Score a Touchdown at Your Tailgate With This...Salad?

This summer-y salad is sure to cross the goal line at your next tailgate! 

There is nothing better than grilling out, pre-gaming (if you know, you know), and camaraderie. When you get to cook out with family, friends, and fans you know it is going to be a great day as you prepare for kickoff. 

The smoke is rolling, the good times are flowing, and you have a plethora of items to throw on the grill. One thing I ALWAYS advocate for is sides. Sides can be the winner of the barbecue and this recipe is sure to be a winner. 

Grilled Watermelon Salad

Salad isn't something you usually think about when it comes to tailgating. You think of burgers, dogs, pulled pork, ribs and other amazing proteins. This salad recipe is fresh, salty, spicy, sweet and a little boozy. 

I got this recipe from Chef David Rose, author of "EGG'in", and it turns out that is it pretty damn good! I made this myself AND I can report back that it is TRULY amazing. I changed up a few things to fit MY needs, but it is perfect for the tailgate.

Ingredients

2 Tbsp. (1 oz.) reposado tequila 2 Tbsp. honey or agave nectar ( I use Hot Honey for a slight kick)  2 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar 2 Tbsp. chopped fresh cilantro 1 Tbsp. fresh lime juice (from 1 lime) 1 Tbsp. Dijon mustard ½ tsp. kosher salt ¼ tsp. black pepper 1 small (8- to 10-lb.) seedless watermelon, cut into 1-in. wedges, and rind removed ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion (from 1 small [5-oz.] onion) 2 oz. Cotija cheese, crumbled (about ½ cup) 10 fresh mint leaves

Chili-lime seasoning ( I substituted this with Kosmo's Q Chili Lime Wing Dust)

Cooking Method

1. Pre heat your grill to 450ºF. 

2. Whisk together tequila, honey, vinegar, cilantro, lime juice, mustard, salt and pepper in a medium bowl. Set that aside.

 

3. Place watermelon slices on hot unoiled grates. Grill, covered, until charred, about 5 minutes per side. Transfer to a large platter.

4. Top with onion; drizzle with tequila-lime vinaigrette. Sprinkle with cheese, mint and chili-lime seasoning.

5. Serve.

And that is it! David Rose was NOT wrong when it comes to this salad! Bust through with flavor and cross the goal line with this simple recipe that will make your tailgate companions mouths water. (I am not sure I can fit many more football references in this post!) 

Until next time, make sure you eat well and do well.