Grilled Watermelon Mint Quinoa Salad (Printable Version)
Smoky watermelon meets fluffy quinoa with crisp cucumbers and fresh herbs for a vibrant summer dish.
# What You'll Need:
→ Grains
01 - 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
02 - 2 cups water
→ Produce
03 - 4 cups seedless watermelon, cut into 1-inch thick wedges
04 - 1 cup cucumber, diced
05 - 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
06 - 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
07 - 1/4 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped
→ Dressing
08 - 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
09 - 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
10 - 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
11 - 1 tsp honey or maple syrup (optional)
12 - 1/2 tsp sea salt
13 - 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
→ Garnish (optional)
14 - 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (omit for vegan)
15 - 2 tbsp toasted pumpkin seeds or pistachios
# How To Make:
01 - Combine quinoa and water in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 12–15 minutes until water is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy. Remove from heat, fluff with a fork, and allow to cool completely.
02 - Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Lightly brush watermelon wedges with oil. Grill for 2–3 minutes per side until distinct grill marks form and surface is slightly caramelized. Remove from heat and let cool, then cut into bite-sized cubes.
03 - In a large mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, balsamic vinegar, honey or maple syrup, sea salt, and black pepper until fully emulsified.
04 - Add cooled quinoa, grilled watermelon cubes, cucumber, red onion, mint, and parsley to the bowl with dressing. Gently toss until all ingredients are evenly coated.
05 - Transfer salad to a serving platter. Top with crumbled feta cheese and toasted pumpkin seeds or pistachios if using. Serve immediately or refrigerate and serve chilled.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The combination of warm, smoky watermelon and cool, crisp vegetables creates this incredible temperature contrast that wakes up your entire palate
- Quinoa keeps you satisfied for hours without that heavy, stuffed feeling that usually comes with pasta salads at summer potlucks
02 -
- The watermelon will release quite a bit of juice while grilling, so be ready for some sizzling and popping on the grill grates
- This salad actually tastes better after sitting for an hour in the refrigerator, giving the quinoa time to absorb the dressing
03 -
- Pat the watermelon dry with paper towels before grilling to get better char marks and prevent sogginess
- Use a very sharp knife when cutting the cooled watermelon to preserve those perfect cubes