North Carolina Grilled Watermelon Salad

Introduction

There’s nothing quite like a fresh and vibrant salad that’s grilled to perfection on the Arteflame. In this recipe, we’re taking juicy summer watermelon, charring the wedges on the Arteflame’s hot flat cooktop, and serving them with creamy feta, fresh mint, and a touch of lime. This North Carolina grilled watermelon salad is the perfect mix of smoky, sweet, salty, and refreshing. The unique design of the Arteflame grill lets us do this and more—all without any pots, pans, or ovens.

Ingredients

• 1 small seedless watermelon, cut into 1-inch thick wedges
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter (for grilling)
• 6 oz feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves, roughly chopped
• 1 lime, juiced
• 1/4 tsp kosher salt
• Fresh cracked black pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Fire up your Arteflame Grill

1. Place three paper napkins in the grill bowl and pour vegetable oil over them.
2. Stack hardwood firewood on top of the napkins.
3. Light the napkins and allow the fire to build. Your Arteflame grill will be ready for cooking in about 20 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the watermelon

1. Cut the watermelon into 1-inch thick wedges, leaving the rind on for easy handling.
2. Lightly season each side with a pinch of kosher salt.

Step 3: Grill the watermelon

1. Once the outer flat griddle reaches a medium-high heat (closer to the center for more char), place each watermelon wedge onto the cooktop.
2. Add a small dab of butter under each wedge as it grills to enhance the flavor.
3. Grill each side of the wedges for about 2 minutes until grill marks form and the surface just begins to caramelize.

Step 4: Assemble the salad

1. Arrange the grilled watermelon wedges on a large platter or tray.
2. Sprinkle crumbled feta evenly over the top.
3. Scatter chopped mint leaves.
4. Drizzle lime juice over the entire salad.
5. Finish with cracked black pepper to taste.

Tips

• Use the hottest part of the griddle near the center for char marks but move watermelon pieces to the outer edge to avoid overcooking.
• Butter creates a better flavor and perfect caramelization over the Arteflame flat cooktop.
• For extra flavor, grill lime halves cut-side down and drizzle the grilled juice over the salad.
• Don’t overgrill the watermelon—the goal is to warm and char, not cook through.
• Fresh mint and high-quality feta make all the difference in the final flavor.

Variations

1. Spicy Honey Watermelon Salad: Add a drizzle of spicy chili-infused honey after grilling, and sprinkle with a pinch of cayenne.
2. Balsamic Glazed Watermelon Salad: Finish the dish with a balsamic glaze drizzle instead of lime for a sweet tangy touch.
3. Cucumber and Watermelon Salad: Add thinly sliced grilled cucumber rounds for extra crunch and depth.
4. Prosciutto-Wrapped Watermelon: Wrap wedges in thin slices of prosciutto before grilling for a savory bite.
5. Herbed Goat Cheese Watermelon Salad: Swap feta for crumbled goat cheese mixed with chopped basil or dill.

Best pairings

• Grilled shrimp or scallops with butter and herbs
• Chilled rosé or citrusy wheat beer
• Flatbread grilled on the Arteflame with garlic butter
• Fresh tomato and corn salad with basil

Conclusion

This North Carolina Charred Watermelon Salad is the epitome of summer grilling—using the Arteflame grill to elevate simple ingredients into a smoky, sweet, and satisfying dish. With zero pots, no pans, and just the power of fire and steel, you’ll impress anyone who gets a taste. Keep it simple or get creative with the variations—either way, it’s bound to be a crowd favorite.