Grilled Watermelon turns a hot summer lunch into something bright, smoky, and juicy without keeping you at the grill for long. In just 21 minutes, thick watermelon wedges pick up charred edges while honey and lime add sweet, tangy flavor. Then, fresh cilantro gives every warm, juicy bite a fresh finish.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Grilled Watermelon Recipe
First, this recipe takes only 15 minutes to prep and 6 minutes to cook. So, you can serve a fresh summer dish without spending your afternoon in the kitchen.
Also, high heat gives Grilled Watermelon dark grill marks while keeping the center juicy. Honey adds sweetness, while lime cuts through it with a sharp citrus note.
The recipe serves 6 and makes about 20 pieces. Therefore, it works well for lunch, cookouts, appetizers, and casual summer gatherings.
Per serving, you get about 118 calories, 31 g carbohydrates, 2 g protein, 1 g fat, 2 g fiber, and 26 g sugar. You also get 288 mg potassium, 25 mg vitamin C, and 1,347 IU vitamin A.
Ingredients for Grilled Watermelon
You only need four main ingredients:
- 1 medium seedless watermelon, about 3 pounds
- 2 limes, juiced and zested, about 2 tablespoons juice and 2 teaspoons zest
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup loosely packed fresh cilantro leaves, finely chopped
Choosing the Best Watermelon for Grilling
Start with a medium seedless watermelon. Seedless fruit makes the wedges easier to eat, especially when you serve them straight from the grill.
Also, choose a watermelon that feels heavy for its size. You want firm flesh because it handles high heat better and keeps its shape.
Honey, Lime, and Cilantro Flavoring
Honey and lime make a simple coating that tastes especially good once the grill heats it. The honey sweetens the surface, while lime juice and zest bring fresh acidity.
Meanwhile, cilantro adds a bright herbal note at the end. As a result, the finished fruit tastes smoky, sweet, citrusy, and fresh rather than simply sugary.
How to Cut Watermelon for Grilling
First, trim both ends from the watermelon. Next, stand it upright on one flat end and cut it in half.
Then, cut each half into quarters. This method gives you manageable sections and makes slicing much easier.
Cutting 1-Inch-Thick Watermelon Wedges
Cut each quarter into triangular wedges about 1 inch thick. Try to keep the thickness fairly even so every piece cooks at about the same speed.
You should get roughly 20 pieces. However, the exact number can change with the size and shape of your watermelon.
Why You Should Leave the Rind On
Keep the rind attached to every wedge. It acts like a natural handle, so you can move and eat the warm fruit more easily.
Also, the rind helps support the softened flesh. Therefore, your Grilled Watermelon stays easier to handle after those juicy centers meet the hot grill.
How to Make Grilled Watermelon
Make the Honey-Lime Mixture
First, whisk the lime juice, lime zest, and honey together in a small bowl. Keep whisking until the mixture looks smooth.
Meanwhile, heat an outdoor grill or indoor grill pan to high heat.
Brush the Watermelon Wedges
Next, coat both sides of every watermelon wedge with the honey and lime mixture. Cover the surface lightly rather than soaking the fruit.
Also, keep a little fresh lime nearby. You will use it to brighten the wedges right before serving.
Grill the Watermelon Over High Heat
Place the wedges on the hot grill. Then, grill them for 2 to 3 minutes per side.
Watch for strong grill marks and slight softening. However, remove the fruit before the center turns overly soft. Grilled Watermelon tastes best when it still has some juicy bite.
Add Cilantro and Fresh Lime
Finally, sprinkle the warm wedges with finely chopped cilantro. Then, squeeze fresh lime juice over the top.
Serve them right away. The contrast between warm charred edges and juicy fruit makes this simple recipe especially fun to eat.
Tips for Perfect Grilled Watermelon
Use High Heat for Better Grill Marks
Use high heat from the start. Because watermelon contains plenty of water, quick cooking helps you create dark grill marks without turning the flesh too soft.
Also, let the grill get fully hot before adding the wedges.
Oil the Grill Grates to Prevent Sticking
Lightly oil clean grill grates before cooking. This small step helps the honey-coated watermelon release more easily.
Then, give each piece time to develop grill marks before you turn it.
Avoid Overcooking the Watermelon
Grilled Watermelon needs only 2 to 3 minutes on each side. So, stay close to the grill.
If you cook it much longer, the fruit can lose its firm texture. Instead, aim for a slightly softened center with visible char marks outside.
Let Excess Watermelon Juice Drain
After grilling, you can set the wedges on a wire rack over a baking sheet. Then, excess juice can drip below instead of pooling around the fruit.
This trick especially helps when you need a few minutes to arrange the rest of lunch.
Grilled Watermelon Seasoning Variations
Spicy Grilled Watermelon with Tajín or Chili Powder
For extra heat, add about 2 teaspoons of Tajín, chili powder, or cayenne. The spice works well with the sweet watermelon and honey.
