Fresh Grilled Watermelon and Feta Skewers Recipe Easy Summer Mint Appetizer
These fresh grilled watermelon and feta skewers with mint offer a quick, simple, and refreshing summer appetizer that balances sweet, salty, and fresh flavors with a smoky twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 8 skewers (serves 4) 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups seedless watermelon, cut into 1-inch cubes
- Crumbly feta cheese, about ¾ inch chunks (enough for 8 skewers)
- Fresh mint leaves, whole or torn
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- Fresh lime juice (optional, for drizzling before serving)
- Freshly cracked black pepper (to taste)
- 8 wooden or metal skewers
Instructions
- Cut the watermelon into 1-inch cubes, ensuring they are firm and not overly juicy to avoid falling apart on the grill.
- Lightly toss the watermelon cubes in 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil to prevent sticking and promote caramelization.
- If using wooden skewers, soak 8 skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning. Skip this step if using metal skewers.
- Thread watermelon cube, followed by a small chunk of feta cheese, then a fresh mint leaf folded or torn in half onto each skewer. Repeat until the skewer is full but not overcrowded, usually 3-4 watermelon cubes and 2-3 feta pieces per skewer. Prepare 8 skewers total.
- Preheat the grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (around 375°F). Clean and lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
- Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, turning gently with tongs to get light grill marks and caramelization without melting the feta too much. The watermelon should be warm, slightly softened, and smoky-sweet.
- Remove skewers from the grill and place on a serving platter. Drizzle with fresh lime juice and sprinkle freshly cracked black pepper over the top. Add an extra mint leaf for garnish if desired.
- Serve immediately for best flavor.
Notes
Do not overcook the skewers to avoid mushy watermelon and melted feta. Lightly oil the watermelon instead of the grill grates to prevent sticking and create caramelization. Fresh lime juice brightens the flavors and is recommended before serving. Wooden skewers should be soaked to prevent burning. If no grill is available, a hot cast iron pan works well.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 2 skew
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 7
- Carbohydrates: 10
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 5
Keywords: grilled watermelon, feta skewers, summer appetizer, mint, easy recipe, healthy snack, gluten-free, vegetarian