Grilled Watermelon Tower with Whipped Ricotta & Pickled Onions

Elevate Your Summer Soirées: The Grilled Watermelon Tower You’ve Been Missing

Are you looking for a dish that’s visually stunning, bursting with contrasting flavors and textures, and surprisingly simple to prepare? If your answer is a resounding yes, then our Grilled Watermelon Tower with Whipped Ricotta & Pickled Onions is about to become your new summer obsession. This isn’t your average fruit salad; it’s a sophisticated appetizer that plays with expectations, taking the humble watermelon and transforming it into a star. The smoky char from the grill, the creamy coolness of whipped ricotta, and the sharp, zesty bite of pickled onions create a flavor profile that is both refreshing and deeply satisfying. Perfect for garden parties, elegant brunches, or simply as a light and impressive starter, this recipe will undoubtedly impress your guests and tantalize your taste buds. Get ready to discover a new dimension of watermelon deliciousness!

The Art of Flavor: Gathering Your Ingredients

The magic of this dish lies in the quality and interplay of its components. We’ve carefully selected items that offer a symphony of tastes and textures, but also provided options for customization. Think of these as your building blocks for culinary delight!

For the Grilled Watermelon:

• 1 small seedless watermelon (about 3-4 lbs), firm and ripe, with a deep green rind. Opt for one that feels heavy for its size – a good indicator of juiciness.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil, extra virgin. A good quality olive oil will impart a subtle fruity note.
• Pinch of sea salt. Enhances the sweetness of the watermelon.
• Freshly ground black pepper. Adds a gentle warmth and complexity.

For the Whipped Ricotta:

• 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese, well-drained. Tip: For extra creaminess, strain your ricotta through a cheesecloth-lined sieve for at least 30 minutes.
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk (optional, for looser consistency). Adds a luxuriously smooth texture.
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice. Brightens the creamy ricotta.
• 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional, for a hint of sweetness). Balances the tanginess.
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

For the Pickled Red Onions:

• 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced. The vibrant color is as important as the flavor here!
• ½ cup apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar. Provides the essential tangy brine.
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar. Balances the vinegar’s acidity.
• ½ teaspoon salt.

For Garnish:

• Fresh mint leaves. Their coolness is the perfect counterpoint to the warm watermelon.
• Balsamic glaze (optional). Adds a rich, syrupy sweetness and visual appeal.
• Toasted slivered almonds or pistachios (optional). For an added crunch.

Substitutions & Variations:

• Watermelon: While watermelon is unique, firm cantaloupe or even grilled halloumi cheese could offer different, but delicious, textural experiences.
• Ricotta: If ricotta isn’t available, a smooth goat cheese or a thick Greek yogurt can be used, though the flavor profile will change significantly.
• Veggies: A sprinkle of microgreens or finely chopped chives can replace or complement the mint.
• Spice: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the whipped ricotta for a subtle kick.

The Rhythmic Flow: Timing Your Culinary Creation

Compared to the average appetizer recipe, this Grilled Watermelon Tower is relatively quick to assemble once the components are prepped. The most time-consuming part is the pickling of the onions, which can be done well in advance, making this a fantastic make-ahead option for your next gathering. Grilling the watermelon itself is a rapid process, adding delicious char marks and smoky flavor in mere minutes.

Crafting Your Masterpiece: Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep Ricotta and Pickled Onions

First, let’s get those vibrant pickled onions ready, as they benefit from sitting. In a small heatproof bowl or jar, combine the thinly sliced red onion. In a small saucepan, heat the apple cider vinegar, sugar, and salt over medium heat, stirring until the sugar and salt dissolve. Do not boil. Pour the hot vinegar mixture over the onions, ensuring they are submerged. Let them steep for at least 1 hour at room temperature, or preferably refrigerate for a few hours or overnight for a deeper pickle. The longer they sit, the more mellow and flavorful they become.

Next, prepare the whipped ricotta. Ensure your ricotta is well-drained to avoid a watery texture. In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta, lemon juice, and optional honey or cream. Whip with a whisk or an electric mixer on low speed until light, airy, and smooth. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Set aside.

Step 2: Grill the Watermelon

Now for the star technique! Cut the watermelon into one-inch thick rounds or large wedges. If using rounds, you can then cut them into desired tower shapes (e.g., circles using a cookie cutter around 3-4 inches in diameter). Pat the watermelon pieces completely dry with paper towels – this is crucial for achieving good grill marks and preventing steaming. Lightly brush both sides of the watermelon pieces with olive oil and season with a pinch of sea salt and black pepper.

Preheat your grill (or grill pan) to medium-high heat. Once hot, place the watermelon pieces directly onto the grates. Grill for about 3-5 minutes per side, or until you see beautiful char marks and the watermelon has softened slightly but still holds its shape. You want it warmed through and smoky, not mushy. Remove from the grill and let cool slightly.

Step 3: Assemble the Towers

This is where your creation takes shape! Place a grilled watermelon slice on your serving plate. Top generously with a dollop of the whipped ricotta. You can spoon it on or use a piping bag for a more refined look. Add a layer of the thinly sliced watermelon if you cut wedges, or proceed to the next tower piece if stacking rounds.

