Grilled watermelon is a smoky, sweet summer side dish. Learn how to grill watermelon with lime, mint, and honey for a quick cookout favorite.

Why Grilled Watermelon Belongs on Your Grill

Grilled watermelon might sound strange, but once you try it you’ll be hooked. I eat watermelon almost every day when it’s hot out, and grilling it takes it to a whole new level. Just a few minutes on the grill gives it a smoky, caramelized flavor that’s totally unique. Then I finish it with fresh lime juice, flaky sea salt, mint, and a drizzle of honey. The combo is amazing. You’ve got to try it this summer.

Why You’ll Love This Grilled Side Dish

It takes just 5 minutes on the grill, so you get a smoky, sweet side dish with almost no effort.
The grill brings out the watermelon’s natural sweetness while adding a subtle char that tastes amazing with lime and salt.
It’s a fun, unexpected dish that always gets compliments at summer cookouts.

Key Ingredients for the Best Grilled Watermelon

Watermelon, Look for one that’s heavy, has a creamy yellow spot, and sounds hollow when tapped. These are signs it’s ripe and sweet.
Flaky sea salt, Don’t skip this! A pinch of flaky salt brings out the watermelon’s sweetness and the smokiness from the grill. Regular salt works too, but flaky gives a nice crunch.
Feta cheese, Totally optional, but it adds a creamy, salty contrast that makes this feel like a fancy salad. If you don’t have feta, try crumbled goat cheese instead.

Kitchen Tools for Grilled Watermelon

Grill, A gas or charcoal grill works fine. You just need medium-high heat to get nice char marks.
Tongs, For flipping the watermelon wedges easily without breaking them.
Pastry brush, To brush the grill grates with oil so the watermelon doesn’t stick.

Tips for the Best Grilled Watermelon

To pick a perfect watermelon, look for one that’s heavy for its size and has a creamy yellow spot on the bottom. The darker the yellow spot, the sweeter the melon. A white spot means it’s not ripe yet. Also check for webbing and sugar spots, more webbing often means more flavor. Give it a thump; a ripe watermelon makes a deep hollow sound. Cut your watermelon into triangles about 1-inch thick so they hold up on the grill. Brush the grill grates lightly with oil to prevent sticking.

Grilling Tips for Smoky Watermelon

When you place the watermelon on the grill, leave it alone for a full 2 to 3 minutes before checking. If you try to flip too early, the wedges might stick or break. You want those dark char marks, that’s where the smoky flavor comes from. After grilling both sides, let the watermelon rest for a few minutes on the platter before adding toppings. This helps the flavors settle and keeps the texture juicy.

Easy Ways to Change Up Grilled Watermelon

You can change up the toppings based on what you have. Swap the mint for fresh basil or cilantro, both work great. If you don’t have feta, try crumbled goat cheese or even a few dollops of ricotta. For a spicy kick, drizzle hot honey instead of regular honey, or sprinkle on a pinch of chili powder. You can also turn these wedges into a salad by cutting the grilled watermelon into cubes and tossing with the lime, mint, feta, and a little olive oil.

What to Serve with Grilled Watermelon

Grilled watermelon makes a great summer side dish alongside almost anything off the grill. I love serving it with BLT pasta salad, honey mustard chicken, or steak kabobs. It also pairs well with a guacamole bacon burger or caprese pasta salad. For a lighter meal, try black bean tacos or summer quinoa salad. Greek chicken kabobs are another favorite combination.

How to Store Leftover Grilled Watermelon

If you have leftover grilled watermelon, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The texture will soften, but it’s still good as a snack or chopped into a salad. Let it come to room temperature before serving if you can.

Grilled Watermelon FAQs

Can I use a grill pan instead of an outdoor grill?

Absolutely. A cast-iron grill pan on the stove works just as well. Heat it over medium-high heat and brush with oil before adding the watermelon. The cooking time stays the same, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Just make sure the pan is hot enough to get those char marks.

Do I need to peel the watermelon before grilling?

No, leave the rind on. It helps the wedges hold their shape on the grill and makes them easy to pick up. The rind also gets slightly charred, which adds flavor. Just make sure to cut the wedges about 1-inch thick so they don’t fall apart.

How do I keep the watermelon from sticking to the grill?

The key is to brush the grill grates with oil before you place the watermelon on. Also, make sure the grill is hot. When the watermelon is ready to flip, it should release easily. If it sticks, give it another 30 seconds before trying again.

Can I make grilled watermelon ahead of time?

Grilled watermelon is best right off the grill, but you can make it a few hours ahead. Let it cool, then store in the fridge. Bring it to room temperature before serving and add the fresh toppings just before serving to keep them bright.

What if I don’t have flaky sea salt?

Regular kosher salt or fine sea salt works fine. Just use a little less because it’s more concentrated. The salt is important to balance the sweetness, so don’t skip it. You can also try smoked salt for extra smoky flavor.

Equipment

grill
brush
platter

Recipe

Grilled Watermelon

Pin recipe

Prep: 5 min
Cook: 5 min
Total: 10 min
Servings: 5 servings
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Instructions

Preheat grill to medium high heat. Brush the grill lightly with oil.
Place the watermelon wedges on the hot grill and grill for 2 to 3 minutes per side or until char marks form.
Transfer to a platter and let cool for a few minutes. Squeeze a little fresh lime juice over the watermelon. Top with flaky sea salt, fresh mint and feta cheese, if using. You can also add a little drizzle of honey, if desired. Enjoy!