Grilled Watermelon with Cherry Balsamic Salsa is a delightful summer salad perfect for your backyard cookout or picnic. This creative fruit salad works for Paleo, Whole 30, vegetarian and vegan diets.
1 2” thick sliced watermelon cross-sectionapprox. 10 to 12” diameter
Coarse sea salt
½cuppitted, chopped Bing cherries
½cuppitted, chopped Rainier cherries
¼cupchopped red onion
¼cupchopped green onion, whites and tops
2tablespoonsbalsamic syrupaka glaze or reduction – divided
1tablespoonlime juice
1tablespoonavocado oil
2tablespoonsshredded fresh basil
Instructions
Heat gas or charcoal grill to approximate 400F degrees. Or, heat grill pan on stove top to medium-high heat.
Place watermelon cross-section to grill and grill for approximately 3 minutes each side until natural sugars beginning to caramelize enough to see grate marks. Remove from grill and season to taste with sea salt. Set aside.
Toss together cherries, red onion and green onion and dress by stirring in 1 tablespoon of the balsamic syrup (reserve other 1 tablespoon for drizzle), lime juice, and avocado oil.
Slice grilled watermelon into 8 wedges. Pile cherry salsa in middle of grilled watermelon.
Drizzle remaining 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar over watermelon and sprinkle with shredded basil.