Best 3 Grilled Watermelon Salad With Lime Mango Dressing And Cornbread Croutons Recipes

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Grilled watermelon salad is a refreshing and flavorful summer dish. The sweetness of the watermelon pairs perfectly with the tangy lime mango dressing and the crunch of the cornbread croutons. The lime mango dressing adds a bright and citrusy flavor to the salad, while the cornbread croutons add a touch of sweetness and texture. This grilled watermelon salad is sure to be a hit at your next summer party or picnic.

Let's cook with our recipes!

GRILLED WATERMELON SALAD



Grilled Watermelon Salad image

Provided by Claire Robinson

Categories     appetizer

Time 30m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 7

1/2 (5-pound) seedless watermelon
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
Extra-virgin olive oil
Kosher salt (specialty salt is great here, if on hand)
2 cups fresh baby arugula, washed and dried
1 cup goat cheese, crumbled, preferably a French Chevre
Fresh finely cracked black pepper

Steps:

  • Stand the watermelon half cut side down on a cutting board and slice away the rind, leaving a solid block of melon. Turn the block on its side and cut it into 8 squares, roughly 3 by 3 inches and 1-inch thick.
  • Pour the vinegar into a small saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium-high heat. Cook until reduced to a thick syrup consistency. Set aside.
  • Heat a nonstick grill pan over medium-high heat. Drizzle just enough olive oil over watermelon slices to thinly coat and place on hot grill pan. Grill each side about 2 minutes until grill marks appear; transfer to a plate and season with salt.
  • To assemble the salads, put about 1/4 cup of baby arugula on a serving plate, followed by a grilled slice of watermelon in the center, and top with a tablespoon of crumbled cheese and another 1/4 cup arugula. Add another watermelon slice and another tablespoon of cheese. Repeat with remaining ingredients. Finish each salad with a very light drizzle of olive oil and balsamic syrup. Dust with black pepper and serve immediately.

GRILLED "WATERMELON GARDEN" SALAD WITH LIME MANGO DRESSING AND CORNBREAD CROUTONS



Grilled

Few things say Harlem in the summertime like fresh watermelon. In 1935, when African-American business-man George Jones opened his classic movie theater, the Harlem, he didn't just serve the usual fare of soft drinks, candy, and popcorn. In between his home (which was next door) and the theater, he opened what he called a "Watermelon Garden" with picnic tables and umbrellas where patrons could gather and socialize before and after the films. If you've never grilled watermelon in the summertime, then you're in for a treat. Grilling caramelizes the sweetness of the fruit, and the char gives just a hint of smoky flavor. The wood flavor of the grill will come through the watermelon, but it won't be overpowering like the charred tomato or charred vegetables. Just make sure to slice your watermelon thick enough that it doesn't fall apart while you're turning it on the grill. Use some stale cornbread from the day before to add texture. It'll be familiar yet wholly different from anything you're used to.

Provided by JJ Johnson

Categories     main-dish

Time 25m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 21

3 pounds seedless watermelon, peel left on, cut into 1-inch-thick slabs
Olive oil
Kosher salt
1/2 cup hulled pumpkin seeds
1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne
1 teaspoon sugar
4 cups 1-inch cubes cornbread
2 tablespoons salted or unsalted butter, melted
8 fresh shiso leaves, shredded (or Thai basil or mint)
1/2 cup dates, pitted and halved or chopped
1 serrano chile, sliced into rings
1/4 cup Lime Mango Dressing, recipe follows
Freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup ricotta or mascarpone
1/2 cup coarsely chopped ripe mango
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
1/4 cup dry sake
2 tablespoons champagne vinegar
1 teaspoon minced seeded bird's-eye chile
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 cup canola oil

Steps:

