Watermelon with Mint-Lime Gremolata

Mint-Lime Gremolata is delicious drizzled over watermelon slices! A perfect snack or side dish for the hot summer months.

WHAT IS GREMOLATA?

Gremolata in the Italian language is also pronounced as Gremolada. It is a topping that is used to make the famous dish, Ossobuco alla Milanese (Milanese Braised Veal Shank). Traditional Gremolata is a green sauce made from chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley, lemon zest, and minced garlic. It adds a brightness and aromatics to otherwise heavier meat dishes. Sometimes it is used as a garnish for other meats, fish, and roasted vegetables. There are also many variations used containing the zest of other citrus fruits, other herbs, horseradish, and cheese.

In contemporary cooking, Gremolata is now a term that has endless variations used to top meat, fish, vegetables, fruits, soups, and even pasta dishes. You can really get creative when making a Gremolata with any combination of ingredients to compliment your dish. One example is my recipe for Mint-Lime Gremolata by using fresh mint, lime zest, brown sugar, and salt to create an aromatic topping for fruit.

Watermelon on it’s own is juicy and delicious but when it’s drizzled with Mint-Lime Gremolata it becomes a delectable sweet and savory delight. The Mint-Lime flavor compliments the sweetness of watermelon making it refreshing for any hot summer day. Mint-Lime Gremolata is also beautiful served over cubed or grilled watermelon.

Mint-Lime Gremolata does contain salt. Due to watermelon’s low salt content, when you sprinkle salt on the fruit, it draws all of the watermelon’s sweet liquid to the top making each bite extra juicy! If the Gremolata is left on the watermelon for too long, it will take some of the liquid away from the watermelon. Salt draws water out of cells through the process called osmosis. Because of this process, the Mint-Lime Gremolata will only last up to 2 days on the watermelon. I recommend only drizzling what is needed for serving.

You might be surprised to know that many people in the southern United States of America actually sprinkle salt on their watermelon. Since watermelon is 92% water and 6% sugar, the addition of salt creates an electrolyte that our bodies need in hot climates. It instantly refreshes and rehydrates the body’s cells causing a cooling effect.

Many vendors here in Florida sprinkle all kinds of fruit like fresh mango slices with chili, lime, and salt. It’s so good and is instantly refreshing. I’ve found out that other warm climate cultures in Latin America and Asia also sprinkle salt, chili, and lime on fruit. There’s a whole range of fruits that are often paired with this combination such as apples, pineapples, mangos, or guava to add salty, spicy, sour elements.

Why not experiment with the Mint-Lime Gremolata recipe on other fruits? You can create your own Gatorade-esque combination that your body needs during the hot summer months. Let me know what you think below in the comments. I’d love to hear from you!

INGREDIENTS TO MAKE WATERMELON WITH MINT-LIME GREMOLATA

• Limes, zest and juice
• Fresh mint
• Light brown sugar
• Salt
• Watermelon

SOME IMPORTANT NOTES ABOUT WATERMELON

• TO MAKE AHEAD: Keep cut watermelon and Mint-Lime Gremolata separate until serving. Only drizzle the amount of watermelon that will be served. 
• TO STORE: Watermelon with Mint-Lime Gremolata will last in the refrigerator in an air tight container for up to 2 days. If storing longer, keep the cut watermelon and Mint-Lime Gremolata separate for up to 3 days. Drizzle the Gremolata on the watermelon before serving.
• WATERMELON SHELF LIFE: Uncut watermelon will last about 2 to 3 weeks in the refrigerator and 1 week on the counter. To store watermelon cut in half, wrap the cut side in plastic and store cut side up. The cut in half watermelon will last about 1 week in the refrigerator. The cut up watermelon side will last about 3 days refrigerated in an airtight container. 

HOW TO MAKE WATERMELON WITH MINT-LIME GREMOLATA

• Cut watermelon into wedges; set aside.
• On a cutting board add zest of 2 limes, ¼ cup fresh mint, 1 Tbsp brown sugar, and ¼ tsp kosher salt.
• Chop together until it forms a paste.
• Transfer to a small bowl and whisk with the juice of 2 limes.

• Arrange the watermelon wedges on a platter, drizzle with the Mint-Lime Gremolata, and garnish with fresh mint and lime wedges.
• Serve immediately.