Grilled watermelon is a surprising yet delicious twist on the classic summer fruit. When grilled, watermelon transforms from juicy and refreshing to slightly smoky and caramelized, creating a unique blend of sweet and savory flavors. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for summer cookouts, adding a touch of flair to your grilling menu while keeping things light and refreshing.
To make grilled watermelon, start by slicing the watermelon into thick wedges or rounds, making sure the rind remains intact. This helps the slices hold together on the grill and ensures a perfect caramelized surface. Before grilling, you can brush the watermelon lightly with olive oil or a simple glaze of honey or balsamic vinegar for a deeper flavor. If you prefer, sprinkle a little salt and pepper to enhance the sweetness.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and place the watermelon slices directly onto the grill grates. Grill for 2–3 minutes on each side, or until you see grill marks and the fruit has softened slightly. The heat enhances the natural sweetness of the watermelon and gives it a smoky finish that pairs wonderfully with fresh herbs like mint, basil, or a sprinkle of feta cheese for a savory twist.
Grilled watermelon can be served on its own, drizzled with a balsamic reduction, or paired with other grilled vegetables and meats for a savory-sweet combination. For a refreshing salad, try adding it to a mix of arugula, cucumber, and feta, or toss it with a splash of lime and a dash of chili flakes for a more exotic flavor profile.
Whether as a side dish, appetizer, or dessert, grilled watermelon is an unexpected and delightful way to enjoy this summertime favorite. The combination of sweet fruit and smoky char creates a mouthwatering contrast that will have everyone asking for more!
Look for a creamy yellow spot on the underside (called the field spot), a dull skin, and a deep hollow sound when tapped. A ripe watermelon will also feel heavy for its size.
Whole watermelons can be stored at room temperature. Once cut, they should be refrigerated and kept in an airtight container for up to 3–5 days.
Yes! Watermelon is hydrating and low in calories. It’s a good source of vitamins A and C, and it contains antioxidants like lycopene, which may support heart health and reduce inflammation.
Yes, watermelon seeds are safe to eat and are even nutritious. Roasted watermelon seeds are a crunchy, protein-rich snack.
Try watermelon in salads with feta and mint, blend it into smoothies, freeze it for refreshing popsicles, or use it in salsas and grilled dishes for a sweet contrast.
Absolutely. Watermelon is over 90% water, making it one of the most hydrating fruits—perfect for hot summer days or post-workout snacks.
Ingredients
- 2 slices watermelon cut into 1-inch thick slices
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for brushing
- 1 teaspoon sea salt to taste
- 1 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your grill to high heat.
- Brush the watermelon slices lightly with olive oil.
- Place the watermelon slices on the grill and cook for approximately 2-3 minutes on each side, or until grill marks appear.
- Remove from grill and sprinkle with sea salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately as a refreshing side dish or appetizer.
Nutrition
This is a game changer! Who knew grilled watermelon could taste so amazing? 5 stars all the way!
Isn’t watermelon supposed to be cold? Grilling feels wrong. But I tried it and its okish.
One of the easiest recipes ever. I made it in 10 minutes and it disappeared immediately. Definitely making again.
Only 10 minutes? I tried something like this once and it got all soggy on the grill. Maybe my heat was wrong. Still, sounds tasty, gonna try again though.
I love how fast this is—grill marks on watermelon are weirdly amazing. Did you eat it as-is or with something like feta or lime?
Super easy to make! I took it to a picnic and everyone raved about it. Definitely a keeper!
I made this for my BBQ and everyone HATED it! Never again.
So easy and refreshing! Perfect for hot summer days.
I thought this was a weird combo, but it actually works! Perfect for summer! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Grilled watermelon? Seriously? Not sure about this one. Can’t imagine it tasting good.
I accidentally used regular salt (not sea salt). Still good. Also my grill was not super high heat and it took longer, but it worked.
Simple and tasty! I might try this with some spices next time!
I could really go for some grilled watermelon right now. Let’s get this party started!
Very refreshing! I added some feta after grilling, and it was a hit! Definitely recommend.
What even is this? Seems so plain with just salt and pepper. Doesn’t sound filling.
