Grilled Watermelon Tower with Whipped Ricotta & Pickled Onions

Introducing the Grilled Watermelon Tower: A Summer Sensation

Did you know that watermelon, often relegated to a sweet dessert, can transform into a savory star? In fact, grilling watermelon not only intensifies its natural sweetness but also adds a delightful smoky char, making it the perfect base for a truly unique summer dish. Forget the predictable fruit salads; we’re elevating watermelon to new heights with this Grilled Watermelon Tower with Whipped Ricotta & Pickled Onions. This recipe marries the cool, creamy texture of whipped ricotta with the sharp, vinegary bite of pickled red onions, all balanced by the warm, caramelized notes of grilled watermelon. It’s a symphony of flavors and textures that will intrigue your palate and impress your guests. Perfect for barbecues, light lunches, or sophisticated appetizers, this tower is as beautiful as it is delicious. Let’s dive into how you can create this refreshing masterpiece in your own kitchen.

Fresh Ingredients for Your Tower

The magic of this Grilled Watermelon Tower lies in the simplicity and quality of its components. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating a harmonious balance of sweet, savory, creamy, and tangy. Sourcing fresh, vibrant produce will elevate this dish from good to absolutely unforgettable.

The Star: Sweet Watermelon

Choose a ripe, seedless watermelon for ease of preparation and a pure, sweet flavor. Look for one that feels heavy for its size, with a deep, dull rind and a creamy yellow underside where it rested on the ground. The sweetness will be intensified by grilling, creating a lovely caramelized crust.

Creamy Whipped Ricotta

Full-fat ricotta cheese yields the silkiest, most luxurious whipped texture. You’ll want whole milk ricotta for its richness. We’ll whip it with a touch of olive oil, salt, and pepper to enhance its smooth, slightly tangy profile. For a lighter option, you can use part-skim ricotta, but the texture might be slightly less decadent. A vegan alternative could be whipped silken tofu or cashew cream, seasoned similarly.

Tangy Pickled Red Onions

Thinly sliced red onions, quick-pickled in apple cider vinegar, sugar, and salt, provide a vibrant pop of acidity and a beautiful crimson hue. This counteracts the richness of the ricotta and sweetness of the watermelon. You can also use white or yellow onions, but red onions offer a bit more tang and visual appeal.

Zesty Vinaigrette

A simple vinaigrette ties everything together. We’ll use extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice for brightness, a hint of Dijon mustard for emulsification, salt, and pepper. This drizzle adds another layer of complexity without overpowering the other flavors.

Garnishes & Finishing Touches

Fresh mint leaves offer a refreshing contrast and herbaceous note. A sprinkle of toasted pistachios or pumpkin seeds adds a delightful crunch. Black pepper, freshly ground, enhances all the flavors. Some flaked sea salt on the ricotta can be heavenly.

Timing is Everything

This recipe is designed for maximum flavor with minimal active time. The quick-pickling of the onions requires a little patience, but it can be done while you prepare the other components. Grilling the watermelon is wonderfully fast, turning simple fruit into a culinary delight in minutes. Compared to many summer dishes that can take upwards of an hour, this 30-minute active recipe is a weeknight winner.

Crafting Your Masterpiece: Step-by-Step

Let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to assemble a visually stunning and incredibly delicious Grilled Watermelon Tower.

Step 1: Pickle the Onions

1. Thinly slice one small red onion.
2. In a small bowl or jar, combine 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Stir until sugar and salt dissolve.
3. Add the sliced onions to the pickling liquid, ensuring they are submerged. Let them sit for at least 30 minutes at room temperature. They will soften and turn a beautiful bright pink.

Tip: For a quicker pickle, you can gently warm the vinegar mixture before adding the onions.

Step 2: Whip the Ricotta

1. In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup of whole milk ricotta cheese, 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil, and a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper.
2. Using a whisk or an electric mixer on low speed, whip the ricotta until it’s light, airy, and smooth. Be careful not to overmix, as it can become watery.

Sensory Note: The goal is a creamy, cloud-like texture that melts in your mouth.

Step 3: Grill the Watermelon

1. Cut about 1.5 inches thick slices from a seedless watermelon. Remove the rind.
2. Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
3. Place the watermelon slices on the hot grill. Grill for 3-5 minutes per side, or until you achieve nice grill marks and the watermelon is slightly softened and caramelized. It should still hold its shape.
4. Remove the watermelon from the grill and let it cool slightly.

Tip: Don’t overcrowd the grill. Work in batches if necessary.

