Cilantro Lime Grilled Watermelon (Printable)
Smoky grilled watermelon wedges with zesty lime and fresh cilantro make a refreshing summer side dish ready in 16 minutes.
# What You'll Need:
→ Produce
01 - 1 small seedless watermelon (about 4 lbs), cut into 1-inch thick wedges
02 - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
03 - 2 limes, zested and juiced
→ Seasonings & Oils
04 - 2 tbsp olive oil
05 - 1/2 tsp sea salt
06 - 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
07 - 1/8 tsp chili flakes (optional)
# How to Make It:
01 - Preheat grill to medium-high heat (400°F).
02 - Brush both sides of each watermelon wedge lightly with olive oil.
03 - Sprinkle watermelon evenly with sea salt and black pepper.
04 - Place watermelon wedges on the grill and cook for 2–3 minutes per side, until grill marks appear and the fruit is slightly caramelized.
05 - Remove watermelon from the grill and transfer to a serving platter. Immediately drizzle lime juice over the grilled watermelon, then sprinkle with lime zest and chopped cilantro.
06 - Add chili flakes if desired for extra heat.
07 - Serve immediately as a side or light appetizer.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The smoky char against bright citrus is the kind of flavor contrast that makes people pause and ask what they are eating
- It takes practically no effort but looks absolutely stunning on a platter
- Perfect for those hot summer days when you cannot bear to turn on the oven
02 -
- Watermelon gets fragile once grilled, so handle it gently with tongs or a wide spatula
- Serve this right away because the texture changes as it cools down
03 -
- Room temperature watermelon grills more evenly than cold from the fridge
- Let the wedges sit for just 30 seconds after grilling before adding the lime