If you’re craving a fresh twist on summer sides, this Grilled Watermelon with Lime and Mint Recipe is about to become your new favorite. It’s smoky, sweet, juicy, and bright, making it perfect for any cookout or backyard gathering.

The image shows a white textured oval plate filled with grilled watermelon slices cut into thick triangular pieces. Each slice has a deep red inside with visible black grill marks and a thin green rind at the bottom. Some slices have a slight char on the rind side. There are small sprinkles of green mint leaves over the watermelon pieces. Around the plate, there are lime wedges placed for garnish, adding a touch of light green. Near the plate, a small white bowl with coarse salt is on the white marbled surface beside fresh green mint leaves and a white cloth. The colors are bright and fresh with a crisp, 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 Lime and Mint Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Grilled Watermelon with Lime and Mint Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Grilled Watermelon with Lime and Mint Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I still remember the first time I grilled watermelon—it was like discovering a secret flavor that makes summer tastes even more vibrant. If you love mixing sweet and smoky notes, you’re going to adore this recipe.

Unexpected flavor combo: Char-grilling adds a smoky depth to juicy watermelon that’s unbelievably refreshing.
Super simple prep: Just a few ingredients and 10 minutes is all you need to wow your guests.
Perfect for anyone: Vegetarian-friendly and customizable with optional feta and honey.
Great for gatherings: A light, beautiful side dish that complements any grilled main course.

Ingredients & Why They Work

When picking your ingredients, aim for ripe but firm watermelon wedges so they hold up on the grill. Fresh lime and fragrant mint brighten up the smoky-sweet taste, while flaky sea salt rounds out the flavors perfectly.

Flat lay of ten fresh bright red watermelon wedges with green rind, a few vibrant green lime wedges, a small white ceramic bowl filled with golden honey, a small white ceramic bowl holding bright green chopped fresh mint leaves, a small white ceramic bowl of white flaky sea salt crystals, a small white ceramic bowl with crumbled white feta cheese, 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 firm, ripe pieces that won’t get mushy when grilled.
Olive oil: A light brush helps prevent sticking and encourages perfect char marks.
Flaky sea salt: Adds bursts of salty crunch that enhance the watermelon’s sweetness.
Lime wedges: For zesty pops of acidity to balance the smoky flavor.
Chopped fresh mint leaves: Refreshing and aromatic, mint lifts the whole dish.
Crumbled feta cheese (optional): Provides a salty, creamy contrast that’s simply irresistible.
Honey (optional): A drizzle gives a luscious, sweet finish that plays beautifully with the salt and smoke.

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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 Lime and Mint Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. Whether you like it extra tangy, sprinkled with a bit more salt, or jazzed up with different toppings, there’s room to get creative while keeping that fresh, smoky-sweet vibe.

Feta and Honey Combo: I love adding crumbled feta cheese and a drizzle of honey. The salty, creamy feta pairs beautifully with the sweet, smoky watermelon, and the honey adds just the right hint of extra sweetness. It’s a flavor combo that stands out at summer BBQs!
Herb Variations: Mint is classic here, but I’ve also tried fresh basil or cilantro for a different herbal note. Each herb gives a unique twist that’s worth experimenting with.
Spicy Kick: For a little heat, sprinkle some chili powder or cayenne over the grilled watermelon just before serving. It adds a surprising and delicious contrast to the sweetness.
No-Grill Option: If you don’t have a grill, no worries—use a grill pan on your stovetop. You still get those great char marks and smoky flavor without firing up the outdoor grill.

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

The dish features several triangular slices of grilled watermelon with char marks on the red flesh and a thick green rind, arranged on a white textured oval plate. The watermelon slices are topped with small white crumbles of cheese and thin strips of fresh green herbs. Around and on top of the watermelon are scattered fresh blackberries and blueberries, adding deep purple and blue tones. Lime wedges with bright green skin and light yellow flesh are placed around the plate, along with a few sprigs of fresh mint leaves. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with a soft, white woven cloth partially visible, and a small wooden bowl of coarse salt is nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Grill

Start by heating your grill to medium-high heat, around 400°F. This temperature is perfect to get those beautiful char marks quickly without cooking the watermelon into mush. Just before placing your watermelon on, brush the grill grates lightly with about 1 tablespoon of olive oil—this prevents sticking and helps create a nice sear.

Step 2: Grill the Watermelon Wedges

Arrange the 1-inch thick, triangular watermelon wedges on the hot grill. Let them cook for about 3 minutes on each side. You’re looking for smoky char marks, which add that delicious grilled flavor, but be careful not to overcook. The watermelon should stay firm and juicy—if it’s too soft, it won’t hold up well when flipped.

