
Grilled Watermelon and Shrimp Salad – Sweet, smoky, and refreshingly unexpected—this grilled watermelon and shrimp salad is a summer standout with heart-healthy benefits.
Juicy melon gets a caramelized edge on the grill, pairing perfectly with tender shrimp, crisp greens, and a citrusy vinaigrette. It’s light enough for lunch, bold enough for dinner, and guaranteed to spark curiosity at the table.
Bonus: it’s a conversation starter disguised as a salad.
Ingredients
- Two 1” thick slices from a round 5 lb seedless watermelon (about 8-9” in diameter).
- ¼ cup olive oil, for brushing watermelon and shrimp
- 1 lb medium-size shrimp, shelled, deveined, and cleaned (about 25 per pound)
- 8 cups of loosely packed baby arugula
- ½ cup of crumbled blue cheese (omit for dairy free)
- Fine ground sea salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
For the balsamic vinaigrette
- 2 tbs balsamic vinegar
- ¼ tsp Dijon mustrd
- ½ tsp raw honey
- 2 tbs extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ tsp coarse kosher fine ground sea salt
Instructions
- Prep the shrimp: Peel and devein 1 lb of raw shrimp. Pat dry and toss with 1 tablespoon olive oil, a pinch of salt, and cracked black pepper. Set aside.
- Slice the watermelon: Cut seedless watermelon into thick wedges or large cubes—about 1 inch thick. Brush lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Fire up the grill: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high. Grill watermelon pieces for 2–3 minutes per side until char marks appear and edges caramelize. Remove and let cool slightly.
- Grill the shrimp: Place shrimp on the grill and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until opaque and lightly charred. Remove from heat.
- Build the salad: On a large platter or individual plates, layer mixed greens, grilled watermelon, and shrimp. Add thinly sliced red onion, crumbled feta (optional), and fresh mint or basil.
- Dress it up: Drizzle with a citrus vinaigrette—try a mix of olive oil, lime juice, honey, and a pinch of chili flakes for balance.
- Serve and savor: Serve immediately while the shrimp is warm and the watermelon is juicy. This salad shines as a light entrée or a bold side dish.
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