Grilled Watermelon Recipe

WATERMELON: The main ingredient, seedless watermelon is sweet and juicy, perfect for grilling without seeds getting in the way.

OLIVE OIL: Used to brush on the watermelon so it doesn’t stick to the grill and adds a subtle richness.

SALT: Enhances the natural sweetness of the watermelon and balances the flavors.

BLACK PEPPER: Adds a little bit of spice and depth to the grilled fruit.

Grilling watermelon wedges might sound a little unusual, but it’s actually super simple once you get the hang of brushing them with olive oil before putting them on the grill. Here’s how to do it step by step:

1. Take your watermelon wedges and pour a little bit of olive oil into a small bowl or just use the bottle.
2. Use a pastry brush or even your fingers to spread the oil evenly on both sides of each wedge. Don’t soak them—just a light coating.
3. Make sure every part of the surface is covered, especially the edges, so the watermelon doesn’t stick to the grill.
4. Once oiled, sprinkle the salt and freshly ground black pepper evenly over the wedges.

Brushing the wedges with olive oil helps in two big ways. First, it stops the watermelon from sticking to the grill grates, which means you get those nice grill marks without losing any juicy pieces. Second, the oil adds a little richness that balances the sweetness of the watermelon and makes the flavors pop when combined with the salt and pepper.

When I first tried grilling watermelon, I didn’t oil the wedges well enough, and some of the fruit stuck to the grill and broke apart. It was a bit messy! Now, I always make sure to brush both sides carefully, and it makes flipping the wedges so much easier. Plus, it looks way better when you serve it. If you’re ever in a rush, you can even use a spray bottle to mist the oil on quickly, but brushing gives you more control.

Once you’ve got the oil and seasoning right, grilling is a breeze and the watermelon comes out juicy, smoky, and perfect for a summer snack or side dish.

• watermelon - Substitute with pineapple: Pineapple has a similar texture and sweetness when grilled, making it a great alternative.

• olive oil - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil adds a subtle tropical flavor that complements the sweetness of the fruit.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt provides a similar salty taste but with a slightly different mineral profile that can enhance the flavor.

• freshly ground black pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper adds a bit of heat and spice, which can create an interesting contrast with the sweetness of the grilled fruit.

• Allow the grilled watermelon to cool completely before storing. This helps to prevent condensation, which can make the fruit soggy.

• Place the watermelon wedges in an airtight container. If you have multiple layers, separate them with parchment paper to avoid sticking.

• Store the container in the refrigerator. The grilled watermelon will stay fresh for up to 3 days.

• For freezing, arrange the cooled watermelon wedges on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure they are not touching each other.

• Freeze the watermelon wedges for about 2 hours or until they are solid. This prevents them from sticking together when stored.

• Once frozen, transfer the watermelon wedges to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date to keep track of freshness.

• When ready to enjoy, thaw the grilled watermelon in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight. Note that the texture may change slightly, but the flavor will remain delicious.

• For a refreshing twist, serve the thawed grilled watermelon with a drizzle of balsamic glaze or a sprinkle of feta cheese.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the grilled watermelon wedges on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  3. Cover the wedges with aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out.
  4. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through.
  5. Remove from the oven and serve immediately.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add a small amount of olive oil to the skillet.
  3. Place the grilled watermelon wedges in the skillet.
  4. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until heated through.
  5. Remove from the skillet and serve immediately.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the grilled watermelon wedges on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Cover the plate with a microwave-safe lid or another plate to trap moisture.
  3. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating.
  4. Remove from the microwave and serve immediately.

• Grill Reheat Method:

  1. Preheat your grill to medium heat.
  2. Place the grilled watermelon wedges back on the grill.
  3. Grill for about 1-2 minutes on each side, just until warmed through.
  4. Remove from the grill and serve immediately.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the grilled watermelon wedges in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
  3. Heat for about 3-4 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even heating.
  4. Remove from the air fryer and serve immediately.

• Grill: A cooking device that provides direct heat for grilling the watermelon wedges, giving them a smoky flavor and grill marks.

• Basting brush: Used to brush olive oil evenly on both sides of the watermelon wedges to ensure they don't stick to the grill and to enhance flavor.

• Tongs: Essential for safely flipping the watermelon wedges on the grill without breaking them apart.

• Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for cutting the watermelon into wedges.

• Chef's knife: A sharp knife used to cut the watermelon into even wedges.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure out the olive oil, salt, and freshly ground black pepper accurately.

• Serving platter: A dish to place the grilled watermelon wedges on for serving immediately after grilling.

Pre-cut the watermelon: Cut the watermelon into wedges ahead of time and store them in the fridge to save time when you're ready to grill.

Use a brush: Use a brush to quickly and evenly coat the watermelon wedges with olive oil.

Preheat the grill: Make sure to preheat the grill before you start preparing the watermelon to ensure it’s ready when you are.

Season in advance: Mix the salt and black pepper in a small bowl and season the watermelon all at once to streamline the process.