David Rose's Grilled Watermelon Salad With Tequila-Lime Vinaigrette

Mar. 15, 2025

Photo: Victor ProtasioChef David Rosesays this fresh salad is “salty, spicy, sweet, tangy, acidic and a little boozy — what more do you need?” While the tequila “provides just the right kick,” the author of theEggin’cookbooksays it can be omitted to make the dish family-friendly.David Rose’s Grilled Watermelon Salad With Tequila-Lime Vinaigrette2 Tbsp. (1 oz.) reposado tequila2 Tbsp. honey or agave nectar2 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar2 Tbsp. chopped fresh cilantro1 Tbsp. fresh lime juice (from 1 lime)1 Tbsp. Dijon mustard½ tsp. kosher salt¼ tsp. black pepper1 small (8- to 10-lb.) seedless watermelon, cut into 1-in. wedges, and rind removed¼ cup thinly sliced red onion (from 1 small [5-oz.] onion)2 oz. Cotija cheese, crumbled (about ½ cup)10 fresh mint leavesChili-lime seasoning (such as Tajín)1.Preheat grill to high (450° to 500°). Whisk together tequila, honey, vinegar, cilantro, lime juice, mustard, salt and pepper in a medium bowl. Set aside.2.Place watermelon slices on hot unoiled grates; grill, covered, until charred, about 5 minutes per side. Transfer to a large platter. Top with onion; drizzle with tequila-lime vinaigrette. Sprinkle with cheese, mint and chili-lime seasoning.Serves:6 to 8Active time:20 minutesTotal time:20 minutes

Photo: Victor Protasio

Chef David Rosesays this fresh salad is “salty, spicy, sweet, tangy, acidic and a little boozy — what more do you need?” While the tequila “provides just the right kick,” the author of theEggin’cookbooksays it can be omitted to make the dish family-friendly.David Rose’s Grilled Watermelon Salad With Tequila-Lime Vinaigrette2 Tbsp. (1 oz.) reposado tequila2 Tbsp. honey or agave nectar2 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar2 Tbsp. chopped fresh cilantro1 Tbsp. fresh lime juice (from 1 lime)1 Tbsp. Dijon mustard½ tsp. kosher salt¼ tsp. black pepper1 small (8- to 10-lb.) seedless watermelon, cut into 1-in. wedges, and rind removed¼ cup thinly sliced red onion (from 1 small [5-oz.] onion)2 oz. Cotija cheese, crumbled (about ½ cup)10 fresh mint leavesChili-lime seasoning (such as Tajín)1.Preheat grill to high (450° to 500°). Whisk together tequila, honey, vinegar, cilantro, lime juice, mustard, salt and pepper in a medium bowl. Set aside.2.Place watermelon slices on hot unoiled grates; grill, covered, until charred, about 5 minutes per side. Transfer to a large platter. Top with onion; drizzle with tequila-lime vinaigrette. Sprinkle with cheese, mint and chili-lime seasoning.Serves:6 to 8Active time:20 minutesTotal time:20 minutes

Chef David Rosesays this fresh salad is “salty, spicy, sweet, tangy, acidic and a little boozy — what more do you need?” While the tequila “provides just the right kick,” the author of theEggin’cookbooksays it can be omitted to make the dish family-friendly.

David Rose’s Grilled Watermelon Salad With Tequila-Lime Vinaigrette

2 Tbsp. (1 oz.) reposado tequila

2 Tbsp. honey or agave nectar

2 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar

2 Tbsp. chopped fresh cilantro

1 Tbsp. fresh lime juice (from 1 lime)

1 Tbsp. Dijon mustard

½ tsp. kosher salt

¼ tsp. black pepper

1 small (8- to 10-lb.) seedless watermelon, cut into 1-in. wedges, and rind removed

¼ cup thinly sliced red onion (from 1 small [5-oz.] onion)

2 oz. Cotija cheese, crumbled (about ½ cup)

10 fresh mint leaves

Chili-lime seasoning (such as Tajín)

1.Preheat grill to high (450° to 500°). Whisk together tequila, honey, vinegar, cilantro, lime juice, mustard, salt and pepper in a medium bowl. Set aside.

2.Place watermelon slices on hot unoiled grates; grill, covered, until charred, about 5 minutes per side. Transfer to a large platter. Top with onion; drizzle with tequila-lime vinaigrette. Sprinkle with cheese, mint and chili-lime seasoning.

Serves:6 to 8

Active time:20 minutes

Total time:20 minutes

source: people.com