As the sun shines brighter and summer beckons, there’s something incredibly refreshing about grilling fruits. I discovered the joy of combining sweet, juicy watermelon with a zesty dressing on a particularly hot day. This Grilled Watermelon Salad With Lime Mango Dressing and Cornbread Croutons has become my go-to recipe for those lazy summer afternoons when all I crave is something vibrant and delicious.
The moment the watermelon hits the grill, the sweet aroma mixes with a hint of smoky caramelization that will leave your guests begging for the recipe. Drenched in a tangy lime mango dressing, every bite bursts with flavor, while the crunchy cornbread croutons add that nostalgic crunch we all love. It’s the perfect way to elevate your gatherings, whether it’s a backyard barbecue or a casual dinner under the stars. Join me as we dive into this playful and satisfying salad that promises to make your summer sizzle!
Why would you love Grilled Watermelon Salad?
Refreshing and perfect for summer gatherings, this salad is a delightful twist on traditional fare. Unique flavors of caramelized watermelon paired with zesty lime mango dressing create a vibrant balance. Crunchy cornbread croutons add a nostalgic and satisfying crunch, making each bite unforgettable. Versatile enough to incorporate seasonal fruits or herbs, it’s a dish you can customize. Quick and easy to make, this salad will impress your friends and family without keeping you in the kitchen all day.
Grilled Watermelon Salad Ingredients
• Your guide to a refreshing salad.
For the Salad
- Watermelon – Adds sweetness and hydration; slice thickly to prevent it from falling apart on the grill.
- Lime Juice – Provides acidity to brighten the salad; fresh lime juice is recommended for an invigorating taste.
- Mango – Contributes tropical sweetness and smooth texture in the dressing; choose ripe mangoes for the best flavor.
For the Croutons
- Cornbread (stale) – Offers crunch and body to the salad; use leftover cornbread to enhance texture, as fresh cornbread can become too soft.
Optional Additions
- Fresh Herbs – Can be added for a pop of flavor and color; try mint or basil for a fragrant twist.
Embrace the sunny days with this Grilled Watermelon Salad with Lime Mango Dressing and Cornbread Croutons, and delight your taste buds with its refreshing flavors!
How to Make Grilled Watermelon Salad
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Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. It’s crucial to get the grill hot enough to caramelize the watermelon, giving it that delectable smoky flavor.
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Slice the watermelon into thick wedges. Aim for about 1-inch thick slices to ensure they hold their shape while grilling.
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Grill the watermelon slices for about 2-4 minutes per side. Keep an eye out for beautiful grill marks and a slightly caramelized exterior—it’s a game-changer!
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Blend the lime juice with ripe mango until smooth. This zesty dressing not only complements the grilled watermelon but also brings a refreshing tropical vibe to the dish.
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Cube the stale cornbread and toss with a drizzle of olive oil. Then, toast in the grill or oven until golden and crispy for that satisfying crunch!
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Assemble the salad by placing grilled watermelon on a serving platter. Drizzle generously with the lime mango dressing, and top with cornbread croutons for that perfect blend of textures.
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Serve immediately, optionally garnished with fresh herbs like mint or basil to elevate both flavor and appearance.
Optional: Sprinkle with a dash of chili powder for an extra kick!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Grilled Watermelon Salad
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Perfect Slices: Make sure to slice the watermelon at least 1-inch thick. This prevents it from falling apart on the grill and ensures a beautiful grill mark pattern.
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Use Stale Cornbread: Stale cornbread is key for croutons; fresh cornbread often becomes too soft. The slight dryness helps achieve that delightful crunch.
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Choose Ripe Mango: Opt for ripe, sweet mangoes for the dressing. This will ensure the lime mango dressing complements the grilled watermelon perfectly without being too tart.
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Watch the Grill Time: Grill watermelon for just 2-4 minutes per side, depending on the heat of your grill. Overcooking can lead to mushy fruit, so keep an eye on it!
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Customize Flavor: Feel free to add a pinch of salt or a sprinkle of chili powder to the dressing for added depth. Personalize the grilled watermelon salad to your taste!
Storage Tips for Grilled Watermelon Salad
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 1 day. The grilled watermelon salad is best enjoyed fresh as the texture may deteriorate quickly.
- Cornbread Croutons: Keep croutons separate in a sealed container to maintain their crunch. They can stay fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature.
- Reheating: If you need to reheat the grilled watermelon, do so on a low heat for a few minutes to avoid making it mushy; however, it’s best enjoyed cold or at room temperature.
- Fresh Herbs: If adding herbs, store them separately to keep them vibrant and fresh until you’re ready to serve the grilled watermelon salad!
Grilled Watermelon Salad Variations
Feel free to explore these delightful twists that will take your refreshing salad from ordinary to extraordinary!
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Peach Perfection: Substitute watermelon with grilled peaches for a juicy, sweet alternative that adds a delicious caramelized flavor.
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Tropical Twist: Replace lime juice with fresh lime zest for an extra zesty flavor, elevating the dressing to new heights of freshness.
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Savory Addition: Crumble tangy feta or creamy goat cheese on top for a savory contrast that pairs beautifully with the sweet, smoky flavors of the salad.
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Nutty Crunch: Incorporate toasted almonds or pecans for an extra layer of crunch and nutty flavor that enhances this vibrant summer dish.
