Cardamom Maple-Glazed Watermelon with Feta & Oregano
To begin, let me tell you that my experimentation with watermelon has been limited and, uh, not so successful in the past. Every time I have attempted a recipe with it I’ve found out that while it wasn’t bad, it wasn’t as good as eating it plain. For a long time I didn’t bother doing anything with watermelon other than eating it slice after refreshing slice or blending it with ice and gulping it down—which I love.
But somehow I am more open to new possibilities these days. The summer off and all the time on my hands are inspiring me to take chances. I sprinkled the watermelon with cardamom, which I never did before. I glazed it with maple syrup and seared it on a very hot grill, which I also never did. Then I tossed it with one of my favorite cheeses, feta, and one of my favorite herbs, oregano.
Did I think it was worth the trouble this time?
I say, most definitely.
Cardamom Maple-Glazed Watermelon with Feta and Oregano Recipe
2 large servings
5 watermelon slices
1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
2 tablespoons maple syrup
3 ounces crumbled feta
2 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano, plus some whole leaves for garnish
Preheat the grill on high for about 10 minutes.
Sprinkle the watermelon slices with cardamom and brush them with maple syrup on both sides. Grill the watermelon, 3 to 5 minutes per side or until grill marks appear.
Cut the watermelon into bite-sized cubes and place it in a large bowl. Add the feta and chopped oregano and toss.
Serve immediately, garnished with whole oregano leaves. You may chill the salad first, if you prefer.
![IMG_0824[1]](http://www.dinnersanddreams.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/IMG_08241-150x150.jpg)
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Oh, My Darling — 07/14/2011 @ 2:08 am
Oooh yum! I made a much less fancy version of this recently!
Meeta K. Wolff — 07/14/2011 @ 6:54 am
Watermelon is a very versatile fruit and can be used in a few unusual ways. I love it and in the summer cannot get enough of it. The flavors you have used here are brilliant Nisrine.
1000+1 — 07/14/2011 @ 10:59 am
water melon+feta+pita bread is my favorite summer time dinner! yours is an upscale version of it :)
I love your new photographing style!
Nuts about food — 07/14/2011 @ 11:15 am
I have made many watermelon and feta salads in my life but never thought of grilling it or glazing it or spicing it up with cardamom. Nice idea!
Shar — 07/14/2011 @ 8:07 pm
I've never thought of doing anything with watermelon except eating it. How fun
Ann — 07/15/2011 @ 1:40 am
Wow! Not only does the recipe look delicious – your photos are absolutely, positively, 100% INCREDIBLE! Really – they are works of art…
Nisrine — 07/15/2011 @ 1:51 am
Ann, thank you for your kind words. I'm glad the photos convey how good this salad is.
Juanita — 07/15/2011 @ 8:15 am
Bold flavour combinations. You really are the champion of combining sweet and savoury taste sensations!
Your new photo colouring technique has worked particularly well for this post!
Anonymous — 07/15/2011 @ 3:27 pm
I have watermelon in the fridge. I will make this tonight. Thank you for the recipe.
Cara — 07/15/2011 @ 5:20 pm
Ironically, I just bookmarked a recipe for grilled watermelon with arugula salad. Now I think I'll follow your lead and add some cardamom and syrup – how interesting!
Dana — 07/16/2011 @ 2:21 am
I just learned about the watermelon/feta combo. It's totally a winner!
Bryan — 07/16/2011 @ 4:26 am
good heavens that looks so good. One of my favorite summer salads is Watermelon, Feta and Basil with just a little olive oil to bring it all together. This sounds so great!
a-man — 07/16/2011 @ 11:46 am
This recipe looks good!! I like the combination of watermelon and cheese it meets my taste. Beneath you have a nice foodblog!
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Angie's Recipes — 07/16/2011 @ 6:16 pm
Had some watermelon feta salad yesterday too, so I know this is very delicious.
Yasmeen — 07/17/2011 @ 11:42 am
Yum – I love anything with watermelon, especially salty, tangy feta like you've used here. Great use of cardamom, too! Beautiful as always.
Trix — 07/17/2011 @ 2:28 pm
This is SUCH a creative twist on a watermelon and feta salad. So clever, I love it!
Sweet Artichoke — 07/19/2011 @ 8:02 am
Watermelon and feta is a winning combination, I tried Nigella's and Ottolenghi's recipe, both were delicious.
Your idea of grilling the watermelon and adding maple syrup is brilliant and I will try it very soon :-)
Magic of Spice — 07/19/2011 @ 9:47 pm
Beautiful summer salad, love the flavors you used!