There’s something truly magical about this Grilled Watermelon with Mint and Lime Recipe. Imagine smoky grill marks meeting juicy sweetness, brightened by fresh mint and zesty lime — it’s the perfect summer side that’s light, refreshing, and packed with flavor.

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

I first tried grilled watermelon a few summers ago, and it quickly became a backyard BBQ staple. The way the heat intensifies watermelon’s sweetness while adding those irresistible charred notes? Pure genius.

Quick and Easy: Ready in just 10 minutes, making it an effortless crowd-pleaser.
Refreshing Flavor Combo: The mint and lime bring a bright, fresh contrast that wakes up your taste buds.
Healthy and Light: Low in calories yet full of natural sweetness and nutrients.
Versatile Toppings: Optional feta and honey let you customize each bite for salty-sweet perfection.

Ingredients & Why They Work

When you shop for this dish, the key is to pick watermelon that’s ripe but still firm enough to hold together on the grill. Fresh mint and high-quality lime make a big difference too — they really brighten up those smoky notes.

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: Firmness is key so they don’t fall apart, and thick 1-inch slices help it grill just right.
Olive oil: Brushing the grill keeps the watermelon from sticking and gives nice char marks.
Lime wedges: Fresh lime juice adds zesty brightness that cuts through the sweetness.
Flaky sea salt: Enhances the watermelon’s natural flavors with a subtle crunch.
Chopped fresh mint leaves: Offers a cool herbal contrast that’s so refreshing.
Crumbled feta cheese (optional): Adds a salty creaminess for extra depth, but leave it out if you want it dairy-free.
Honey (optional): A drizzle highlights the sweetness and balances the salty feta beautifully.

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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

This Grilled Watermelon with Mint and Lime Recipe is wonderfully versatile—feel free to tweak it to match your taste buds or the occasion. Whether you want it sweeter, more savory, or dairy-free, there’s a variation to make it your own.

Feta Cheese Twist: I love adding crumbled feta for a salty kick that perfectly contrasts the watermelon’s sweetness. It adds a creamy texture that elevates the dish for summer dinners.
Honey Drizzle Delight: For an extra layer of sweetness, a light drizzle of honey on top is heavenly. It caramelizes slightly with the smoky grill flavor, making every bite more indulgent.
Dairy-Free Option: Simply skip the feta and honey for a refreshing vegan treat that still shines with fresh lime and mint.
Herb Variations: If you don’t have mint, basil or cilantro can also work as fresh garnishes to add a new flavor twist.
Spicy Kick: Try sprinkling a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of smoked paprika for a surprising smoky heat that complements the charred watermelon beautifully.

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: Preheat the Grill and Prepare for Grilling

Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. This temperature is key because it’s hot enough to create beautiful char marks without overcooking the watermelon wedges. Before placing the watermelon on the grill, brush the grates lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking—this ensures the fruit will lift off easily once those gorgeous grill marks appear.

Step 2: Grill the Watermelon to Juicy Perfection

Place the 1-inch thick watermelon wedges directly on the hot grill. Grill each side for 2 to 3 minutes until you see nicely defined char marks and the flesh becomes slightly softened—but still holds its shape. The heat intensifies the watermelon’s natural sweetness and adds a subtle smoky flavor that’s irresistible. Keep an eye on the fruit—it cooks quickly, so don’t walk away!

Step 3: Dress and Serve with Fresh Flavors

Once grilled, transfer the watermelon wedges to a serving platter and let them cool for a few minutes so the flavors marry beautifully. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the wedges—this bright citrus hit wakes up the smoky sweetness. Sprinkle flaky sea salt to taste and garnish generously with chopped fresh mint leaves. For an optional but delightful finish, crumble feta cheese on top and drizzle with honey. Serve immediately to enjoy the perfect combination of juicy, smoky, tangy, and sweet.

Top Tip

Mastering this Grilled Watermelon with Mint and Lime Recipe is all about a few simple tricks that bring out the best flavors and texture. These tips will help you elevate this refreshing summer side dish every time you make it.

Choose the Right Watermelon: I always go for watermelon that’s ripe but still firm enough to hold its shape on the grill—this prevents it from turning mushy when charred.
Oil the Grill Grates Well: Brushing your grill with olive oil not only helps prevent sticking but also ensures those pretty char marks that add smoky flavor.
Watch Your Grill Time: 2 to 3 minutes per side is perfect. Any longer, and the watermelon can lose its juicy bite and become too soft.
Don’t Skip the Salt: Sprinkling flaky sea salt right after grilling balances the sweetness beautifully and enhances the smoky notes.

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

Fresh chopped mint is the star garnish here—its bright, herbal notes contrast wonderfully with the smoky watermelon. For an extra layer of flavor, try crumbled feta cheese, which adds a lovely salty creaminess. Drizzling a little honey over the top is optional but highly recommended for an added touch of natural sweetness. Don’t forget the lime wedges, which bring a fresh citrus kick when squeezed just before eating.

Side Dishes

This grilled watermelon makes an excellent companion to grilled meats like chicken or pork, but it also shines alongside light summer salads or black bean and corn salsa for a vegetarian feast. Pairing it with a chilled quinoa salad or grilled vegetables can turn your cookout into a colorful, balanced meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, place the grilled watermelon wedges in an airtight container and refrigerate. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 days but are best enjoyed the same day to preserve their juicy texture and vibrant flavor.

Freezing

Freezing grilled watermelon isn’t recommended as the texture can become mushy and watery once thawed. For the best eating experience, enjoy each batch fresh from the grill.

Reheating

Because watermelon is juicy and delicate, reheating is usually unnecessary and can diminish the texture. If you do want to serve it warm again, a quick 30-second reheat on a hot grill or skillet can bring back some of the charred warmth without overcooking.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other fruits instead of watermelon for grilling?

Absolutely! Fruits like pineapple, peaches, and nectarines are fantastic on the grill. However, watermelon’s high water content gives a unique juicy and smoky contrast that’s hard to replicate.

Do I need to oil the watermelon before grilling?

No need to oil the watermelon slices themselves. Instead, simply brush the grill racks with olive oil to prevent sticking and get good grill marks.

Is feta cheese necessary in this recipe?

Feta cheese is optional but it adds a lovely salty contrast to the sweet and smoky watermelon. If you prefer a dairy-free version, feel free to skip it or substitute with a vegan cheese.

How soon should I serve grilled watermelon after cooking?

For the best flavor and texture, serve the grilled watermelon wedges immediately or within a few minutes after grilling. This keeps the juicy bite and fresh garnishes at their peak.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about the smoky sweetness of grilled watermelon paired with the zest of lime and the coolness of fresh mint. It’s one of those simple yet unexpected summer side dishes that never fails to impress guests and refresh palates. Whether you’re firing up the grill for a casual cookout or a special gathering, this Grilled Watermelon with Mint and Lime Recipe is sure to become a favorite you reach for year after year. Happy grilling!