Grilled Watermelon

I had no idea just two simple ingredients could taste so good. But this easy grilled watermelon recipe changed my mind for sure. Juicy and chewy, with a smoky flavor and natural sweetness that is so wildly delicious, you may never eat cold watermelon again. Although leftovers are great right out of the fridge!

I had never tried grilled watermelon before, and honestly, wasn’t expecting too much. I mean, hot melon, am I right? Wrong! I was so, so wrong. That’s why I had to share this recipe with you.

Grilled watermelon has a juicy and somewhat chewy texture that is just an absolutely amazing taste experience. I usually like to just sprinkle on a little salt, but sometimes I also add a little lime juice, a little drizzle of honey and a dash of chili seasoning. You can spice this easy recipe up however you like. 

If you’ve never experienced the pleasure of grilled watermelon before, you are in for a sweet surprise! 

Why You’ll Love Grilled Watermelon

• An easy and delicious treat
• Great on its own, as a side, or even as dessert
• Just two simple ingredients
• Can add a lot of great flavor options 

Grilled Watermelon Ingredients

This delicious grilled watermelon recipe only requires two simple ingredients. Of course, you can always jazz it up a little more with some of the great options listed below.

Watermelon – use a nice, ripe watermelon. Be sure to wash the outside before cutting since we’re keeping the rind on while cooking.

Salt – you can use kosher salt or table salt, but use less table salt than you would coarse salt

Substitutions & Alterations

These are just a few great seasoning and topping ideas for your grilled watermelon. I’d love to hear if you add anything extra to yours!

• Tajin 
• Add a dash of citrus like lemon, lime, or orange juice
• Chili flakes or chili powder
• Try out your favorite grilling seasonings and blends
• Drizzle with a little honey, maple syrup, or agave
• Garnish the grilled melon with finely chopped fresh herbs like fresh mint, lemon balm, fresh basil, or cilantro. You can also top with grated lemon or lime zest
• Top grilled slices with crumbled feta cheese and a little balsamic reduction

How to Make Grilled Watermelon Steaks

This is such an easy recipe to make. You’ll be enjoying it again and again all summer long.

Wash and cut your watermelon. You want to wash the rind first because you’ll be leaving it on while the melon cooks

Spray your grill generously with nonstick cooking spray.

Cook the watermelon slices on a low-medium heat.

Salt one side of the watermelon wedge and grill salt side down.

Salt the wedge again on grill before flipping.

Grill for 3-5 minutes on each side for great texture and grill marks.

Tips & Tricks

• Cook the watermelon on lower racks not the uppers for grill lines and faster cooking. 
• Brush the watermelon with a bit of olive oil for even better sear marks.
• Cutting tips: I like to cut my watermelon in slightly thick triangles or wedges. See more tips on cutting the watermelon in the section below.
• You can also pickle any excess watermelon rind for watermelon pickles. Chop the rind into bite size pieces and place in a heat safe jar or mason jar. Add one tablespoon of salt for every 4.25 (1 liter) cup of water needed. Heat the water enough to “melt” the salt. Pour the salt brine over the watermelon rind. Seal the jar and let sit for at least three days.

How to Cut a Watermelon for Grilling

• Cut the watermelon in half through the center. Slice the watermelon in half crosswise (across the fattest part of the watermelon).
• Cut each half in half again. Place each sliced half flat side down and slice them in half again, so that you now have four watermelon quarters. (If it’s an exceptionally large melon, you might need to cut each half in half again.)
• Slice into triangle wedges about half an inch thick.

How To Serve

This grilled watermelon is great on its own as a snack, sliced atop a fresh summer salad, or as an appetizer or side dish with some grilled beef or pork dishes.

How To Store Leftover Grilled Watermelon

Store any leftovers in an airtight zip top bag in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

I do not recommend freezing leftover watermelon pieces.

What To Serve With Grilled Watermelon

Grilled Main Dish: Grilled Bratwurst, Grilled Burgers, Grilled Cod In Foil, Grilled Tilapia In Foil, Garlic Butter Shrimp Kabobs, Grilled Cedar Plank Salmon, Coca-Cola Chicken Legs,Grilled Korean Chicken, Salmon Basket Grilled, Salmon Grilled In Foil, Grilled Chicken Thighs, Grilled Pork Steaks

Smoked Main Dishes: Smoked Cornish Game Hens, Spicy Smoked Chicken Wings, Sweet Smoked Coca-Cola Chicken, Chicken Breasts Smoked, Smoked Coca Cola Chicken Wings, Coca-Cola Brined Cornish Game Hens Smoked, Smoked Brisket With Brown Sugar Rub, Smoked Turkey, Smoked Ham, Smoked Prime Rib, Smoked Pork Chops