Grilled Watermelon is the perfect summer BBQ dish that’s sweet, juicy, and lightly caramelized. A standout addition to any outdoor meal.
This makes the perfect Side Dish to serve alongside your favorite summer recipes. If you like this grilled fruit recipe, you can also enjoy Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple.
Sabrina’s Grilled Watermelon Recipe
Prepping watermelon on the grill is an excellent way to add flavor. After cooking, the melon makes an intriguing, smoky side to serve for your next cookout or picnic. This is a great recipe to accompany other grilled dishes like Cuban Mojo Grilled Chicken, Classic Burgers, or Grilled Cilantro Lime Shrimp. Tips on how to get distinct grill marks, as well as variations are listed below the recipe card.
Recipe Card
Ingredients
- 1 watermelon
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon lime zest
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 limes , cut into wedges for serving
Instructions
- Cut the watermelon into 1″ thick slices, then cut each slice into 6 wedges.
- Discard the ends of the watermelon.
- In a small bowl mix together sugar, lime zest, and salt.
- Coat the watermelon slices in the sugar mixture, then let sit standing up for 20 minutes.
- Season the grill with the vegetable oil using a grill brush or paper towels.
- Heat grill to high heat.
- Grill for 2-3 minutes on each side until you see grill marks.
- Serve with lime wedges alongside your favorite grilled meats.
Nutrition
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Chef’s Note
To make sure the watermelon wedges come out with distinct, dark grill marks, I heat the grill to high before adding the fruit. This ensures that the melon will brown quickly. Additionally, you’ll also want to prep the grates with oil. This helps the fruit to cook, and makes sure the watermelon doesn’t get stuck to the grill.
Table of contents
Can this be made ahead of time?
I don’t recommend it. This is best served fresh, and since it grills up quickly, it’s a super stress free side to create.
How to Store
- Serve: After cooking, don’t leave sitting at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
- Store: To keep leftovers, place in an airtight container to store in the fridge for 2-3 days.
- Freeze: Watermelon won’t maintain its texture in the freezer. So, it’s better to enjoy this delicious dish fresh.
Variations
- Brown sugar: Enhance the natural sweetness by sprinkling with brown sugar instead of white sugar. The brown sugar caramelizes to make a rich, smoky, vanilla-like flavor. Another option is adding a drizzle of honey to the watermelon.
- Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the watermelon marinade. Whisk it together with the sugar, lime zest, and kosher salt. Then sprinkle the spice mix before grilling. Be careful not to add too much spice. You can always add more spice to taste later.
- Seasonings: Sprinkle other seasonings over the grilled wedges, like mint leaves, fresh cilantro, or ginger.
- Mini watermelons: If you prefer, instead of slicing one giant melon, make this recipe using mini watermelons. You’ll still slice into wedge shapes before grilling.
- Kebabs: Chop the watermelons into cubes, then pierce them onto wooden kebabs to grill.
Related Recipes
Fruit Sides for Summer
