Grilled Watermelon with Lime and Cilantro

Published: June 8, 2025

by Alexia

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy Preparation: With just a few simple steps, you can have this delicious dish ready in no time.
Bold Flavors: The combination of lime zest and fresh cilantro enhances the natural sweetness of the watermelon, creating a refreshing treat.
Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it as an appetizer, side dish, or even dessert – it fits perfectly into any summer meal!
Healthy Option: Low in calories and packed with hydration, grilled watermelon is a guilt-free addition to your table.
Impressive Presentation: The bright colors and grill marks make this dish visually appealing, guaranteed to impress your guests.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start grilling, gather the essential tools. Having the right equipment will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Grill (gas or charcoal)
Grill tongs
Paper towels
Mixing bowl

Importance of Each Tool

Grill: Essential for achieving those beautiful grill marks and caramelizing the sugars in the watermelon.
Grill tongs: Help you flip the watermelon wedges easily without damaging them.
Paper towels: Useful for removing excess moisture from the watermelon before grilling.
Mixing bowl: Necessary for combining the seasoning ingredients effectively.

Ingredients

For Grilling

Vegetable oil, for grilling

For Seasoning

3 Tbsp. granulated sugar
1½ tsp. kosher salt
Zest of 1 lime

For Watermelon

¼ large watermelon (about 5 lbs), cut into 1-inch thick wedges

For Garnish

Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
Lime wedges, for serving

How to Make Grilled Watermelon with Lime and Cilantro

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Grill

Heat a gas or charcoal grill to high heat (450°F to 500°F).
Lightly oil the grill grates using a paper towel dipped in vegetable oil held with tongs.

Step 2: Make the Seasoning Mix

In a small bowl, combine the sugar, salt, and lime zest.
Use your fingertips to rub the ingredients together until fully integrated and fragrant.

Step 3: Season the Watermelon

Arrange watermelon wedges in a single layer on a sheet tray.
Reserve 1 teaspoon of the lime-salt mixture; set aside.
Sprinkle half of the remaining mixture over one side of the watermelon.
Flip and season the other side with the rest.
Place wedges on a cooling rack set over a tray and let sit for 15 minutes.
Press gently with paper towels to remove excess moisture.

Step 4: Grill the Watermelon

Place watermelon wedges over direct heat on the grill.
Cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side until dark grill marks appear and fruit softens slightly.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Transfer grilled watermelon to a serving platter.
Sprinkle with reserved lime-salt mixture.
Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and serve with lime wedges.

Enjoy your flavorful Grilled Watermelon with Lime and Cilantro!

How to Serve Grilled Watermelon with Lime and Cilantro

Grilled watermelon with lime and cilantro is a versatile dish that can elevate any summer gathering. Whether served as a side or an appetizer, it pairs beautifully with a variety of flavors and textures.

Pair with Cheese

Feta or Goat Cheese: Crumbled feta or creamy goat cheese topped on grilled watermelon creates a delightful contrast of flavors.
Ricotta: A dollop of ricotta adds creaminess that complements the sweetness of the watermelon.

Serve with a Salad

Mixed Greens Salad: Toss together fresh greens, nuts, and your favorite dressing for a refreshing accompaniment.
Cucumber Salad: The crunch of cucumbers with a light vinaigrette enhances the juicy watermelon.

Add to Skewers

Fruit Skewers: Alternate grilled watermelon chunks with other fruits like pineapple or strawberries for a colorful treat.
Shrimp Skewers: Combine grilled shrimp alongside watermelon for a savory-sweet experience that’s perfect for grilling season.

Use as a Salsa

Watermelon Salsa: Chop the grilled watermelon into smaller pieces and mix with diced tomatoes, onions, and jalapeños for a zesty salsa.
Avocado Salsa: Blend with avocado for a creamy dip that’s excellent with tortilla chips.

How to Perfect Grilled Watermelon with Lime and Cilantro

Perfecting grilled watermelon involves attention to detail and some handy tips. Follow these suggestions to enhance your dish.

Bold Flavors: Ensure you use enough lime zest in your seasoning mix to really highlight the flavor of the watermelon.
Don’t Overcook: Grill for just 2-3 minutes per side. Overcooked watermelon can become mushy.
Chill Before Grilling: Keeping the watermelon cold before grilling helps maintain its structure during cooking.
Experiment with Seasonings: Consider adding chili powder or mint to diversify flavors beyond lime and cilantro.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh cilantro and limes; they make all the difference in taste.

Best Side Dishes for Grilled Watermelon with Lime and Cilantro

Grilled watermelon pairs wonderfully with various side dishes that enhance its unique flavor. Here are some excellent options to consider.

Corn on the Cob: Sweet, charred corn adds texture and complements the freshness of the watermelon.
Potato Salad: Creamy potato salad provides heartiness that balances the lightness of grilled watermelon.
Quinoa Salad: A protein-packed quinoa salad mixed with vegetables makes for a nutritious pairing.
Pasta Salad: A chilled pasta salad tossed in vinaigrette works well alongside this refreshing dish.
Coleslaw: Crunchy coleslaw offers great contrast, especially when seasoned tangily.
Grilled Veggies: Seasonal vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers bring additional color and flavor to your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Grilling watermelon may seem easy, but common mistakes can lead to less-than-ideal results. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for.

Skipping the seasoning mix: Not preparing the lime-salt mixture can result in bland grilled watermelon. Always combine sugar, salt, and lime zest to enhance the flavor.
Overheating the grill: If the grill is too hot, the watermelon can char too quickly. Aim for a temperature between 450°F and 500°F for perfect grill marks without burning.
Neglecting to remove moisture: Grilling wet watermelon can lead to steaming instead of grilling. Be sure to press gently with paper towels to remove excess moisture before grilling.
Cutting wedges too thick: Thick wedges may not grill evenly and could take too long to cook. Aim for 1-inch thick slices for better results.
Failing to let it rest: Serving immediately after grilling can make the flavors less pronounced. Allow the grilled watermelon to sit briefly before serving for enhanced taste.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store grilled watermelon in an airtight container.
It will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Grilled Watermelon with Lime and Cilantro

Wrap individual wedges in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
Place them in a freezer-safe bag; they can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Grilled Watermelon with Lime and Cilantro

Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place wedges on a baking sheet and heat for about 5–7 minutes until warmed through.
Microwave: Use a microwave-safe plate and heat on medium power for 30 seconds at a time until warm.
Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat and place the wedges inside. Cook for about 2 minutes per side until warmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Grilled Watermelon with Lime and Cilantro?

Grilled Watermelon with Lime and Cilantro is a unique summer dish that combines sweet, juicy watermelon with zesty lime and fresh cilantro, enhancing its natural flavors.

How do I know when my watermelon is ready to grill?

You want your watermelon slices to be firm yet slightly soft at touch. Look for vibrant color and avoid overly ripe or mushy pieces.

Can I customize Grilled Watermelon with Lime and Cilantro?

Absolutely! You can add other herbs like mint or basil, or spice it up with chili powder for an extra kick.

Is Grilled Watermelon healthy?

Yes! Grilled watermelon is low in calories, high in water content, and packed with nutrients like vitamins A and C, making it a healthy addition to your meals.

Final Thoughts

Grilled Watermelon with Lime and Cilantro is not only refreshing but also versatile enough to complement any meal. Its unique flavor profile makes it perfect as an appetizer or side dish at summer gatherings. Don’t hesitate to customize it according to your preferences—this recipe invites creativity! Grab your grill and give this delicious dish a try!

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