If you are stacking, place another piece of grilled watermelon on top of the ricotta. Repeat the layering process: watermelon, ricotta, watermelon. Aim for 2-3 layers depending on the size of your watermelon pieces and your desired tower height. Ensure each layer is balanced and stable.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

The final flourish! Drain the pickled red onions thoroughly. Artfully arrange a tangle of pickled red onions over the top of each watermelon tower. Drizzle with balsamic glaze, if using. Scatter fresh mint leaves around and on top of the towers for a burst of freshness and color. If you desire extra texture, sprinkle with toasted slivered almonds or pistachios.

Serve immediately while the grilled watermelon is still slightly warm and the ricotta is cool. The contrast in temperatures is delightful!

A Taste of Wellness: Nutritional Breakdown

While exact nutritional values can vary based on portion size and specific ingredients used, here’s a general idea of what you can expect from a serving:

• Calories: Approximately 150-200 per serving (will vary greatly with ricotta and glaze additions).
• Macronutrients: A good source of vitamins (A, C), potassium, and some protein from the ricotta. It’s relatively low in fat unless heavy cream is added to the ricotta.
• Fiber: Present from the watermelon and onions.

This dish is naturally gluten-free and can often be made dairy-free with substitutions (though it significantly alters the flavor and texture).

Smarter Swaps: Healthier Alternatives

Looking to lighten this dish up further without losing its essence? Here are a few tweaks you can make:

• For the Whipped Ricotta: Use part-skim ricotta and omit the heavy cream. You can also whip in a tablespoon or two of Greek yogurt for added tang and lower fat content.
• For the Sweetener: If adding sweetness to the ricotta, use a minimal amount of pure maple syrup or a sugar substitute.
• For the Garnish: Skip the balsamic glaze and opt for a light vinaigrette or simply more fresh herbs.
• For the Ricotta Base: Consider a firm, grilled halloumi cheese instead of ricotta for a savory, protein-rich alternative, though this moves away from the creamy element.

Perfect Pairings: Serving Suggestions

This Grilled Watermelon Tower shines as a light appetizer before a summer barbecue, alongside grilled fish or chicken. It’s also an excellent addition to a brunch spread, offering a refreshing contrast to richer dishes. Consider serving individual towers on small appetizer plates for an elegant presentation. A crisp white wine, like a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, or even a dry rosé, perfectly complements its refreshing profile.

Navigating Pitfalls: Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your Grilled Watermelon Tower is a resounding success, be mindful of these common pitfalls:

• Over-grilling the watermelon: Aim for char marks and a slight softening, not mushiness. The watermelon should hold its shape.
• Not patting the watermelon dry: This prevents good charring and can lead to steaming, resulting in a less appealing texture.
• Watery ricotta: Ensure your ricotta is well-drained. Straining it through cheesecloth is highly recommended.
• Under-seasoning: Both the ricotta and the watermelon need adequate salt and pepper to bring out their best flavors.
• Too much pickling liquid: Make sure to drain the pickled onions well before using them, so they don’t oversaturate the dish.

Preserving Perfection: Storing Tips

This dish is best enjoyed fresh. However, if you have leftovers:

• Grilled Watermelon: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days. It might lose some firmness.
• Whipped Ricotta: Cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
• Pickled Onions: These can be stored in their pickling liquid in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, becoming more mellow over time.
• Assembled Towers: It’s not recommended to store assembled towers, as the watermelon can become waterlogged and the whipped ricotta can weep. Assemble just before serving.

A Summer Classic Reimagined

The Grilled Watermelon Tower with Whipped Ricotta & Pickled Onions is more than just a recipe; it’s an experience. It transforms a familiar fruit into an elegant appetizer that is sure to delight. The blend of sweet, smoky, creamy, and tangy flavors creates a symphony on your palate, making it a memorable dish for any occasion. Don’t shy away from grilling your watermelon – it unlocks a depth of flavor you never knew existed!

Frequently Asked Questions

Grilled Watermelon Tower with Whipped Ricotta & Pickled Onions

Print Recipe

A refined twist on a summer favorite. The smoky grilled watermelon pairs perfectly with creamy ricotta and tangy pickled onions.

• Author: Chef Samantha

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1small seedless watermelon, cut into1-inch thick rounds
• 1 cupricotta cheese
• 2 tbsphoney
• 1/2 tspsea salt
• 1/2red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cupapple cider vinegar
• 1 tbspsugar
• 1/2 tspcrushed red pepper flakes
• 2 tbspolive oil
• Fresh mint leaves for garnish

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, combine red onion, apple cider vinegar, sugar, and red pepper flakes. Let pickle for at least 30 minutes.
2. In a separate bowl, whip ricotta with honey and sea salt until light and fluffy. Refrigerate until ready to use.
3. Heat grill to medium-high. Brush watermelon rounds with olive oil and grill for 2-3 minutes per side until grill marks appear.
4. To assemble, place one grilled watermelon round on a plate, top with a dollop of whipped ricotta, then another watermelon round. Repeat to create a tower.
5. Drizzle with pickled onion vinaigrette and garnish with fresh mint leaves.

Notes

You can customize the seasonings to taste.