If you think watermelon is just for fresh summer snacking, wait until you try this Grilled Watermelon with Lime and Mint Recipe. It’s smoky, juicy, and has a bright, refreshing twist that will make you rethink this classic fruit forever.

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 absolutely love grilling watermelon — it’s a surprising way to bring out its natural sweetness while adding that irresistible smoky char. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll want to make it a regular at every summer cookout.

Simple and quick: Ready in just 10 minutes, perfect for last-minute gatherings or weeknight dinners.
Flavor booster: The combo of lime and fresh mint brightens the smoky, sweet notes perfectly.
Versatile serving: Enjoy it plain or dress it up with feta cheese and honey for a delightful contrast.
Healthy and refreshing: Low calorie and packed with hydrating watermelon, it’s a guilt-free side dish.

Ingredients & Why They Work

When it comes to grilling watermelon, choosing the right ingredients makes all the difference. Make sure you pick a ripe but firm watermelon to hold up on the grill, and fresh herbs to brighten up those smoky flavors.

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 slices so they keep their shape on the grill without turning mushy.
Olive oil: A light brush on the grill grates helps prevent sticking and adds a subtle richness.
Lime wedges: Fresh lime juice adds just the right amount of tangy brightness to balance the sweetness.
Flaky sea salt: Sprinkling flaky salt enhances the watermelon’s natural flavors and complements the smoky char.
Chopped fresh mint leaves: Mint brings a fresh herbal note that lifts the whole dish beautifully.
Crumbled feta cheese: Optional, but it adds a creamy salty contrast that’s simply divine with grilled fruit.
Honey: Also optional, a drizzle of honey boosts sweetness and makes every bite a little decadent.

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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 easily you can tailor it to your taste buds. Whether you like it simple and refreshing or crave a little extra zing or richness, there’s a variation here for everyone.

Classic with Feta and Honey: I love the sweet and salty combo when I add crumbled feta and a light drizzle of honey. The feta’s creaminess contrasts beautifully with the smoky-sweet watermelon, and the honey pulls it all together with a floral sweetness.
Vegan Twist: If you want to keep it fully plant-based, just skip the feta and honey. Fresh mint and lime alone create such a vibrant, fresh flavor that you won’t miss the extras at all.
Spicy Kick: For a bit of heat, sprinkle a pinch of chili powder or a few flakes of red pepper on top—perfect for those who love a savory-sweet-spicy balance in their summer dishes.
Herb Swap: Don’t have mint? Fresh basil or cilantro can make a lovely substitute, giving the salad a different but still refreshing dimension.
Cook’s Tip: Make sure your watermelon wedges are about 1-inch thick and firm so they hold up well on the grill without turning mushy. Ripe but firm is the sweet spot!

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 Prepare the Grill

Start by heating your grill to medium-high heat—think hot enough to get those perfect grill marks without cooking the watermelon too long. Once hot, lightly brush the grates with olive oil. This simple step keeps the watermelon wedges from sticking and makes turning them a breeze.

Step 2: Grill the Watermelon Wedges

Place your 1-inch thick watermelon wedges directly on the grill. Let them cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side. You’ll know they’re ready when you see enticing dark char marks and the edges start to soften slightly—but don’t overcook, or they’ll get mushy. The grilling process caramelizes the natural sugars and infuses a smoky note that’s irresistible.

Step 3: Garnish and Serve

Transfer the grilled watermelon to your serving platter and give it a few minutes to cool down just a tad. Then squeeze fresh lime juice over the wedges—it adds that bright, zesty pop that lifts the dish. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt and scatter chopped fresh mint leaves on top. If you’re using them, crumble some feta cheese over the watermelon and drizzle with honey for that delightful sweet-savory contrast. Serve right away and enjoy the perfect balance of smoky, sweet, tangy, and fresh flavors in every bite.

Top Tip

These tips will help you elevate your Grilled Watermelon with Lime and Mint Recipe to the next level, making sure every bite is bursting with flavor and perfectly grilled.

Choose the Right Watermelon: Use ripe but firm watermelon wedges to avoid mushy texture on the grill—I’ve found this balances juiciness and structure perfectly.
Preheat and Oil the Grill: Brushing your grill grates with olive oil not only prevents sticking but also helps create those beautiful char marks that add smoky flavor.
Timing is Everything: Grill each wedge for just 2 to 3 minutes per side to get a nice sear without turning the watermelon overly soft or leaking too much juice.
Season at the End: Adding lime juice, flaky sea salt, and fresh mint after grilling preserves their bright flavors—sprinkling feta and drizzling honey last gives just the right sweet-salty balance.

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

Feel free to get creative with your garnishes! The fresh mint and flaky sea salt are must-haves, but adding crumbled feta cheese introduces a delicious salty tang, while a drizzle of honey lends a lovely touch of sweetness. Lime wedges on the side allow guests to adjust the tanginess to their liking. For a festive twist, try sprinkling some toasted nuts like pistachios or a pinch of chili flakes for a subtle kick.

Side Dishes

Grilled Watermelon pairs beautifully with light and fresh summer sides. Think grilled chicken or fish for a well-rounded meal, or complement it with a bright cucumber salad, quinoa tabbouleh, or a tangy coleslaw. For plant-based meals, serve alongside grilled vegetables or a hearty bean salad to keep things vibrant and colorful.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers, place the grilled watermelon wedges in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to 2 days but are best enjoyed the same day to maintain that perfect texture and flavor.

Freezing

Because watermelon is high in water content, freezing grilled watermelon is not recommended as it affects texture and can become mushy when thawed. It’s best to enjoy this recipe fresh for maximum enjoyment.

Reheating

Reheating isn’t necessary or recommended for this dish, since grilled watermelon is best served slightly cooled or at room temperature. If you prefer it warm, briefly warm the wedges on the grill or stovetop for no more than a minute, just to bring back a hint of that smoky char.

Frequently Asked Questions:

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

Absolutely! If you don’t have access to an outdoor grill, a grill pan on your stovetop works perfectly. Just make sure to preheat it over medium-high heat and brush it with olive oil to prevent sticking.

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

You don’t need to brush the watermelon directly with oil, but it’s important to lightly oil the grill grates. This simple step helps the watermelon wedges get nice grill marks and prevents them from sticking.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes! To keep it vegan, simply skip the feta cheese and honey, or use your favorite vegan cheese and maple syrup as substitutes. The watermelon, lime, and mint shine beautifully on their own.

How long does it take to grill watermelon wedges?

Each watermelon wedge should be grilled for 2 to 3 minutes on each side over medium-high heat. This timing creates perfect char marks and softens the watermelon slightly without overcooking.

Final Thoughts

Grilled Watermelon with Lime and Mint is one of those delightful summer surprises—sweet, smoky, and refreshingly tangy all at once. It’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it my go-to crowd-pleaser for backyard barbecues or a simple weeknight side. I hope you have as much fun grilling and savoring this recipe as I do every time. Here’s to warm days, good company, and tasty bites that bring a little magic to your table!