Grilled Watermelon & Feta Salad

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This taste combo surprises with its bright and refreshing flavor – basil oil adds a smoothing note. Plus, it’s just a bunch of fun to put something unexpected on the grill!

Serves 8

Ingredients

1 tightly packed cup of basil leaves
¾ cup extra virgin olive oil
½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
¼ tsp salt    

8 quarter-slices of watermelon, 1½ to 2 inches thick
4 oz arugula leaves
16 oz feta cheese
Balsamic vinegar glaze

Instructions

  1. Start the grill. Bring a medium pot of water to boil.
  2. Dump the basil leaves all at once into the boiling water, and blanch for 10 seconds. Drain, and pat dry with paper towels.
  3. Add the basil leaves, olive oil, salt and pepper to a blender jar, and puree.
  4. When the grill is very hot, oil the grate. Place the watermelon slices directly over the coals. Cook until lightly grill-marked, 4-5 minutes. Turn and cook the same on the other side. Remove from heat.
  5. Cover each plate with arugula leaves.
  6. Place a watermelon slice on each plate.
  7. Crumble feta cheese over watermelon and arugula.
  8. Drizzle basil oil equally over each salad.
  9. Drizzle balsamic vinegar glaze to taste over each salad.

My husband says: balsamic glaze is balsamic vinegar, slowly reduced to a syrup. You can make it yourself, but good quality glaze is easily available in shops and online. Try it on strawberries and ice cream!