Smoky Grilled Kale and Sweet Watermelon Salad

Welcome to your new favorite summer side dish or light meal: the Grilled Kale and Watermelon Salad. This vibrant, unexpectedly harmonious blend brings together the earthy, slightly smoky notes of grilled kale with the refreshing sweetness of juicy watermelon. It’s a culinary masterpiece that promises to tantalize your taste buds and impress your guests, all while being incredibly simple to prepare.

Far from your average salad, this recipe elevates simple ingredients through the magic of grilling. We perfectly char fresh kale and tender green onions, adding a depth of flavor that complements the crisp, cool watermelon cubes. A sprinkle of slivered almonds introduces a delightful crunch, while a secret ingredient—nutrient-packed microgreens—boosts both health and texture. The entire ensemble is then dressed with a homemade vinaigrette featuring olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, pomegranate juice, and sesame seeds, creating a symphony of sweet, tangy, and savory notes.

This grilled kale and watermelon salad isn’t just a recipe; it’s an experience. It’s a celebration of summer flavors, designed for those who appreciate fresh, wholesome ingredients transformed into something truly extraordinary. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, looking for a nutritious weeknight dinner, or simply craving a refreshing yet satisfying dish, this salad is your answer. Its balance of textures—from the tender-crisp kale to the juicy watermelon and crunchy almonds—and its complex flavor profile will leave you reaching for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Grilled Kale and Watermelon Salad

There are countless reasons to fall in love with this unique salad:

• Unforgettable Flavor Combination: The unexpected pairing of smoky grilled kale with sweet, hydrating watermelon creates a flavor profile that is both intriguing and utterly delicious. It challenges traditional salad notions in the best way possible.
• Quick & Easy Preparation: Ready in just 30 minutes, this salad is perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings. The grilling process is straightforward, and the dressing whips up in a flash.
• Nutrient-Packed Goodness: Kale is a powerhouse of vitamins and minerals, watermelon offers hydration and antioxidants, microgreens deliver concentrated nutrition, and almonds provide healthy fats and fiber. It’s a meal that truly nourishes your body.
• Versatile for Any Occasion: Serve it as a refreshing side at your next BBQ, a light and satisfying lunch, or even as a unique appetizer. It pairs wonderfully with a variety of grilled meats or other summer dishes.
• Textural Delight: The interplay between the slight char of the kale, the juicy burst of watermelon, the crispness of green onions, and the nutty crunch of almonds makes every bite an exciting adventure for your palate.
• SEO-Friendly and Shareable: This unique recipe is designed to be highly appealing, encouraging shares and engagement across social media and food communities. It’s a showstopper that tastes as good as it looks.

Key Ingredients for Your Summer Salad Masterpiece

Each component of this salad plays a vital role in creating its balanced flavor and texture profile. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need:

• Kale: For optimal grilling results, make sure to purchase full stalks of kale, not pre-chopped or already deboned varieties. The stalk provides a handle for grilling and helps the leaves maintain their structure while achieving that perfect tender char. Grilling kale softens its texture and mellows its slightly bitter notes, transforming it into a delightful, smoky green.
• Watermelon: The star of summer, fresh watermelon provides an incredible burst of sweetness and hydration. Its cool, juicy cubes offer a refreshing contrast to the warm, grilled elements, making the salad incredibly balanced and satisfying. Choose a ripe, firm watermelon for the best flavor.
• Green Onions: Grilling green onions sweetens their flavor and adds a delicate char, contributing a subtle oniony zest without being overpowering. We recommend grilling them whole to maintain their integrity and achieve even cooking.
• Slivered Almonds: These tiny powerhouses are essential for adding a satisfying crunch to every bite. Grilling them lightly enhances their nutty flavor and aroma, providing a textural contrast that elevates the entire dish.
• Microgreens: Our secret weapon for an extra boost of nutrition and delicate texture! Microgreens are young vegetable greens that are packed with concentrated nutrients and vibrant flavors. Their tender leaves add a beautiful aesthetic and a fresh, peppery note that complements the other ingredients wonderfully. Don’t skip them – we’ve been adding them to everything!

Crafting the Signature Dressing

The homemade dressing is the glue that binds all these wonderful flavors together, offering a delightful balance of sweet and tangy. Each ingredient is chosen to complement the grilled elements and the fresh fruit:

• Olive Oil: The base of our vinaigrette, providing a smooth texture and rich, fruity notes.
• Balsamic Vinegar: Adds a tangy, slightly sweet, and complex acidity that brightens the salad.
• Honey: A touch of natural sweetness to balance the tang of the vinegar and enhance the watermelon’s flavor.
• Dijon Mustard: Acts as an emulsifier, helping the dressing come together smoothly, while adding a subtle pungent kick.
• Pomegranate Juice: Introduces a unique fruity tartness and beautiful color. If unavailable, see our tips below for easy substitutions.
• Sesame Seeds: Adds a nutty flavor and a delicate crunch, echoing the almonds and enhancing the overall texture.

Pro tip: If you’re exploring other salad dressing options, consider our highly-rated best balsamic vinaigrette or our unique herby hummus dressing for different flavor profiles.