Step 4: Assemble Your Tower

1. On a serving plate, place a slice of grilled watermelon as the base.
2. Dollop a generous spoonful of whipped ricotta onto the watermelon.
3. Add a second slice of grilled watermelon on top of the ricotta.
4. Repeat with another layer of ricotta and a final slice of watermelon, creating a tower effect. The number of layers can be adjusted based on the size of your watermelon slices.

Visual Tip: Aim for a balanced stack that is stable but still looks elegant.

Step 5: Dress and Serve

1. Drain the pickled red onions.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice, 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper to make the vinaigrette.
3. Drizzle the vinaigrette over the top of the assembled tower.
4. Sprinkle generously with drained pickled red onions.
5. Garnish with fresh mint leaves and optional toasted nuts.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy the delightful explosion of flavors.

Final Touch: A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on the whipped ricotta can elevate the entire dish with a delightful textural contrast.

Nutritional Highlights

This Grilled Watermelon Tower is a surprisingly light yet satisfying dish. While precise nutritional values depend on portion sizes and exact ingredients, a typical serving offers:

• Calories: Approximately 150-250 per serving, depending on ricotta fat content and oil used.
• Macronutrients: A good balance of healthy fats from olive oil and ricotta, protein from ricotta, and carbohydrates primarily from watermelon.
• Vitamins & Minerals: Watermelon is rich in Vitamin C and lycopene. Red onions provide antioxidants. Ricotta offers calcium and protein.

Healthier Alternatives

Looking to make this recipe even lighter? Here are some swaps:

• Ricotta: Use part-skim ricotta or even a whipped Greek yogurt (though the flavor will be tangier). For a dairy-free option, try whipped silken tofu or a cashew cream.
• Olive Oil: Reduce the amount of olive oil in the vinaigrette or use a lighter oil.
• Sweetener for Pickling: Substitute a touch of honey or maple syrup for sugar, if desired, for a more natural sweetness.
• Garnishes: Opt for more herbs and fewer nuts for a lower-fat, lower-calorie garnish.

Serving Suggestions

This dish is incredibly versatile. Serve it as:

• A light and refreshing appetizer before a summer meal.
• A sophisticated side dish at a barbecue or picnic.
• A delightful vegetarian main course for a light lunch, perhaps accompanied by a simple green salad.
• Part of a mezze-style platter with other small bites.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Over-grilling the watermelon: It should be tender with grill marks, not mushy.
• Under-whipping the ricotta: It should be light and airy, not dense.
• Not draining the pickled onions: Excess liquid can make the dish watery.
• Using a very watery ricotta: Opt for good quality, drained ricotta for the best texture.
• Assembling too far in advance: The watermelon can release liquid, and the ricotta can break down. Best assembled just before serving.

Storing Your Summer Delight

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

• Store any un-assembled grilled watermelon slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• The whipped ricotta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. You may need to whip it again briefly if it has separated.
• Pickled onions will last in their brine in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
• It’s not recommended to store the fully assembled tower, as the textures will degrade over time.

A Sweet and Savory Farewell

The Grilled Watermelon Tower with Whipped Ricotta & Pickled Onions is more than just a recipe; it’s an experience. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients, prepared with a little creativity, can yield extraordinary results. The smoky char of the grilled watermelon, the creamy, cool ricotta, and the bright, tangy pickled onions create a flavor profile that is both unexpected and incredibly satisfying. This dish is perfect for those hot summer days when you crave something light, refreshing, and bursting with flavor. It’s a conversation starter, a palate pleaser, and a beautiful addition to any meal. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the garnishes – a drizzle of balsamic glaze or a sprinkle of feta cheese could also be delightful additions! Give this recipe a try and discover a new favorite way to enjoy watermelon this season!

Frequently Asked Questions

***Is it possible to grill watermelon without a grill?***

Yes! You can achieve a similar effect using a grill pan on your stovetop or even by broiling thick watermelon slices in the oven. Just keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.

***Can I use goat cheese instead of ricotta?***

Absolutely! Goat cheese offers a delightful tanginess that would pair beautifully with the watermelon and pickled onions. You might not need to whip it as extensively, as its texture is often creamier to begin with. Adjust seasoning as needed.

***How long do the pickled onions last?***

Quick-pickled onions stored in their brine in an airtight container in the refrigerator can last for up to 2-3 weeks. Their flavor will continue to develop over time.

***Can I make the whipped ricotta ahead of time?***

Yes, you can whip the ricotta a few hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. You may want to give it a quick re-whip before assembling the tower if it has become a bit firm or separated.

***What’s the best way to cut watermelon for grilling?***

Cut thick, uniform slices or wedges about 1 to 1.5 inches thick. Ensure you remove the rind so the flesh can caramelize evenly on the grill.