Watermelon, Goat Cheese & Sticky Balsamic Pearls Appetizer

A Refreshing Summer Appetizer with Gourmet Flair

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Serves: 4-6 people

Description

This show-stopping watermelon appetizer combines sweet, juicy watermelon with creamy goat cheese, crunchy walnuts, and the award-winning burst of Sticky Balsamic Original Pearls. Perfect for summer entertaining, garden parties, or any occasion that calls for a light, refreshing, and visually stunning dish. Sticky Balsamic Pearls elevates this simple recipe into a restaurant-quality appetizer that takes just 10 minutes to prepare!

Ingredients

• 1 small seedless watermelon
• 150g (5.3 oz) goat cheese, crumbled
• 1 jar Sticky Balsamic Original Pearls
• 75g (2.6 oz / ¾ cup) walnuts, roughly chopped
• Fresh basil leaves (about 15-20 small leaves)
• 60ml (¼ cup / 4 tbsp) Sticky Balsamic Original
• Flaky sea salt (optional)
• Freshly cracked black pepper (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Watermelon

Cut the watermelon into thick slices, approximately 2cm (¾ inch) thick. Cut each slice into wedges or rounds, removing the rind. Arrange the watermelon pieces on a large serving platter in a single layer or slightly overlapping pattern.

Step 2: Add the Cheese

Crumble the goat cheese over the watermelon slices, distributing it evenly across all pieces. The creamy, tangy cheese provides the perfect contrast to the sweet watermelon.

Step 3: Add Crunch and Texture

Sprinkle the chopped walnuts generously over the watermelon and goat cheese. The nuts add a delightful crunch and earthy flavor that complements the other ingredients beautifully.

Step 4: The Star Ingredient

Spoon Sticky Balsamic Original Pearls over the entire platter. These stunning pearls will burst in your mouth, releasing delicious balsamic flavor that ties all the elements together. Aim for about 3-5 pearls per watermelon piece.

Step 5: Drizzle and Garnish

Drizzle Sticky Balsamic Original in an artistic pattern across the platter. Tuck fresh basil leaves between and on top of the watermelon pieces for a pop of color and aromatic freshness.

Step 6: Season and Serve

If desired, add a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to enhance all the flavors. Serve immediately and watch your guests' faces light up!

Serving Suggestions

Perfect For:

• Summer BBQs and garden parties
• Bridal or baby showers
• Cocktail hour appetizers
• Poolside entertaining
• Light lunch or brunch spread

Pairing Ideas:

• Serve with chilled Prosecco, rosé wine, or sparkling water with mint
• Pair with other light appetizers like bruschetta or caprese skewers
• Perfect as a palate cleanser between courses

Why This Recipe Works

The Perfect Flavor Balance

The sweetness of watermelon meets the tang of goat cheese, the earthiness of walnuts, and the complex acidity of Sticky Balsamic Original Pearls. Each bite delivers multiple layers of flavor and texture.

No-Cook Convenience

This recipe requires zero cooking, making it perfect for hot summer days when you don't want to turn on the stove. It's elegant enough for special occasions yet simple enough for weeknight entertaining.

Pro Tips

• Chill Your Watermelon: Use cold watermelon for the most refreshing experience
• Make It Ahead: Prep the watermelon up to 2 hours ahead, but add toppings just before serving to prevent sogginess
• Customize Your Cheese: Try feta, ricotta salata, or burrata for different flavor profiles
• Nut Alternatives: Swap walnuts for pecans, pistachios, or pine nuts
• Vegan Option: Use cashew cheese and ensure your balsamic is vegan-friendly

Storage & Shelf Life

Leftovers: This appetizer is best enjoyed fresh. If you have leftovers, store components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. The watermelon may release liquid, so drain before reassembling.

Sticky Balsamic Pearls: Unused pearls can be stored in their jar in the refrigerator for up to 4 weeks after opening. Use them on salads, grilled meats, cheese boards, or desserts!

Nutritional Highlights

This appetizer is naturally:

• Gluten-free
• Vegetarian
• Low in calories
• High in vitamins A and C (from watermelon)
• Rich in healthy fats (from walnuts)
• Source of protein (from goat cheese)