Grilled Watermelon and Tomato Salad

Step 1

Make the honey-lime vinaigrette: Add the garlic and shallot to a food processor and pulse until minced. Turn off the motor and add the oil, honey, lime juice and lime zest. Process until smooth. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside.

Step 2

Make the salad: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the pecans and brown sugar and cook, stirring to coat, until the sugar begins to caramelize, about 3 minutes. Spread the pecans onto the prepared baking sheet and let cool completely, about 20 minutes.

Step 3

Meanwhile, trim the ends from the watermelon. Stand the watermelon on a cutting board, flat-side down, and cut into quarters. Set aside 2 quarters for another use. Cut the remaining 2 quarters crosswise into 1-inch-thick slices. Brush 2 tablespoons of the vinaigrette onto the slices.

Step 4

Preheat a grill to medium-high heat or place a grill pan over medium-high heat until hot. Grill the watermelon slices, in batches, in a single layer until warmed through and grill marks appear, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Remove the watermelon from the grill and let cool, about 15 minutes. Cut into bite-size cubes.

Step 5

Arrange the arugula, grilled watermelon, tomatoes, feta cheese, pecans and red onions on a platter or in a salad bowl. Drizzle the remaining vinaigrette over the top and toss just before serving.