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Grilling watermelon helps the sugars to caramelize and gives it a delicious hint of smoky flavor! Add a drizzle of honey lime sauce and fresh chopped mint on top for the ultimate refreshing side dish.

Fruity sides are the best addition to any barbecue. They’re delicious, refreshing, and perfect for hot summer days! Grilled pineapple, honey lime poppy seed fruit salad, and creamy grape salad are just a few tasty recipes to serve up all summer long.

Top-down view of sliced, grilled watermelon on a white plate.

Grilled Watermelon With a Honey Lime Glaze

Nothing screams summer quite like watermelon. It’s crisp, juicy, and refreshing- perfect for snacking on as the temperatures rise. Now, I know it’s delicious as-is, but grilling it really takes it to the next level. Grilling watermelon sears in all of those delicious juices and helps the sugars to caramelize! It also adds a slightly smoky flavor which is absolutely amazing. Once you get a bite of this grilled watermelon, you won’t want it any other way!

And it doesn’t stop there- I’ve added an amazing honey lime glaze and chopped mint to this recipe for fresh, juicy flavor you won’t be able to get enough of. It’s the perfect mix of tart and sweet! Plus, this grilled watermelon only takes a few minutes to prepare, making it the perfect finishing touch to any barbecue. Bring this to your next summer get-together and I promise it will be a hit. It’s just too good to resist!

Everything You Need to Make It

Since watermelon is so delicious on its own, you only need a few extra ingredients to enhance it. Trust me, this grilled watermelon recipe is one you’ll want to keep on repeat! Measurements for each ingredient can be found in the recipe card below.

  • Watermelon: Although you may be tempted to pick the shiniest watermelon in the bunch, this is a sign that it’s underripe. The perfect watermelon will be heavy, deep green, and slightly dull-looking. Give it a thump- if the sound that comes from it is deep and hollow, this means it has a high liquid content and will be nice and juicy.
  • Honey: Adds sweetness and the perfect glazed texture.
  • Lime Juice and Zest: Helps to balance out sweetness and gives your grilled watermelon a nice, zesty flavor.
  • Mint Leaves: Not only does it smell great, but chopped mint adds a cool refreshing flavor to your watermelon. Basil is also a great herb to add on top!

How to Grill Watermelon

Grilled watermelon is the perfect side and so easy to make! It comes together in less than 15 minutes with just a few simple steps. Once you get a taste of that sweet, smoky flavor, you’ll want to make it again and again.

  1. Preheat Grill: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
  2. Cook: Add the watermelon to the grill and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side or until slightly charred.
  3. Prepare Glaze: In a small bowl, add the honey, lime juice, and the zest of one lime. Stir until combined.
  4. Top Watermelon With Glaze and Chopped Mint: Drizzle glaze on top of the watermelon, garnish with chopped mint leaves and serve immediately.
4-photo collage of watermelon being grilled and topped with a honey lime glaze.

Tips and Tasty Variations

These are a few extra ways you can customize the flavor of your grilled watermelon. This is a super versatile dish and can easily be tweaked to your liking!

  • Oil Your Grill: Brush your grill with a bit of oil before cooking your watermelon to keep it from sticking.
  • Sprinkle With Salt: If you sprinkle a little salt on top of your grilled watermelon, it will help enhance its natural sweetness.
  • Add Tajin: Tajin is a popular Mexican spice and tastes amazing on fruit! Sprinkle a little on top of your grilled watermelon for a flavor combination that is sour, sweet, juicy, and just a little spicy.
Closeup of grilled watermelon, topped with freshly chopped mint.

Storing Leftover Grilled Watermelon

Your watermelon will have the best flavor right off the grill, but can be stored and enjoyed a few days after it’s made.

  • In the Refrigerator: In an airtight container, your grilled watermelon will stay good for 3-4 days.
A piece of watermelon with a bite taken out of it being held.

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Grilled Watermelon

Grilling watermelon helps the sugars to caramelize and gives it a delicious hint of smoky flavor! Add a drizzle of honey lime sauce and fresh chopped mint on top for the ultimate refreshing side dish.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients 

  • 6-8 slices Watermelon
  • 3 tablespoons Honey
  • 2 tablespoons Lime juice
  • Lime Zest
  • 1 tablespoon Mint Leaves, chopped

Instructions 

  • Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
  • Add the watermelon to the grill and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side or until slightly charred.
  • In a small bowl add the honey, lime juice, and the zest of one lime. Stir until combined.
  • Drizzle on top of the watermelon, garnish with chopped mint leaves and serve immediately.

Notes

The watermelon is easier to grill if is cut thicker.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 120kcalCarbohydrates: 31gProtein: 2gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 4mgPotassium: 336mgFiber: 1gSugar: 26gVitamin A: 1665IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 23mgIron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Appetizer, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Tried this recipe?Mention @alyssa_therecipecritic or tag #therecipecritic!

About Alyssa Rivers

Alyssa Rivers is the author of 'The Tried and True Cookbook', a professional food photographer and experienced recipe-developer. Having a passion for cooking, her tried and true recipes have been featured on Good Morning America, Today Food, Buzzfeed and more.

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