Smoked & Seared: Grilled Arkansas Watermelon with Mint and Feta

Introduction

Summer grilling usually brings to mind heavy cuts of meat and savory vegetables, but there is a hidden gem that completely transforms your outdoor cooking experience: grilled watermelon. Specifically, using a sweet Arkansas watermelon brings a sugary depth that caramelizes beautifully when introduced to high heat. The magic happens on the flat cooktop of an Arteflame grill, where the sugars sear rather than burn, creating a sophisticated smoky nuance that pairs perfectly with salty feta cheese and cooling mint. This dish is not just a salad; it is a conversation starter.

Whether you are hosting a backyard cookout or looking for a light, refreshing side dish, this recipe bridges the gap between a savory appetizer and a sweet treat. The heat intensifies the juicy texture of the fruit while the balsamic glaze adds a tangy finish. It creates a flavor profile that is indistinguishable from a high-end gourmet restaurant offering, yet it is incredibly simple to prepare in your own backyard.

Ingredients

• 1 small Arkansas seedless watermelon (approx. 3-4 lbs)
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, roughly chopped
• Kosher salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Balsamic glaze, for drizzling

Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Grill and Melon

1. Start by firing up your Arteflame grill. You want to build a medium-high fire to ensure the center griddle gets hot enough to sear quickly without turning the fruit to mush.
2. While the grill heats up, slice the Arkansas watermelon. Cut the melon into rounds about 1-inch thick, then cut those rounds into triangular wedges. Leave the rind on creates a convenient handle for eating and helps the slice hold its shape.

Step 2: Season the Fruit

1. Place your watermelon wedges on a large baking sheet or tray.
2. Brush both sides of each watermelon wedge lightly with olive oil. This prevents sticking and helps achieve that golden-brown caramelization.
3. Sprinkle kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper over the wedges. The salt helps draw out just enough surface moisture to aid browning while contrasting the sweetness.

Step 3: Sear the Watermelon

1. Place the watermelon wedges directly onto the flat steel cooktop of the Arteflame. Aim for the hotter zones near the center.
2. Grill for about 2 to 3 minutes per side. You are looking for distinct sear marks and a slight softening of the fruit, but it should still retain some crunch.
3. Once caramelized, remove the wedges from the grill and transfer them to a serving platter.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

1. While the watermelon is still warm, crumble the feta cheese generously over the top. The residual heat will slightly soften the cheese.
2. Sprinkle the fresh chopped mint over the feta.
3. Finish the dish with a zig-zag drizzle of balsamic glaze across the platter. Serve immediately while warm.

Tips

Getting the perfect sear on watermelon requires a balance of high heat and speed. If you leave the fruit on the grill too long, the cell structure breaks down, and it becomes unpleasantly mushy. Aim for the hotter ring of your Arteflame cooktop to get those coveted sear marks quickly—usually, two minutes per side is plenty. It is also crucial to slice your wedges thickly, at least one inch; thin slices will fall apart under the heat.

Don't skip the olive oil step. Aside from preventing sticking, the fat helps conduct the heat for that golden caramelization. Additionally, using a high-quality balsamic glaze rather than standard vinegar makes a difference; the thickness of the glaze clings to the fruit better and provides a concentrated burst of acidity that cuts through the sweetness of the Arkansas melon. Serve this dish immediately, as it tends to release water if it sits for too long.

Variations

While the classic mint and feta combination is a crowd-pleaser, grilled watermelon is a versatile canvas for flavor experimentation. You can easily pivot this recipe to be spicier, savorier, or even sweeter depending on your main course. If you enjoy a kick of heat, chili and lime are natural companions to warm melon. For those who want more texture, adding nuts or seeds provides a great crunch against the soft fruit. Here are a few ways to mix it up:

• Spicy Kick: Dust the wedges with Tajín or red pepper flakes before grilling.
• Herb Swap: Replace mint with fresh basil for a Caprese-style twist.
• Cheese Change: Swap feta for goat cheese or grilled slices of halloumi.
• Savory Crunch: Top with toasted pine nuts, crushed pistachios, or walnuts.
• Citrus Burst: Omit the balsamic and squeeze fresh lime juice and zest over the finished dish.

Best pairings

This grilled watermelon salad acts as the perfect palate cleanser alongside heavier, smoky meats. It pairs exceptionally well with grilled pork chops or sticky BBQ ribs, where the cool, refreshing melon cuts through the richness of the animal fat. It is also a fantastic side for grilled chicken breasts marinated in lemon and herbs, echoing the fresh vibe of the meal.

For beverage pairings, you want something crisp and acidic to balance the sugar and salt. A chilled Sauvignon Blanc or a dry Rosé is an excellent wine choice, mirroring the fruity yet savory notes of the dish. If you prefer beer, a light wheat beer, a fruity sour, or a citrusy shandy will keep things refreshing without overpowering the delicate flavors of the melon and mint. For a non-alcoholic option, sparkling water with a twist of lime is ideal.

Conclusion

Grilled Arkansas watermelon with mint and feta completely changes the narrative on summer fruit. It is a testament to how fire and smoke can elevate simple ingredients into something sophisticated and memorable. By using the Arteflame grill, you achieve a sear that creates a depth of flavor standard serving methods just cannot match. This dish is vibrant, colorful, and bursting with contrasting textures that satisfy every taste bud.

Next time you fire up the grill, save some space on the cooktop for this unique recipe. It requires minimal ingredients but delivers maximum impact. It is guaranteed to be the highlight of your outdoor gathering, leaving guests asking for seconds and wondering how something so simple can taste so complex. Enjoy the perfect bite of summer!