Elevate Your Meal: Perfect Serving Pairings

This Grilled Kale and Watermelon Salad is incredibly versatile and can be adapted to fit many dining scenarios. It’s truly a fantastic dish on its own, making for a light yet satisfying lunch or a refreshing dinner. However, its vibrant flavors also make it an excellent accompaniment to a variety of main courses:

• Protein Power-Up: For a more substantial meal, pair this salad with lean proteins. Our best grilled chicken legs offer a smoky counterpoint that harmonizes beautifully with the grilled kale. Grilled shrimp, flaky white fish, or even a perfectly seared steak would also be exquisite choices. For plant-based options, consider grilled tofu, tempeh, or halloumi cheese.
• Complementary Sides: If you’re serving it as a main, you might want to add a side of crusty bread or a quinoa pilaf to round out the meal.
• Summer Beverages: Don’t forget the perfect drink to complement your summer feast! A tall glass of homemade lemonade offers classic refreshment. For an adult-friendly treat, a frosty Strawberry Peach Frose would be an absolutely perfect and indulgent accompaniment, enhancing the fruity notes of the salad.
• Picnics and Potlucks: This salad travels well if the dressing is kept separate until serving. It’s a colorful and unique addition to any outdoor gathering, sure to be a conversation starter.

Tips for Optimal Freshness and Storage

To truly savor the dynamic textures of this salad, we highly recommend enjoying it fresh, straight off the grill. The grilled kale will have its best tender-crisp texture, and the almonds will retain their satisfying crunch. Once dressed, the delicate microgreens are prone to wilting quickly, and the grilled kale can become soggy, diminishing the overall experience.

If you need to prepare components ahead of time, we suggest storing them separately:

• Grilled Ingredients: Grill the kale, green onions, and almonds, then let them cool completely. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days.
• Watermelon: Cube the watermelon and store it in a separate airtight container in the fridge.
• Dressing: Prepare the dressing and store it in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days.

When you’re ready to serve, simply combine all the prepared ingredients and toss with the dressing right before eating. This method ensures maximum freshness, flavor, and texture, making your Grilled Kale and Watermelon Salad as delicious as possible.

Grilled Kale and Watermelon Salad

This unique kale and watermelon salad features perfectly grilled kale, green onions, and almonds, combined with sweet cubed watermelon and nutrient-dense microgreens.

By: Linley Hanson

Prep: 15 mins

Cook: 15 mins

Total: 30 mins

Servings: 6

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Ingredients

Salad

• 1/2 cup slivered almonds
• 2 bunches of kale, rinsed and patted dry
• 1 bunch of green onions
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon pepper
• 1 small watermelon, rind removed and cut into cubes
• 1 cup micro greens

Dressing

• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 2 teaspoons dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon pomegranate juice**
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds

Instructions

1. Preheat your grill to 350ºF and ensure the grill grate is clean to prevent sticking.
2. Next, create a small tin foil boat and place your slivered almonds inside. This prevents them from falling through the grates and ensures even toasting.
3. Prep the kale (keeping it on the stalk) and green onions by arranging them on a cookie sheet. Drizzle generously with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
4. Place the kale stalks and green onions directly over the heat on the grill. Position the tin foil boat with the slivered almonds on indirect heat. Cover the grill and cook for 5 minutes.
5. Remove the kale from the grill once it begins to show a slight char at the tips but is not overly crispy. Transfer it back to the cookie sheet and set aside.
6. After the initial 5 minutes, flip the green onions and stir the almonds in their foil boat. Replace the grill cover and continue cooking for another 5 minutes.
7. While the vegetables are grilling, prepare the dressing. Combine all dressing ingredients (1/3 cup olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, pomegranate juice, and sesame seeds) in a mason jar. Secure the lid and shake vigorously until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and emulsified.
8. Remove the green onions and almonds from the grill and set them aside to cool slightly.
9. Prepare the watermelon by carefully cutting off the rind, then dicing the flesh into bite-sized cubes.
10. Once the kale has cooled enough to handle, remove the leaves from the stalks and roughly chop them. Slice the grilled green onions into smaller pieces. In a large bowl or on a baking sheet, gently mix the chopped kale, sliced green onions, toasted almonds, microgreens, and cubed watermelon.
11. Just before serving, pour the prepared dressing over the salad. Toss gently to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated. Serve immediately and enjoy the delightful flavors and textures!

Tips & Notes

• You want the grilled kale to be beautifully golden brown at the tips, with a tender-crisp texture, but avoid making it super crispy or burnt. If the kale still appears quite wilty after the initial grilling time, return it to the grill for an additional 2-3 minutes, monitoring closely.
• If pomegranate juice is not readily available, don’t fret! You can easily substitute it with any darker fruit juice you have on hand. Excellent alternatives include berry juice (like cranberry or mixed berry), cherry juice, or even a splash of red grape juice for a similar tart and sweet depth of flavor.

Watch The Recipe Video

Learn how to make this delicious Grilled Kale and Watermelon Salad step-by-step with our easy-to-follow video guide. Perfect your grilling technique and achieve the ideal balance of flavors for this summery dish.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories: 268 kcal,
Carbohydrates: 16 g,
Protein: 4 g,
Fat: 23 g,
Fiber: 3 g,
Sugar: 11 g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.