  • Heat a grill pan to medium-high heat. Brush the grill pan with oil or drizzle the watermelon slices with just enough oil to thinly coat. Season the watermelon slices with salt and place them on the hot grill.
  • Grill each side of the watermelon slices until charred, about 2 minutes. Transfer to a plate.
  • Remove the rind and dice the grilled watermelon into large cubes.
  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line two rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper.
  • Toss the pumpkin seeds with the cayenne, sugar and 2 teaspoons oil and place on one prepared baking sheet. Roast until golden, 6 to 10 minutes.
  • Toss or brush the cornbread cubes with the melted butter and place in a single layer on the second prepared baking sheet. Put in the oven along with the pumpkin seeds and bake for 10 minutes, turning halfway with a flexible spatula. Remove from the oven when the croutons are toasted and golden.
  • Toss the watermelon, shiso, dates and chile in the bowl with the dressing. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. Add the cornbread croutons and toss very gently to combine without breaking the croutons. Spoon the salad onto a large platter and garnish with the pumpkin seeds and cheese.
  • Put the mango, lime juice, sake, vinegar, chile and salt in a blender or food processor. Blend on high. After the ingredients are blended, slowly add the oil and continue to blend until the mixture is thickened and emulsified.

GRILLED WATERMELON SALAD WITH LIME MANGO DRESSING AND CORNBREAD CROUTONS



Grilled Watermelon Salad With Lime Mango Dressing and Cornbread Croutons image

Grilling watermelon caramelizes the sweetness of the fruit, and the char gives just a hint of smoky flavor.

Provided by JJ Johnson

Categories     Summer     Salad     Backyard BBQ     Watermelon     Cornmeal     Chile Pepper     Date     Ricotta     Mango     Juneteenth

Yield 6-8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 22

Lime Mango Dressing:
½ cup coarsely chopped ripe mango
¼ cup fresh lime juice
¼ cup dry sake
2 tablespoons champagne vinegar
1 teaspoon minced seeded bird's-eye chile
½ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ cup canola oil
Salad:
3 pounds seedless watermelon, peel left on, cut into 1-inch-thick slabs
Olive oil
Kosher salt
½ cup hulled pumpkin seeds
¼ teaspoon ground cayenne
1 teaspoon sugar
4 cups 1-inch cubes homemade or store-bought cornbread
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
8 fresh shiso leaves, shredded (or Thai basil or mint)
½ cup dates, pitted and chopped
1 serrano chile, sliced into rings
Freshly ground black pepper
½ cup ricotta or mascarpone

Steps:

  • For the dressing:
  • Put all of the ingredients except the oil in a blender. Blend on high. After the ingredients are blended, slowly add the oil and continue to blend until the mixture is thickened and emulsified. (Makes 1 cup.)
  • For the salad:
  • Heat a grill pan to medium-high heat. Drizzle the watermelon slices with just enough oil to thinly coat and place them on the hot grill.
  • Grill each side of the watermelon slices for about 2 minutes, until charred. Transfer to a plate and season with salt.
  • Remove the rind and dice the grilled watermelon into large cubes.
  • Preheat the oven to 350°F. Toss the pumpkin seeds with the cayenne, sugar, and 2 teaspoons oil and place on a small baking sheet. Roast for 6 to 10 minutes, until golden.
  • Brush the cornbread cubes with the melted butter and place in a single layer on a baking sheet. Put in the oven along with the pumpkin seeds and bake for 10 minutes, turning halfway with a flexible spatula. Remove from the oven when the croutons are toasted and golden.
  • Toss the watermelon, shiso, dates, and chile in the bowl with ¼ cup Lime Mango Dressing (reserve remaining dressing for another use). Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. Add the cornbread croutons and toss very gently to combine without breaking the croutons. Spoon the salad onto a large platter and garnish with the pumpkin seeds and cheese.

Tips:

  • Choose a ripe, juicy watermelon for the best flavor.
  • Grill the watermelon slices over medium-high heat until they are slightly charred and caramelized.
  • Make sure the cornbread croutons are crispy before adding them to the salad.
  • Use fresh limes and mangos for the dressing to get the best flavor.
  • Adjust the amount of chili powder and cumin in the dressing to your taste.

Conclusion:

This grilled watermelon salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish that is perfect for a summer party or potluck. The grilled watermelon slices are slightly charred and caramelized, which gives them a delicious smoky flavor. The cornbread croutons add a crispy texture to the salad, and the lime-mango dressing is tangy and sweet. This salad is sure to be a hit with your guests!

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