Also, lime ties those flavors together. As a result, you get a sweet, spicy, smoky combination that works nicely at a barbecue.
Caramelized Grilled Watermelon with Sugar
For a sweeter surface, replace the honey with granulated sugar. Coconut sugar works too.
Then, the sugar caramelizes against the hot grill and creates deeper sweetness around the edges.
What to Serve with Grilled Watermelon
Serve It as a Summer Lunch or Barbecue Side
Serve Grilled Watermelon beside burgers, grilled chicken, or vegetables for an easy summer meal. It also makes a refreshing appetizer before heavier barbecue dishes.
For another grill friendly pairing, try a grilled vegetables marinade or serve the fruit beside garlic Parmesan grilled corn on the cob.
Turn Grilled Watermelon into a Cotija Salad
You can also remove the rind and cube the cooked fruit. Then, toss it with cotija cheese, fresh cilantro, and lime juice.
The salty cheese contrasts nicely with the warm, sweet fruit. Meanwhile, lime keeps the salad fresh and lively.
How to Store Leftover Grilled Watermelon
Grilled Watermelon tastes best immediately after cooking. That way, you get the strongest contrast between the smoky exterior and juicy center.
However, you can still save leftovers. Place cooled pieces in an airtight container and keep them refrigerated.
How Long Grilled Watermelon Lasts in the Fridge
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for 4 to 5 days. However, expect the watermelon to soften and release more liquid as it sits.
For that reason, I prefer serving leftovers cold in a salad rather than trying to recreate that fresh grilled texture.
For more summer recipe ideas and kitchen inspiration, you can also find Kai Recipes on Pinterest and Facebook.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does grilled watermelon taste like?
Grilled Watermelon tastes sweet, smoky, and slightly caramelized. In this recipe, honey deepens the sweetness while lime adds tang and cilantro gives it a fresh herbal finish.
Is watermelon good grilled?
Yes. High heat adds smoky flavor and grill marks while slightly softening the fruit. However, quick cooking matters because too much heat can make watermelon mushy.
How long do you grill watermelon for?
Grill 1 inch thick watermelon wedges for 2 to 3 minutes per side over high heat. Therefore, the total cooking time takes about 6 minutes.
Why would you grill watermelon?
Grilling changes both its flavor and texture. The heat adds smoky notes, warms the natural sugars, and creates charred edges. As a result, ordinary watermelon becomes an interesting summer side dish or appetizer.
More Such Recipes
- fresh watermelon fruit salad
- easy summer peach watermelon salad
- berry watermelon fruit salad
- watermelon salsa recipe
- grilled vegetables marinade
- garlic Parmesan grilled corn on the cob
Final Thoughts
Grilled Watermelon gives summer fruit a completely different personality with only a few minutes of heat. You get juicy centers, smoky grill marks, sticky honey, sharp lime, and fresh cilantro in every piece.
So, serve it warm at your next cookout, add it to a quick lunch, or turn the leftovers into a salty cotija salad. It takes only 21 minutes from start to finish, which makes this one worth keeping around during watermelon season.
Grilled Watermelon : Easy, Vibrant Summer Recipe
- Total Time: 21 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Grilled Watermelon with honey, lime, and cilantro is a smoky, sweet summer lunch, barbecue side, or appetizer ready in just 21 minutes.
Ingredients
1 medium seedless watermelon (3 pounds)
2 limes, juiced and zested (about 2 tablespoons lime juice and 2 teaspoons zest)
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup loosely packed fresh cilantro leaves, finely chopped
Instructions
1. Whisk the lime juice, lime zest, and honey together in a small bowl.
2. Heat an outdoor grill or indoor grill pan to high heat.
3. Trim the ends from the watermelon, stand it upright, and cut it in half.
4. Cut each watermelon half into quarters.
5. Slice the watermelon into 1-inch-thick triangular wedges, leaving the rind attached.
6. Coat both sides of each watermelon wedge with the honey-lime mixture.
7. Grill the watermelon for 2 to 3 minutes per side, until grill marks develop and the fruit softens slightly.
8. Finish with chopped cilantro and a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
9. Serve immediately.
Notes
Makes about 20 watermelon pieces.
Use high grill heat to create strong grill marks quickly without making the watermelon mushy.
Oil the grill grates to reduce sticking.
After grilling, place the wedges on a wire rack over a baking sheet so excess juice can drain.
An outdoor charcoal or gas grill adds smokiness and grill marks, but an indoor grill pan also works.
For a spicy variation, add about 2 teaspoons chili powder, cayenne, or Tajín.
For a sweeter, more caramelized surface, substitute granulated sugar, such as coconut sugar, for the honey.
Grilled Watermelon tastes best immediately after grilling.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4 to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Category: Lunch Recipes
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 118
- Sugar: 26 g
- Sodium: 4 mg
- Fat: 1 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 31 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg