There’s something irresistibly refreshing about the Grilled Watermelon with Mint and Lime Recipe—a juicy wedge of watermelon kissed by smoky char marks, then brightened up with fresh mint and zesty lime. It’s the perfect summer side dish that brings a surprising twist to your cookout favorites.

The image shows a white oval plate with several triangular pieces of grilled watermelon. Each watermelon slice has three layers: a bright red juicy flesh with black grill marks on top, a thin white rind layer in the middle, and a green outer skin at the bottom. The watermelon pieces are scattered on the plate, some resting on fresh green mint leaves and accompanied by small lime wedges placed between the slices. On the left side, there is a small wooden bowl filled with coarse white salt and a white textured cloth beneath it. The whole setting is on a white marbled surface, giving a fresh and clean look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Grilled Watermelon with Mint and Lime Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Grilled Watermelon with Mint and Lime Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Grilled Watermelon with Mint and Lime Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Whenever I fire up the grill for a summer gathering, this grilled watermelon always steals the show. It’s easy to make, fun to share, and bursting with fresh, bright flavors that surprise even watermelon skeptics.

Quick and Easy: Prep and grill within 10 minutes, perfect for busy days or last-minute guests.
Unique Flavor Combo: The smoky char and juicy sweetness pair beautifully with mint and lime’s freshness.
Versatile Garnishes: Add crumbled feta or a honey drizzle for an extra layer of deliciousness.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Great as a side dish, appetizer, or even a light dessert at your next cookout.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Grab the freshest ingredients you can find—ripe watermelon, fragrant fresh mint, and juicy limes make all the difference here. The simplicity of this recipe means quality shines through every bite.

Flat lay of ten fresh watermelon wedges cut into thick triangles, a small white bowl of golden honey, vibrant lime wedges, bright green fresh mint leaves scattered neatly, a small white bowl filled with flaky sea salt crystals, a small white bowl with crumbled white feta cheese, all arranged in perfect symmetry on simple white ceramic dishes and bowls, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Watermelon wedges: Choose triangular wedges about 1-inch thick so they hold up on the grill without falling apart.
Olive oil: Brushing the grill grates with olive oil prevents sticking and helps create those beautiful char marks.
Flaky sea salt: Enhances the watermelon’s natural sweetness while adding a delightful crunch.
Lime wedges: Fresh lime juice adds a tangy brightness that balances smoky and sweet flavors perfectly.
Chopped fresh mint leaves: Mint brings a cool, herbal note that complements the fruit’s juicy sweetness wonderfully.
Crumbled feta cheese (optional): Adds a salty, creamy contrast if you want to take the flavor profile up a notch.
Honey (optional): A drizzle of honey adds subtle sweetness and pairs beautifully with the smoky grilled fruit.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best things about this Grilled Watermelon with Mint and Lime Recipe is how easy it is to tweak according to your taste buds or what you have on hand. Feel free to jazz it up or keep it simple—the smoky sweetness of the grilled watermelon really shines no matter what!

Try it with Feta: I love adding crumbled feta cheese for a delightful salty contrast that pairs beautifully with the juicy sweetness. The creamy texture adds another layer of yum!
Go Vegan: If you’re keeping it plant-based, just skip the feta and go heavy on fresh mint and lime. A drizzle of honey can be swapped for maple syrup to keep it vegan-friendly while adding a bit of natural sweetness.
Flavor Boost: For a little extra zing, I sometimes brush the watermelon with a flavored olive oil, like lemon or chili-infused oil, before grilling. It brings a subtle complexity that’s fantastic for summer gatherings.
Seasonal Twist: When berries are in season, sprinkle some fresh raspberries or blueberries on top for a colorful, fresh burst that complements the smoky watermelon.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Grilled Watermelon with Mint and Lime Recipe

The image shows a white oval plate filled with several triangular slices of grilled watermelon, each slice having a charred texture with dark grill marks on the bright red flesh and a thick pale green rind. The watermelon slices are topped with small white crumbly cheese pieces and thin strips of fresh green mint scattered on top. Interspersed among the watermelon are whole blackberries and blueberries, adding deep black and blue hues that contrast with the red and green of the watermelon. Lime wedges with vibrant green skin and pale green inner flesh are placed around the plate, adding a fresh, citrus look. Around the plate, there are loose mint leaves, a wooden bowl with coarse white salt, and a honey dipper with golden honey resting on the right side, all set on a white marbled surface. The photo is taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Getting the Grill Ready

First things first, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This temperature is perfect for getting those gorgeous char marks without overcooking the watermelon. Before placing your wedges on the grill, lightly brush the grates with olive oil—this helps prevent sticking and gives your wedges those impeccable grill lines.

Step 2: Grilling the Watermelon Wedges

Place the 1-inch thick watermelon wedges on the hot grill. Let them cook for a solid 3 minutes on each side. You’ll notice the watermelon start to caramelize and develop lovely smoky grill marks—that’s where the magic happens! Keep an eye on them; the goal is to get warmth and slight caramelization without turning the fruit mushy.

Step 3: Dress It Up

Once off the grill, transfer the wedges to a serving platter. Give them a couple of minutes to cool down just a bit—this lets the flavors settle in. Then, squeeze fresh lime juice generously over the warm watermelon to brighten up the smoky richness.

Step 4: Adding the Finishing Touches

Sprinkle flaky sea salt over the wedges to enhance the natural sweetness. Then, scatter chopped fresh mint leaves for a refreshing bite. If you’re feeling adventurous, add crumbled feta cheese for that perfect salty kick and drizzle a little honey for some extra sweetness—both optional but seriously delicious.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve your grilled watermelon immediately as a show-stopping summer side dish or appetizer. It’s light, juicy, smoky, and bursting with fresh flavors—guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser at any cookout!

Top Tip

Getting grilled watermelon just right is easier than you think, especially with a few handy tips that can elevate your Grilled Watermelon with Mint and Lime Recipe from good to unforgettable.

Perfect Thickness: Make sure your watermelon wedges are about 1 inch thick. This thickness holds up nicely on the grill without falling apart, giving you those incredible smoky grill marks and that juicy texture.
Preheat and Oil the Grill: Always preheat your grill to medium-high and brush the grates lightly with olive oil. This simple step prevents sticking and helps create those beautiful caramelized char marks.
Don’t Rush the Sizzle: Grill each side for a full 3 minutes to develop that perfect balance of smoky flavor and sweetness without overcooking the fruit.
Light Seasoning: Resist the urge to over-salt—flaky sea salt sprinkled just before serving really enhances the natural sweetness and smokiness without overpowering the watermelon.

How to Serve Grilled Watermelon with Mint and Lime Recipe

A dark tray filled with several bright red watermelon slices with white and green rinds arranged in overlapping layers, each slice showing a textured, juicy surface. Small yellow-green lime wedges are scattered among the watermelon pieces. On the right side of the tray, there is a wooden brush resting on a watermelon slice and a small white bowl filled with coarse salt. On the bottom right corner, fresh green mint leaves add a pop of color. On the bottom left is a small glass bowl with light golden honey. The tray is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Refreshing garnishes are what make this recipe sing. Fresh chopped mint adds a cool, herbal note that contrasts beautifully with the smoky grilled watermelon. A squeeze of fresh lime juice brightens every bite, while flaky sea salt intensifies the fruit’s natural sweetness. For an extra special touch, try crumbled feta cheese or a light drizzle of honey. Both add creaminess and a subtle sweetness that pair perfectly with the flavors in this dish.

Side Dishes

This grilled watermelon makes a fantastic side for your summer cookouts. Pair it with grilled chicken or fish for a light meal, or serve alongside a tangy quinoa salad or a chilled cucumber and tomato salad for a vibrant vegetarian spread. It’s also delightful with spicy barbecue dishes, as the juicy sweetness offers a refreshing counterpoint.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store any leftover grilled watermelon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. It’s best enjoyed fresh, but if refrigerated, allow it to come to room temperature for a few minutes before serving to bring back some of its juicy texture and flavor.

Freezing

Freezing grilled watermelon isn’t recommended, as the texture will become mushy upon thawing due to the high water content. It’s best to enjoy this recipe fresh or within a couple of days refrigerated.

Reheating

If you’d like to enjoy warm grilled watermelon, simply reheat gently on a preheated grill or grill pan for 1-2 minutes per side. Avoid the microwave, as it can make the watermelon soggy and lose its vibrant texture.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other fruit for grilling instead of watermelon?

Absolutely! Other fruits like pineapple, peaches, and even mangoes grill beautifully and develop similar smoky-sweet flavors. Just adjust grilling times based on the fruit’s firmness and thickness.

How do I prevent the watermelon from sticking to the grill?

Make sure to preheat your grill to medium-high and brush the grill grates lightly with olive oil before placing the watermelon wedges on. This helps create a non-stick surface and perfect grill marks.

Is it necessary to add feta cheese or honey?

No, they are optional. Feta adds a salty creaminess that contrasts the sweetness, while honey gives an extra layer of sweetness. Both are delicious but feel free to skip them if you prefer a lighter, vegan-friendly dish.

Can I grill watermelon wedges ahead of time?

Yes, you can grill the wedges ahead and store refrigerated for up to 2 days. However, for the best flavor and texture, it’s best to grill just before serving and add garnishes fresh.

Final Thoughts

Grilled Watermelon with Mint and Lime Recipe is a delightful twist on a summer classic. Its smoky char, juicy sweetness, and fresh herbal brightness make it a lively addition to any meal or party spread. Whether you’re new to grilling fruit or a seasoned pro, this recipe is quick, easy, and sure to impress your guests. Next time you fire up the grill, don’t forget this refreshing, unexpected treat—it just might become your new go-to summer side!