Grilled Watermelon

Biting into a refreshing, juicy piece of watermelon is the epitome of summer—and there’s nothing quite like it on a hot afternoon. But have you ever tried grilled watermelon? It might sound strange, but grilling watermelon gives the fruit a smoky, caramelized quality that’s surprisingly delicious.

Sprinkled with a zesty mixture of lime, salt, and sugar, these watermelon wedges are perfect for both sweet and savory occasions. Serve them on their own as a Fourth of July appetizer or BBQ side dish, or cube them up for a fun play on fruit salad. Either way, this recipe will add an unexpected twist to your backyard cookout. Learn how to grill watermelon ahead. 

Looking for other ways to grill fruit? Try adding grilled pineapple to make Hawaiian burgers or top a scoop of ice cream with Ree Drummond’s grilled peaches.

What happens when you grill watermelon?

Watermelon is delicious all on its own, but giving it a quick sear will transform the fruit into something truly special. Grilling the watermelon allows the flavors to concentrate—caramelizing the sugars and picking up some smokiness from the grill. Don’t be surprised by the texture of grilled watermelon—since you’re cooking it, the consistency will firm up and have a bit more chew.

How do you make watermelon on the grill?

To make the best grilled watermelon, start with prepping your ingredients. Cut the watermelon into wedges at least 1-inch thick so it won’t fall through the grill grates. Add a good seasoning rub—salt to enhance natural sweetness, a little bit of sugar to help caramelize, and lime zest for freshness—and let it sit to absorb the flavors. Then, get your grill nice and hot. You only want to give the fruit a quick sear so it keeps a fresh texture, but also gets good grill marks and caramelization.

How do you add flavor to watermelon?

A ripe, juicy watermelon doesn’t need much seasoning, but a good place to start is with salt. Salt enhances the natural sweetness of watermelon. You could add other spices like smoked paprika for more smokiness or cilantro and lime juice for a fresh, acidic finish.