
During a recent trip to Columbus, Ohio, a local chef served a side salad alongside the team’s BBQ spread. The addition of grilled lemon—bringing a burst of char and bright acidity—made the dish unforgettable.
Inspired by that memorable salad, this version of a watermelon–feta salad features grilled lemons and grilled red onion to deepen the flavor and add a subtle smokiness. The combination of sweet watermelon, salty feta, savory charred elements, and vibrant citrus creates a standout side dish perfect for any summer meal.
Step 1
Prepare your ingredients: remove the rind off of the watermelon, and cut it into it ½”-1” cubes. Slice the lemon into ⅛”-thin rounds. Slice the red onion into ¼”- thick rounds.
Step 2
On a grill, or on a hot grill pan, grill your lemon slices until softened and charred, about 2-3 minutes per side. Once cooled, cut the lemon slices into halves or quarters.
Step 3
Brush the onions with oil, then grill the onion rounds until nicely charred, about 3 minutes per side. Once cooled, cut the rounds into halves or quarters.
Step 4
In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper. Add the cubed watermelon, grilled onion, and grilled lemon to the bowl and gently toss everything together. Taste and season with more salt and pepper as desired. Chill until you’re ready to serve. This salad is best served the same day, but will keep up to 3 days in the fridge.
Step 5
Right before serving, top the salad with crumbled feta and fresh mint.
Watermelon Salad