Photo by Andre Baranowski
To give watermelon a compressed steak-like texture, Clock Tower Grill in Brewster’s chef vacuum seals his watermelon while it marinates.
Don’t have a vacuum sealer? Compress it with weights (like heavy cans or pots) as it marinates for a similar effect in this pressed watermelon salad recipe.
Pressed Watermelon Salad
Serves 4
Ingredients:
4 1”-thick slices of watermelon
2 ears of corn
1 cup crumbly local cheese, such as Hoofprint goat feta
¼ cup olive oil, plus more for corn
½ cup neutral oil
1⁄3 cup cider vinegar
¼ cup honey, preferably local
1 tsp Dijon mustard
¼ lb sprouts
Salt and pepper to taste
Toasted nuts or sunflower seeds (optional)
Method:
Marinate watermelon in olive oil overnight.
Preheat the grill over high heat. Season watermelon with salt and pepper. Rub corn with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper.
Grill watermelon and corn over high heat just until the watermelon has grill marks on each side and the corn is charred in spots. Remove from grill, and let cool slightly.
Meanwhile, whisk together neutral oil, vinegar, honey, and mustard. Season with salt and pepper; set aside.
Cut kernels off the cobs. To finish the salad, arrange melon slices (you can cut the grilled melon into large dice, if preferred); garnish with corn, cheese, and sprouts; and dress with vinaigrette to taste. If desired, top with toasted nuts or sunflower seeds.
Drink Up!
What’s a summer cookout without a drink by the grill? We asked Shai Kessler, owner of Reed Street Bottle Shop in Coxsackie, and Brendon O’Brien, formerly the craft beer director at DeCicco & Sons, to provide the perfect wine and Hudson Valley craft beer pairings for our grilling recipes.
Suarez Family Brewery Settle Down
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“Suarez Family Brewery has become one of the most revered breweries in the Hudson Valley,” says O’Brien. “This wheat beer’s bright, refreshing character is a beautiful accompaniment to the fresh vibrancy of watermelon and the creamy texture provided by crumbly cheese.”
Eminence Road Farm Winery Cabernet Franc Rosé 2020
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“A savory fruit dish? Pair it with this savory New York State rosé,” says Kessler. “Dark in color, and big on flavor, this shop favorite will hold up to your boldest summertime fruit and veggie dishes.”
