When the sun’s at its peak and your favorite Club16 workout has left you dripping, you deserve something that tastes like sunshine and works like performance fuel. May we suggest the Fire-Roasted Watermelon & Feta Power Salad—an unexpected mash-up of charred fruit, creamy cheese, and a zesty mint-lime drizzle that hits every note: hydrating, protein-packed, and addictive. Trust us: this is the side dish—and post-workout recovery ritual—you didn’t know you needed.
Nothing says “summer” like watermelon, but grilling it? That’s next-level. A quick sear on a hot grill (or grill pan) deepens its natural sugars, giving each cube a whisper of smokiness that plays beautifully against tangy feta. Paired with a bright mint-lime vinaigrette, this salad becomes more than just pretty colors on a plate—it’s a strategic blend of electrolytes, anti-inflammatory elements, and lean protein designed to refuel and repair.
Ingredients (Serves 2–4)
Salad ingredients:
- 4 cups seedless watermelon, cut into 1” cubes
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- Pinch sea salt + freshly cracked black pepper
Mint-Lime Vinaigrette ingredients:
- 2 Tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1 Tbsp finely chopped fresh mint leaves
- 1 tsp honey or agave nectar
- 2 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- Pinch sea salt
Instructions
- Preheat a grill or heavy-bottomed grill pan over medium-high heat. In a bowl, toss watermelon cubes with olive oil, a pinch of sea salt, and a few cracks of black pepper.
- Arrange watermelon in a single layer on the hot surface. Grill 1–2 minutes per side until caramelized grill marks appear—keep an eye to avoid mushiness.
- In a small jar, combine lime juice, chopped mint, honey, olive oil, and salt; shake or whisk until emulsified and glossy.
- Transfer charred watermelon to a shallow platter, scatter feta evenly, then drizzle the mint-lime vinaigrette in long swoops.
- Tuck extra mint sprigs or microgreens around the edges for a pop of color. Serve immediately at room temperature.
Pro Tips:
- Don’t overcrowd the grill—each cube needs direct heat to char, not steam.
- Watermelon softens fast; 1–2 minutes per side is all you need.
- Whisk your dressing up to 48 hours ahead and cube watermelon the morning of for lightning-fast assembly.
- Layer in cooked quinoa or grilled chicken strips to make it a complete, macro-balanced meal.
Variations & Customizations
- Spicy Heat: Sprinkle a pinch of crushed chili flakes or a dash of smoked paprika into the vinaigrette for a fiery kick.
- Herb Swap: Substitute basil or cilantro for mint to shift the flavor profile—basil adds sweet, peppery notes; cilantro brings bright citrus undertones.
- Vegan Twist: Replace feta with dairy-free “ricotta” made from blended cashews or almond-based cheese to suit plant-based diets.
- Crunch Factor: Top with toasted pepitas, sunflower seeds, or crushed pistachios for extra texture and healthy fats.
- Fruit Fusion: Mix grilled pineapple or peaches with the watermelon for a multi-fruit blaze of smoky sweetness.
We’ve flipped the script on traditional fruit salads, the Fire-Roasted Watermelon & Feta Power Salad proves that recovery food can be both functional and fiercely flavorful. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ, refueling after a sweat session, or simply craving a summer-fresh snack, this recipe delivers on all fronts. Ready to taste the trend? Fire up the grill, snap a photo of your sizzling creation and tag us with #Club16Fuel —we can’t wait to see (and share) your creation!