It’s actually really good! The sweetness of the watermelon with the salt and pepper is super refreshing in the summer. Give it a try!
Grilling watermelon makes no sense. Watermelon is for summer and grilling is for meat.
I totally get where you’re coming from! But have you tried grilled watermelon? It’s surprisingly good, adds a sweet and smoky flavor. Perfect for summer BBQs! 🥰
Nah, I think it’s just weird. Watermelon belongs in fruit salads or just sliced, not on a grill. Seems like a waste of good watermelon to me.
Very easy. 10 minutes total. The kids said it taste like steak or something (lol).
My kids loved it, but I thought it was kinda strange. Why would you grill fruit? 2 stars.
Grilling fruit is actually really popular! It brings out the sweetness. Maybe give it another try? I think it’s a genius idea! 5 stars.
Easy to make! But my grill is old and the slices kinda fell apart… still yummy tho!
Sounds delicious! Grilled watermelon is a surprise hit. I love it! Maybe try using a grilling basket next time to keep the slices from falling apart.
This was surprisingly good! I didn’t expect grilled watermelon to taste so nice. 5 stars!
Yuck! Watermelon should not be hot! #teamcold
This recipe is so unique! I never thought of grilling watermelon, but it turned out delicious! 5 stars!
Really, grilled watermelon? This can’t be good. Tried it anyway, and… wow, I was wrong! It was tasty!
Y’all, this is amazing! I added some feta cheese on top, and it was the best.
So good. Like candy but savory!
I tried this at a BBQ and everyone was raving! Best side dish ever!
This is such a fun appetizer. I served it with feta and mint (just had to). Would totally make again.
Mine stuck a little even though I brushed with oil. I think the grill wasn’t hot enough—still tasty though, just messy.
Grilled watermelon is surprisingly good! I drizzled some balsamic glaze on it too, and it was delish.
Not sure about the black pepper amount. I think I overdid it and it turned a little too intense for me, but I could taste the sweetness still.
Totally get that—black pepper can go from “nice kick” to “why is this spicy?” really fast. Next time I’d start with like 1/4–1/2 tsp for the whole batch, then add more only at the end to taste.
I feel you. I once used the full “to taste” amounts and it tasted almost smoky-bitter instead of sweet. Still good though—maybe cut the pepper and add a tiny pinch more salt to balance.
I followed the recipe exactly and it just tasted like salted watermelon. No big wow. Maybe my grill wasn’t hot enough? It didn’t really char.
Hmm “salted watermelon” is exactly what I get too if it doesn’t really sear. I’d try making sure the grill is ripping hot—like you see strong sizzle the moment it hits. Also, don’t overcook; 2-3 min is short, but you want real grill marks.
Wait… you grill fruit? My kids loved it but I’m still confused why you add pepper like it’s steak 😂
Not gonna lie, I was skeptical too. But black pepper brings out the flavor of the watermelon, especially when it gets those char marks.
Haha right? I swear the pepper is what makes it taste “grilled” instead of just sweet fruit. It’s not steak—just a little savory balance 😄
Honestly I don’t get the hype. It tastes like watermelon with grill flavor… which is fine, but not life-changing.
Mine stuck a bit even though I brushed with oil. Next time I’ll oil the grates too. Still, flavor was good.
That makes sense—watermelon’s so wet it can make things stick. Oiling the grates (or using a lightly oiled grill basket) usually helps a lot. Glad the flavor still came through!
I mean… it’s watermelon. Grilling it is just wasting time. But my friends ate it anyway, so I guess it’s fine.
Totally get it—watermelon isn’t exactly “needing” the grill. But those grill marks and the slight caramelization are real. If your friends still ate it, it can’t be that bad 😄
Watermelon on a grill seems wrong to me… isn’t it just gonna get all mushy? I’ll try it once tho, but 2-3 minutes each side feels too long. Maybe like 1 minute? lol
Honestly, this is the weirdest combo I’ve ever heard. I like my watermelon cold and juicy!
High heat seems risky with watermelon—it kinda went mushy on the edges for me. Maybe lower heat would help.