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Herb Ensemble: Mix and match fresh herbs like basil, cilantro, or parsley to create a unique herbal profile that brightens each bite.
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Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of chili flakes to the dressing for a fiery twist that complements the sweetness of the watermelon and mango beautifully.
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Vegan Delight: Use agave or maple syrup in place of honey for a vegan-friendly sweetener that still delivers that delicious touch of sweetness.
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Grainy Base: Serve the salad on a bed of quinoa or farro for added texture and substance, making it a heartier meal option.
What to Serve with Grilled Watermelon Salad with Lime Mango Dressing and Cornbread Croutons?
Elevate your summer gathering with paired dishes that enhance the flavors and textures of this refreshing salad.
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Crispy Grilled Chicken: Juicy and tender, marinated grilled chicken provides a savory contrast to the sweet watermelon, making each bite a delightful experience.
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Quinoa Tabbouleh: This herby, grain-filled salad adds a refreshing crunch and further complements the fruity notes of your watermelon salad, bringing a wholesome element to the table.
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Szechuan Green Beans: With their bold, spicy notes, these green beans create a vibrant flavor interplay, perfectly balancing the sweetness of the salad.
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Mint Lemonade: This cool and revitalizing drink enhances the zest of the lime mango dressing, offering a refreshing reprieve from the summer heat while harmonizing with your dish.
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Balsamic Grilled Vegetables: Mixed grilled veggies tossed with balsamic glaze provide savory depth and a hearty side that pairs beautifully with the lightness of the salad.
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Pineapple Sorbet: This cool, tropical dessert not only cleanses the palate but echoes the fruity elements in your salad, leaving a lingering taste of summer bliss.
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Pesto Pasta Salad: The herby notes from the pesto enhance the freshness of the watermelon salad, while the pasta adds a comforting, hearty touch to your meal.
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Cheese Platter: A selection of tangy goat cheese and creamy feta provides a deliciously rich contrast, enhancing the flavor profile of the meal and offering satisfying bites alongside the salad.
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Iced Herbal Tea: A light, refreshing beverage that seamlessly complements the flavors of your salad, this tea can be enjoyed sweetened with honey for a delightful finish.
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Peach Cobbler: This warm dessert filled with juicy peaches delivers a sweet, comforting finish to your summer meal, making it a perfect ending to a sunny day.
Make Ahead Options
This Grilled Watermelon Salad with Lime Mango Dressing and Cornbread Croutons is ideal for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy effortless summer dining! You can slice the watermelon up to 24 hours in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep it fresh. Additionally, prepare the lime mango dressing a day ahead by blending it, then refrigerate to deepen the flavors. For the cornbread croutons, cube and toast them 1-2 days ahead, keeping them in a separate container to maintain their crunch. When you’re ready to serve, simply grill the watermelon, assemble the salad, and drizzle with the mango dressing for a refreshing dish that’s just as delicious as when freshly made!
Grilled Watermelon Salad with Lime Mango Dressing and Cornbread Croutons Recipe FAQs
How do I choose a ripe watermelon?
Absolutely! When selecting a watermelon, look for one that feels heavy for its size and has a uniform shape. The surface should be free of dark spots or blemishes, and you want to see a creamy yellow spot where it rested on the ground—this indicates ripeness. If the watermelon sounds hollow when you tap it, it’s likely ripe and perfect for grilling!
How should I store leftovers of the grilled watermelon salad?
Very! It’s best to store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they’ll stay fresh for about 1 day. The grilled watermelon can become quite soft, so it’s a good idea to keep the croutons separate in a sealed container for up to 3 days to maintain their crunchiness.
Can I freeze the grilled watermelon salad?
Not really! I wouldn’t recommend freezing the grilled watermelon salad as watermelon has a high water content and can turn mushy upon thawing. If you want to prep in advance, you could freeze the cornbread croutons for up to 3 months and toast them again before serving them fresh.
What if my dressing is too tart?
If your lime mango dressing ends up a bit too tart for your liking, you can balance it out by adding a teaspoon of honey or agave syrup. Start with a small amount, blend again, and taste until you reach that perfect harmonious flavor!
Are there any precautions for dietary restrictions?
Absolutely! If you have guests with specific allergies, be sure to check that your mango dressing doesn’t contain any allergens. Additionally, if you’re adding fresh herbs, I always suggest confirming that no one has any sensitivities to those as well. For a dairy-free option, don’t hesitate to skip feta or goat cheese!
How do I ensure my cornbread croutons stay crunchy?
Great question! To ensure your cornbread croutons stay wonderfully crunchy, use stale cornbread. Simply cube it, toss with a bit of olive oil, and toast in the oven or on the grill until golden brown, which usually takes about 10 minutes. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning, and store them separately until you’re ready to serve!
Grilled Watermelon Salad with Lime Mango Dressing Bliss
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Slice the watermelon into thick wedges, about 1-inch thick.
- Grill the watermelon slices for about 2-4 minutes per side.
- Blend the lime juice with ripe mango until smooth.
- Cube the stale cornbread and toss with a drizzle of olive oil, then toast until golden and crispy.
- Assemble the salad by placing grilled watermelon on a serving platter and drizzle with the lime mango dressing.
- Top with cornbread croutons.
- Serve immediately, optionally garnished with fresh herbs.