Grilled Watermelon

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