There’s something truly magical about combining smoky heat with juicy sweetness, and that’s exactly what this Grilled Watermelon with Lime and Mint Recipe delivers. Trust me, once you try it, grilled fruit will have a permanent spot at your summer cookouts.

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 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—its sweet juiciness paired with smoky grill marks totally changed my idea of what fruit can do in savory dishes. It’s refreshingly unexpected but utterly addictive.

Simple Prep: Ready in just 10 minutes, making it perfect for last-minute gatherings.
Flavor Explosion: Sweet, smoky, tangy, and fresh, all in one bite.
Customizable: Add feta or honey, or enjoy it vegan and pure.
Perfect Side Dish: Pairs beautifully with grilled meats or as a stand-alone refresher.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe is all about simplicity and letting quality ingredients shine. When you shop, look for a ripe yet firm watermelon and fresh mint to keep those bright, cool flavors intact.

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 firm slices that hold their shape on the grill but are still juicy enough for that burst of sweetness.
Olive oil: Helps prevent sticking and produces those beautiful char marks on the watermelon.
Lime wedges: Adds a zesty punch that balances the sweetness perfectly.
Flaky sea salt: Provides texture and enhances the flavor contrast.
Chopped fresh mint leaves: Brings freshness and a cool aroma that pairs wonderfully with the grilled fruit.
Crumbled feta cheese: Optional, but adds a creamy, salty bite that complements the sweetness.
Honey: Another optional touch but a lovely drizzle to amp up the natural sugars after grilling.

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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 adapt to your taste buds or occasion. Feel free to play around with the toppings and flavors to make it truly yours!

Feta Love: I love adding crumbled feta for a tangy, creamy contrast that balances the smoky sweetness perfectly. It turns this simple side into something special for summer dinners.
Vegan Twist: Skip the feta and drizzle extra honey or agave syrup for a naturally sweet finish—perfect if you're keeping it plant-based.
Spicy Kick: Try sprinkling a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of cayenne on top for a little heat—it makes the flavors pop in such a fun way!
Herbal Variety: While fresh mint is classic, swapping in fresh basil or cilantro can bring a fresh twist that’s just as delightful.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Grilled Watermelon with Lime and Mint 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 Prep Your Tools

First things first—get your grill heated up to medium-high heat. This is key to achieving those perfect, smoky char marks on your watermelon. While it’s warming, grab some olive oil and brush a light layer onto the grill grates. This little step helps prevent sticking and makes flipping the watermelon so much easier.

Step 2: Grill Those Watermelon Wedges

Place your 1-inch thick watermelon wedges carefully on the hot grill. You’ll want to cook each side for about 3 minutes. Watch for those beautiful, distinct grill marks—they tell you when to turn. Be gentle when flipping to keep the wedges in one piece. The watermelon softens slightly but still holds its shape, and the smoky char adds incredible depth.

Step 3: Dress and Garnish for a Burst of Flavor

Once grilled, transfer the wedges over to a platter and let them cool just a little—warm but not hot. Squeeze fresh lime juice all over to add a zesty brightness, then sprinkle with flaky sea salt for a satisfying crunch. Garnish generously with chopped fresh mint leaves for that refreshing finish. If you’re feeling adventurous, crumble some feta cheese on top and drizzle a touch of honey for an irresistible sweet-salty combo. Serve immediately and watch everyone dig in!

Top Tip

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

Choose the Right Watermelon: Opt for a ripe but firm watermelon that won't turn mushy when grilling. This keeps your wedges intact and juicy.
Oil the Grill Grates: Brushing your grill with olive oil is a game changer—it prevents sticking and helps you get those gorgeous char marks.
Handle Wedges Gently: When turning your watermelon, use a wide spatula and turn carefully to avoid breaking the delicate wedges.
Don’t Skip the Salt: A sprinkle of flaky sea salt adds a beautiful crunchy texture and balances the sweetness perfectly—trust me, it makes a world of difference.

How to Serve Grilled Watermelon with Lime and Mint 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

The classic toppings of fresh lime juice and chopped mint really brighten the smoky sweetness of the grilled watermelon. For a creamy, salty contrast, crumble some feta cheese on top. If you’re feeling a little indulgent, a light drizzle of honey adds an extra layer of luscious sweetness. Don’t forget a sprinkle of flaky sea salt to elevate every bite!

Side Dishes

This grilled watermelon shines as a refreshing summer side dish alongside grilled chicken, seafood, or a light quinoa salad. It’s also a perfect companion to spicy foods, offering a cooling sweetness that balances bold flavors beautifully.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare!), store the grilled watermelon wedges in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep their best texture and flavor for up to 2 days, but for the juiciest experience, try to enjoy them fresh.

Freezing

Because of watermelon’s high water content, freezing grilled wedges isn’t recommended. The texture becomes mushy and less enjoyable once thawed.

Reheating

Grilled watermelon is best served warm or at room temperature right after grilling. If needed, you can gently rewarm leftover wedges on a grill or grill pan over medium heat for 1-2 minutes per side to bring back that smoky char flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I grill watermelon without a gas grill?

Absolutely! You can use a charcoal grill or even a grill pan on your stovetop. Just make sure the grill or pan is preheated to medium-high heat and well oiled to prevent sticking.

Is it necessary to brush the watermelon with oil before grilling?

No need to brush the watermelon itself with oil, but brushing the grill grates helps prevent sticking and ensures clean grill marks on the watermelon wedges.

What if I don’t like feta cheese?

No problem! The grilled watermelon is delicious on its own with lime, mint, and flaky sea salt. You can also try other toppings like a sprinkle of chili powder or a drizzle of honey for a different twist.

Can I prepare this recipe vegan?

Yes! Simply omit the optional feta cheese and use honey alternatives like agave syrup if you want a drizzle of sweetness. The rest of the ingredients are naturally vegan-friendly.

Final Thoughts

Grilled Watermelon with Lime and Mint is one of those delightful surprises that flips your expectations of this classic summer fruit. It’s sweet, smoky, juicy, and refreshingly tangy all at once — a simple recipe that feels extra special. Whether you’re firing up the grill for a backyard cookout or looking for a unique side dish to brighten your meal, this recipe always impresses. I hope you enjoy making and sharing it as much as I do!