We got you, Seafoodies!
When the temperature starts to climb and the last thing you want is more heat in your kitchen, this is the appetizer recipe that comes to the rescue. Our Blackened Tilapia and Watermelon Salsa Crostinis are refreshing, satisfying and—best of all—require zero oven time. With a few minutes of grill-tending, you’ll have an impressive plate that delivers big flavor with minimal effort!
Let’s be real—between work, family and the dozen other commitments competing for your attention, who has hours to spend on elaborate party prep? We certainly don’t! That’s why we’re officially declaring a new era of effortless entertaining. This seafood starter perfectly embodies our favorite hosting philosophy: KISS (AKA—”Keep It Simple Seafoodies!”) dishes that look impressive yet come together with minimal effort. It’s the home-cooked equivalent of looking like you tried without having to actually try too hard!
Our favorite part of this recipe lies in its clever use of the grill (getting you outside of your regular kitchen routine) and the play of contrasting flavors and textures. The slight char and spice of blackened tilapia create a perfect counterpoint to sweet, juicy watermelon (a seasonal favorite we can’t get enough of). Every bite offers contrasting ingredients—crispy toasted baguette against tender fish, along with the fresh pop of basil and subtle jalapeño heat. It’s an incredible balance that makes each taste more interesting than the last.
Prepare the components ahead of time and assemble right before guests arrive. The watermelon salsa can be made hours ahead (it enhances the flavor to let it sit in the fridge for a bit)—and the fish cooks in minutes. Top with crumbled feta and a drizzle of balsamic glaze right before serving for that restaurant-worthy presentation we all want to achieve!
Quick side note and hot take: tilapia deserves more attention in your regular cooking rotation. This adaptable white fish takes on whatever flavors you throw its way while delivering serious nutritional benefits. Each serving includes over 20 grams of protein while keeping calories low. It’s also loaded with potassium (crucial for heart and kidney function) and essential nutrients like vitamin D and magnesium. Keep individually wrapped tilapia fillets in your freezer, and you’re always minutes away from a protein-rich meal or impressive appetizer. It’s a great solution when you need to serve something that says “upscale” AND requires minimal fuss.
From potlucks to game day, birthday parties, BBQs and beyond—whatever you are celebrating in the next few months—don’t worry about serving an exceptional appetizer!
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Crostini with Blackened Tilapia and Watermelon Salsa
Spice-rubbed tilapia fillets and thin baguette slices cook up quickly while you make the fresh fruit salsa. In place of traditional tomato and cilantro, we use juicy watermelon cubes with fresh basil, balanced with a kick of lime, jalapeño and red onion, which gives you a flavor explosion in each bite. Top the crostini with crumbled feta and drizzle of balsamic glaze, pop open a bottle of crisp Chardonnay and let the party begin!
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 appetizers (2 per person) 1x
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1½ pounds tilapia
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 baguette, sliced thinly into ¼-inch pieces
- 2 cups watermelon, diced
- ¼ red onion, finely diced
- ½ jalapeño, chopped
- ½ lime, juiced
- Dash of salt
- ¼–½ cup fresh basil, chopped into thin ribbons
- ½ cup feta cheese, diced into small chunks
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Balsamic glaze (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat grill to medium-high. Place fish in a dish. Drizzle both sides of fish with 1½ tablespoons olive oil; set aside.
- Make blackening seasoning by combining paprika, onion powder, oregano, cayenne pepper and salt in a small bowl. Evenly cover both sides of fish with blackening seasoning. Place fish on grill; cook 3-4 minutes per side or until fish is cooked thoroughly.
- While fish is cooking, make salsa by combining watermelon, red onion, jalapeño, lime juice and salt in a small mixing bowl. Fold basil in; mix gently.
- Drizzle bread slices with remaining olive oil. Place bread slices on grill using tongs and grill for about 1 minutes or until desired crispiness.
- Divide cooked fish into 12 crostini-sized (about 2”x3”) pieces and place on top of crostini; top with watermelon salsa, feta and a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper. Then drizzle with balsamic glaze, if desired.
Notes
Recommended utensils; Grill, baking dish (for raw fish), small bowl, medium mixing bowl, baking dish (for cooked fish), tongs
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Tilapia
Keywords: Tilapia, Tilapia Recipes, Seafood Appetizers, Crostini with Blackened Tilapia and Watermelon Salsa
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