Taking an iconic summer treat to a new level with this Grilled Yellow Watermelon and Cucumber Cantaloupe Salsa! It's a healthy, refreshing, sweet n' smoky recipe you can serve as a side or appetizer. Plus it's vegan, keto-friendly and gluten-free!
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What makes a watermelon yellow?
The reason a watermelon's flesh is yellow is due to the absence of the antioxidant lycopene, which gives red watermelons, and tomatoes for that matter, their color. As far as taste is concerned, my clan and I found the yellow to be a little mellower with a denser texture than red and equally delicious.
Why grill watermelon?
Just a few minutes on the grill concentrates the watermelon's honey-like flavor and makes its color even more vibrant. And the cucumber-cantaloupe combination in the sweet n' spicy salsa is a perfect complement.
Grilling & Assembling
But before placing those thick wedges on the grates, coat them well with vegetable oil and sprinkle on some s&p. I tossed the lime halves on the grill too to use in the salsa. However, if you want to make the salsa in advance you don't have to grill the limes. This bright salsa is definitely a scrumptious alternative to their tomato counterparts and one you'll love having on hand to put on chicken and fish, or simply have with chips.
It literally just takes 2-3 minutes per side to get those tasty, charred grate marks without the watermelon turning into mush. Luckily our neighbors were around when I was done shooting to help us polish off the platter. Believe me, these golden beauties won't last long. Let's hang on to a delicious summer, friends!
More Summer Recipes to Try!
Take advantage of late summer's bounty with recipes that will have your gang coming back for more.
Roasted Corn & Heirloom Tomato Gazpacho
Grilled Shrimp & Peach Salad w/ Burrata and Basil
Heirloom Tomato Bruschetta Chesse Board
Farmers Market Salad w/ Adobo Chicken & Halloumi
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📋 Recipe
Grilled Yellow Watermelon with Cucumber Cantaloupe Salsa
Equipment
Ingredients
- 12 yellow watermelon , sliced ¾-inch thick (can also use red)
- 2 limes , halved, plus extra lime wedges for serving
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 cup cucumber , peeled, seeded and diced
- 1 cup cantaloupe , diced
- ½ cup red onion , diced
- 1 jalapeno , minced
- 1 tablespoon each fresh basil and parsley , chopped, plus extra for garnish
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Kosher salt and black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat grill over medium-high heat.
- Place watermelon wedges and lime halves on a large, parchment-lined, rimmed baking sheet.
- Brush vegetable oil on both sides of watermelon and cut side of limes. Season with salt and pepper.
- Grill watermelon 2-3 minutes on each side until charred but not soft. Grill limes cut-side down for 3 minutes. When done place watermelon and limes back on baking sheet. Set aside.
- In a medium bowl, combine the cucumber, cantaloupe, red onion, jalapeno, basil, parsley and olive oil.
- Squeeze the juice of grilled limes over the salsa. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Arrange watermelon wedges on a large platter.
- Spoon salsa over top.
- Garnish platter with extra lime wedges and fresh herbs.
- Serve with remaining salsa on the side. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
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Ben | Havocinthekitchen says
Oh Kim, I am so impressed with your recent grilling creations - so stunning and vibrant! Once again, you've got a splendid appetizer; so refreshing, bright, and definitely delicious!
Kim Peterson says
Thanks so much Ben!! This platter was absolutely devoured!