Step 3: Cool and Season the Watermelon

Transfer the grilled wedges to a serving platter and let them rest for a few minutes. This pause allows the smoky flavor to meld and the watermelon to cool slightly, making it more refreshing. Then, squeeze fresh lime juice over the top to add a bright, citrusy punch. Sprinkle flaky sea salt evenly to bring out the sweetness and deepen the smoky notes.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Top your grilled watermelon with chopped fresh mint leaves for a burst of herbal freshness. If you’re feeling fancy, add about ½ cup of crumbled feta cheese and drizzle 1 tablespoon of honey over the wedges for a sweet-salty contrast that’s simply irresistible. Serve immediately while still slightly warm to enjoy the perfect balance of smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors.

Top Tip

These handy tips will help you get the most out of your Grilled Watermelon with Lime and Mint Recipe, making sure every bite is bursting with vibrant flavor and perfect texture.

Choose the Right Watermelon: Using a ripe but firm watermelon is key – too soft, and the wedges may fall apart on the grill. I always pick watermelon that has a good balance of sweetness and firmness for grilling.
Proper Grill Temperature: Setting your grill to medium-high, around 400°F, ensures quick searing with beautiful char marks without drying out the juicy fruit. I learned this the hard way; lower heat makes the watermelon mushy.
Brush the Grill Grates: Brushing the grill with olive oil before placing the watermelon prevents sticking and helps those gorgeous grill marks form smoothly.
Serve Immediately: Grilled Watermelon is best enjoyed fresh off the grill. Waiting too long can lead to sogginess and loss of that wonderful smoky-sweet char flavor.

How to Serve Grilled Watermelon with Lime and Mint Recipe

A dark metal tray holds several triangular slices of watermelon arranged in neat rows, each slice showing a bright red juicy inside with a thin green rind. Around the watermelon slices, there are several lime wedges scattered, showing their green skins and light green flesh. On one side of the tray, there is a small white bowl filled with coarse white salt, and near it, a small white bowl holds a golden liquid, likely honey or syrup. A natural-bristle brush with a wooden handle lays next to the fruit. A sprig of fresh green mint leaves sits at the bottom corner of the tray. The tray rests on a white marbled surface, giving a clean and bright background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh lime wedges are a must for adding a bright, tangy kick that balances the sweetness and smokiness. Chopped fresh mint leaves bring a refreshing herbal note that pairs beautifully. For an extra touch, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese for a salty contrast or drizzle a little honey to amplify the natural fruitiness. Flaky sea salt isn’t just decorative—it elevates the grilled watermelon by enhancing all its flavors.

Side Dishes

This grilled watermelon pairs wonderfully with grilled meats like chicken or pork for cookouts, or alongside a crisp summer salad with cucumbers and arugula. It’s fabulous on a picnic plate next to corn on the cob, or served with light grains like quinoa tossed with herbs and lemon for a refreshing vegetarian meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers, store the grilled watermelon wedges in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Consume within the same day, as the juicy texture and smoky flavor start to diminish quickly after cooling.

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended for grilled watermelon, as ice crystals can ruin the texture, leaving it mushy and watery once thawed.

Reheating

Grilled watermelon is best served warm or at room temperature. If you want to reheat, place the wedges briefly on a medium-hot grill for about 1 minute per side to revive the smoky char without overcooking.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a grill pan instead of an outdoor grill?

Absolutely! A grill pan on the stovetop works beautifully when you don’t have an outdoor grill. Just make sure to preheat it to medium-high heat and brush with olive oil before adding your watermelon wedges.

Why does the recipe recommend using flaky sea salt?

Flaky sea salt adds a satisfying crunch and a burst of flavor that enhances the natural sweetness and smoky char of the watermelon without overpowering it. It’s a simple way to elevate the dish.

Is it necessary to add honey or feta cheese?

Nope! Honey and feta are optional, but they create a delicious sweet-and-salty contrast that takes the dish up a notch. Feel free to customize based on your taste preferences.

How long does it take to grill the watermelon?

It takes about 3 minutes per side on a medium-high grill set around 400°F. Keep an eye on the wedges so they get nice char marks but don’t overcook and lose juiciness.

Final Thoughts

Grilled Watermelon with Lime and Mint Recipe is one of my all-time favorite ways to enjoy watermelon in the summer — it’s quick, refreshing, and full of surprising flavor contrasts. The smoky char combined with juicy sweetness, zesty lime, and fresh mint makes for a perfect side dish at any cookout or casual gathering. I hope you have as much fun making and eating this as I do. Here’s to many flavorful summer bites ahead!