Watermelon and Cress Salad with Grilled Shrimp and Hearts of Palm

Watermelon’s crunch and subtle sweetness provide a nice contrast to the savory, tender shrimp and hearts of palm. Ricotta salata (salted, pressed fresh ricotta) is similar to feta in texture but not as salty.

• 5 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 Tbs. Dijon mustard
• 2 tsp. finely grated lemon zest
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 8 oz. jumbo shrimp (21 to 25 per lb.), peeled and deveined, tails left intact
• 3 canned hearts of palm, drained and patted dry (about half a 14-oz. can)
• 1 Tbs. Champagne vinegar
• 1 tsp. minced shallot
• 6 oz. watercress or upland cress, separated into small sprigs, thicker stems trimmed
• 1/2 cup packed fresh basil, thinly sliced
• 12 oz. watermelon, thinly sliced into narrow wedges, rind removed, seeded if necessary
• 3 oz. ricotta salata, crumbled (about 3/4 cup)

Prepare a medium-high gas or charcoal grill fire. Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, whisk 1-1/2 Tbs. of the olive oil, 2 tsp. of the mustard, the lemon zest, 1/4 tsp. salt, and 1/4 tsp. pepper. Toss the shrimp in the marinade and let sit for about 10 minutes.


Thread the shrimp onto metal skewers. Toss the hearts of palm with 1/2 Tbs. of the olive oil and 1/4 tsp. each salt and pepper. Grill the shrimp and hearts of palm, flipping once, until they have nice grill marks and the shrimp are just cooked through, about 4 minutes total. When cool enough to handle, halve the hearts of palm lengthwise, and then cut crosswise into thirds. Remove the shrimp from the skewers.


In a small bowl, whisk the remaining 1 tsp. mustard with the vinegar, shallot, and 1/4 tsp. each salt and pepper. Whisk in the remaining 3 Tbs. olive oil in a thin stream. Add more salt and pepper to taste.


In a large bowl, toss the cress and basil with just enough of the dressing to lightly coat. Season to taste with salt. Divide the greens between 2 plates. Top with the watermelon wedges and drizzle lightly with the remaining dressing. Top with the hearts of palm, shrimp, and crumbled ricotta salata.