and Watermelon Salad a go and let me know what you think! I really hope you enjoy this take on corn watermelon feta salad .