Grandmas Chilled Watermelon Salad Recipes

GRANDMA'S CHILLED WATERMELON SALAD

Steps:

• Combine gelatin and boiling water in a medium heatproof bowl. Stir until dissolved, about 2 minutes. Add cold water and mix well. Place in the refrigerator and chill until partially set, about 1 hour
• Add watermelon, undrained pineapple, and 1 cup pecans to the gelatin and mix well. Spoon into a salad bowl. Place back in the refrigerator and chill until set, about 1 hour.
• Place cream cheese in a medium bowl. Beat using an electric mixer on high speed until light and fluffy.
• Add milk and sugar to cream cheese and continue beating until the mixture is smooth. Fold in whipped topping. Spread mixture over the gelatin and sprinkle remaining pecans on top. Chill until ready to serve.

GRILLED WATERMELON AND TOMATO SALAD

Steps:

• 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 zest and lime juice. Process until smooth. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Arrange the arugula, grilled watermelon, tomatoes, feta cheese, pecans and red onion on a platter or in a salad bowl. Drizzle the remaining vinaigrette over the top and toss just before serving.

GRANDMA'S PICKLED WATERMELON RIND

Steps:

• Place watermelon rind in a glass bowl; add water to cover. Stir in pickling salt. Cover and refrigerate in the brine for 8 hours to overnight.
• Rinse watermelon rind 2 to 3 times to remove excess salt from the brine. Taste and keep rinsing until desired level of saltiness is achieved. Drain.
• Transfer watermelon rind to a large saucepan and cover with cold water; bring to a boil. Cook until tender, about 15 minutes.
• Meanwhile, inspect 2 quart-sized jars for cracks and rings for rust, discarding any defective ones. Immerse in simmering water until watermelon rind is ready. Wash new, unused lids and rings in warm soapy water.
• At the same time, combine sugar, 2 cups water, vinegar, cloves, cinnamon, and allspice in a large pot. Bring to a boil, then lower heat and maintain a low simmer for 10 minutes. Pour mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a bowl; discard any solids.
• Drain watermelon rinds and pack into hot, sterilized jars. Ladle vinegar mixture into each jar, filling to within 1/2 inch of the top. Wipe rims with a moist paper towel to remove any residue. Top with lids and screw rings on tightly.
• Let jars cool to room temperature, 30 to 45 minutes. Store in the refrigerator.