Grilled Watermelon

Published on July 04, 2022 Grilled Watermelon- smoky, sweet, and juicy watermelon garnished with lime, mint, and a drizzle of honey! This simple summer side dish is a cookout favorite! I also love Grilled Watermelon. Yes, Grilled Watermelon! It’s easy and SO fun! We grill all summer long (chicken, potatoes, veggies, kabobs, tacos, etc.) so why not watermelon? I know it might sound a little odd, but grilled fruit is really good! Grilled peaches are actually one of my favorite things to grill and I love grilling watermelon too. Grilling watermelon only takes a few minutes and it gives the fruit a smoky, caramelized flavor that is unique and delicious! I like to finish the grilled watermelon wedges with a squeeze of fresh lime juice, flaky sea salt, mint, and a drizzle of honey. The combo is AMAZING. You HAVE to try it!

How to Pick a Perfect Watermelon

Look for a watermelon that is heavy and uniform in size. Look for a yellow spot. A darker yellow field spot usually means it was on the vine longer and is full of flavor. If the melon has a white field spot, that means it’s not ripe yet. Larger webbing and sugar spots are also a good sign it’s a sweet melon. Pick a melon that is dark green and dull. When the melon is shiny it is usually underripe.Give the watermelon a few thumps. Tap the underbelly of the watermelon. A ripe one will have a deep hollow sound, which means it’s juicy and ripe.

Simple Ingredients

You really only need a watermelon and a little olive oil for brushing the grill, BUT I like to make the grilled watermelon extra special by adding a few extra ingredients.

Watermelon– cut the watermelon into wedges (triangles) that are about 1-inch thick so they are easy to grill and eat. Oil– for brushing the grill.Lime wedges– I love squeezing fresh lime juice over the grilled melon. Flaky sea salt– If you haven’t tried salting your watermelon, give it a try! I love the sweet and salty combo. Mint– fresh mint really makes the watermelon pop! Basil or cilantro would also be good. Feta Cheese– crumble a little feta cheese over the top for a creamy element. Optional, but SO good! Honey– if you want to add a little extra sweetness, you can drizzle the watermelon wedges with honey or even hot honey. YUM!

How to Make Grilled Watermelon

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!