Looks easy enough but I dunno… fruit on a grill? Sounds risky.
I was skeptical too at first, but grilled watermelon is actually really good! You should try it!
Fruit on a grill?? That just sounds nasty. Why would u ruin sweet watermelon like that?
This is a summer must try! Watermelon and grill is a match made in heaven!
Tried this tonight—so surprisingly good. The grill marks give the watermelon a “summery char” vibe and the pepper really pops. Will make again for sure.
I followed the recipe but my watermelon ended up mushy. Maybe I left it too long? Unhappy face.
Not for me. Watermelon is already sweet—grilling and pepper just makes it weird. I’d rather eat it raw.
Totally get it—raw watermelon is awesome. I just like the char + pepper gives it a more “grown-up” flavor, but yeah if you want sweet and juicy, skip the grill.
This is the weirdest recipe I’ve ever seen. Watermelon on a grill? Like, wut?
I can’t believe this works! Grilled watermelon is a hit in my house now.
I tried this yesterday! So sweet and delicious! Perfect for summer BBQs.
Grilling watermelon? Really? Sounds weird to me. Is it actually good?
Followed it exactly. Took maybe a little less than 2 minutes per side on my grill, but the grill marks came out great. Salt and pepper at the end really make it pop.
I was skeptical about grilling fruit, but it worked. Mine needed a touch less time (about 2 min total each side) because it started getting too soft. Still tasty.
I always thought grilling watermelon would turn it into mush, but this makes sense. Good call on reducing the time—mine always gets too soft fast too. 😋
1/10 would not. Grilled watermelon sounds weird. Also pepper on fruit is gross to me. 😂
Tried it and the olive oil helped prevent sticking—good call. Next time I’m going to add chili flakes for a little kick.
Love that idea—chili flakes would totally give it a nice sweet-heat contrast. I might try a pinch next time too!
Wait, grilled watermelon actually works?! I tried it and the caramelized edges are so good. Didn’t need much salt—perfect side.
I was skeptical because watermelon on the grill sounds… wrong? But nope—sweet + smoky is actually amazing. I added a tiny squeeze of lime and it was even better.
Tried this last night—surprisingly good! The grill marks make it feel way more “chef-y” than it has any right to. 2-3 minutes is spot on.
Not gonna lie, I thought it was gonna be gross, lol. But the salt + pepper combo is actually genius. My kids even asked for more.
Okay but why does it taste like fruit candy? I love it. The pepper really pops. Would 100% serve to guests.
Pretty tasty for something so simple. I did 2 minutes each side and it was juicy but with nice grill marks.
This is such a fun twist—grilled watermelon tastes way more intense than I expected. Perfect for summer parties!
Totally agree—grilled watermelon is wildly flavorful. I didn’t think it would taste that “meaty” in a good way. Going to try it with a pinch less salt next time.
I was skeptical at first (watermelon on a grill?), but the olive oil + salt combo is legit. Next time I’ll add a squeeze of lime too.
This is such a fun idea, but 2-3 minutes on each side feels short. My slices got kinda warm-brown on the outside but stayed too firm inside.
Mine stuck to the grill a bit. I should’ve oiled the grates too, not just the watermelon. Flavor was great though—next time I’ll use foil or a grill basket.
Good call! I’ve had that happen too—oil on the fruit isn’t always enough. I usually lightly oil the grates right before cooking and it makes a huge difference. Grates + watermelon foil/grill basket next time sounds perfect.
Huh, mine didn’t stick much but maybe my grill is hotter? Also watermelon cooks way fast—2-3 minutes is probably right. Did you flip gently? I feel like people overcook it and then it gets mushy or tears on the grate.
Not bad, but 2-3 minutes each side feels long—mine got a bit mushy. Maybe my slices were thicker? Still tasty though.
I don’t have sea salt, used table salt, and it came out fine. The grill smell is awesome. Quick summer win.
Yes!! I love that grilled watermelon gets all caramel-y. Glad table salt worked—mine was fine too. Totally a summer win 🍉🔥
Mine stuck to the grates a bit even with oil… next time I’ll use foil or oil the grill more. Still tasted good though.