An ideal appetizer for our summer fête, Grilled Watermelon with Goat Cheese and Lime captures the essence of the season. Citrus sugar sweetens the fresh-cut melon slices, which begin to caramelize over the flame of the grill. A sprinkling of herbs and goat cheese readies each slice for the party.
Grilled Watermelon with Goat Cheese and Lime
Serves 6
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon lime zest
- 3 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2½ teaspoons kosher salt, divided
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper
- ½ cup thinly sliced red onion
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 (4-pound) seedless watermelon, cut into 1-inch thick rounds
- ⅓ cup goat cheese
- ¼ cup loosely packed basil or mint
- ¼ cup coarsely chopped toasted walnuts
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine lime juice, honey, ½ teaspoon salt, and red pepper. Add onion and toss to combine. Let sit for 10 to 15 minutes, allowing onion to soften slightly. Remove onion and set aside; whisk in olive oil.
- In a separate small bowl, combine sugar, lime zest, and remaining 2 teaspoons salt. Lay watermelon rounds on a baking sheet or large tray. Sprinkle both sides evenly with lime sugar mixture. Let sit for 15 minutes.
- Meanwhile, prepare grill or grill pan. For grill, spray grill rack with nonflammable cooking spray, and heat grill to medium-high heat (350° to 400°). Alternately, heat a cast-iron grill pan on high heat, and brush with vegetable oil.
- Working in batches, place rounds on grill or grill pan. Cook, uncovered, until grill marks appear and watermelon begins to caramelize, about 5 minutes per side (see Note).
- Transfer rounds to a work surface (see Note). Cut into triangles and arrange on a serving platter.
- Sprinkle goat cheese, basil or mint, walnuts, and prepared onion mixture over watermelon; drizzle with lime juice dressing. Serve immediately.
Notes
Be careful when turning or transferring slices; our test kitchen chefs suggest using two fish spatulas. To prepare this dish for grilling on-site, cut fresh watermelon; make pickled onions, lime sugar mixture, and dressing; and toast walnuts ahead of time.
