Nothing says summer like a burst of smoky sweetness, and this Grilled Watermelon with Mint and Feta Recipe hits all the right notes. It’s juicy, vibrant, and just the perfect refreshing side to brighten up any BBQ or picnic.

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 Mint and Feta Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Grilled Watermelon with Mint and Feta Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Grilled Watermelon with Mint and Feta Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Grilled watermelon may sound unusual, but trust me—once you try this combo with mint, lime, and feta, you’ll be hooked. I love how the grill adds a subtle smoky flavor that makes the sweetness pop like crazy.

Super quick to make: Just 10 minutes from start to finish means it’s perfect for last-minute cookouts.
Perfect balance of flavors: Sweet, smoky, salty, and fresh all in one bite.
Fun and unexpected side dish: It’s a great conversation starter and sure to impress guests.
Vegetarian and easy to customize: Leave out feta or honey to make it vegan-friendly.

Ingredients & Why They Work

For this recipe, I always pick firm, ripe watermelon to keep those wedges sturdy on the grill. Fresh mint and flaky sea salt really punch up the flavor, while feta and honey are optional add-ons that bring creamy and sweet contrasts.

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: Firm and ripe works best to hold their shape when grilled.
Olive oil: Brushing the grill grates lightly helps prevent sticking without overpowering the fresh taste.
Lime wedges: Squeezed fresh over the grilled fruit to add a zesty brightness.
Flaky sea salt: Adds a touch of crunch and depth, enhancing both sweetness and smokiness.
Fresh mint leaves: Brings cooling herbal freshness that pairs beautifully with the watermelon.
Crumbled feta cheese (optional): Gives a salty, creamy contrast that’s just irresistible.
Honey (optional): A gentle drizzle adds extra sweetness and a lovely glaze, but can be swapped with agave syrup for a vegan twist.

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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

Grilled Watermelon with Mint and Feta Recipe is delightfully flexible—feel free to experiment with the garnishes or tweak the flavors to match your personal taste and dietary needs. Whether you want it lighter, sweeter, or more savory, it's easy to put your own spin on this refreshing summer side dish.

Vegan variation: Skip the feta and swap honey for agave syrup to keep things plant-based without sacrificing sweetness. I love how the smoky watermelon still shines through with just the mint and lime.
Spicy twist: Try sprinkling a pinch of chili powder or cayenne pepper over the grilled wedges before serving. The warmth pairs beautifully with the cooling mint and juicy watermelon—one of my favorite unexpected combos!
Seasonal flair: Add fresh basil or cilantro alongside the mint for a different herbaceous note. In late summer, a few thin slices of jalapeño add a fresh kick too.
Cheese swap: If feta isn’t your thing, crumbled goat cheese or queso fresco work wonderfully, adding creamy saltiness that complements the smoky watermelon perfectly.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Grilled Watermelon with Mint and Feta 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 Prep Your Grill

Start by heating your grill to medium-high heat—this is key for getting those perfect char marks without turning the watermelon mushy. Lightly brush the grill grates with a little olive oil to prevent the watermelon wedges from sticking, but don’t use too much. A gentle coating helps keep everything neat and makes flipping easier.

Step 2: Grill the Watermelon

Place your 1-inch thick watermelon wedges directly onto the hot grill. Grill each side for about 3 minutes, just long enough for nice grill marks to develop and the sugars in the fruit to caramelize slightly. You’ll notice a lovely smoky aroma and the watermelon will soften a bit but still hold its juicy texture.

Step 3: Cool, Squeeze, and Garnish

Once grilled, transfer the watermelon wedges to a serving platter and give them a few minutes to cool down slightly. Then, squeeze fresh lime juice over each wedge to brighten the flavors. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt and scatter chopped fresh mint leaves on top. If you’re using feta cheese and honey, add those last to introduce that wonderful salty-sweet balance—we highly recommend it! Serve right away for the best contrast between warm smoky fruit and fresh, zesty garnishes.

Top Tip

These handy tips will help you get the most out of your Grilled Watermelon with Mint and Feta Recipe, ensuring each wedge is bursting with smoky sweetness and fresh flavor every time.

Choose the Right Watermelon: I always pick a firm, ripe watermelon for grilling — it holds its shape and juiciness without turning mushy on the grill.
Light Olive Oil Coating: Brushing the grill grates and watermelon lightly with olive oil helps create those beautiful char marks and prevents sticking without weighing down the fresh fruit flavor.
Keep Grill Time Precise: Grilling for 3 minutes per side strikes the perfect balance—enough to caramelize sugars and add smoke without drying out the wedges.
Don’t Skip the Garnishes: Adding fresh lime juice, flaky sea salt, and mint brightens the smoky watermelon. I’ve also learned that a little crumble of feta or drizzle of honey adds an irresistible sweet-salty contrast.

How to Serve Grilled Watermelon with Mint and Feta 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

Fresh garnishes truly elevate this dish. Besides the classic chopped mint and flaky sea salt, try squeezing fresh lime juice over each wedge for a zingy pop. The optional crumbled feta cheese adds a creamy, salty finish, while a light drizzle of honey lends a subtle sweetness that plays beautifully with the smoky char. For a twist, you could sprinkle some toasted nuts or a splash of balsamic glaze for extra depth.

Side Dishes

This grilled watermelon makes a stunning summer side that pairs wonderfully with grilled meats like chicken or pork, fresh salads like arugula with citrus vinaigrette, or even grilled corn on the cob. It’s also fantastic alongside light grain bowls or chilled couscous for a refreshing BBQ spread.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (which is rare!), store the grilled watermelon wedges in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 2 days, though I recommend enjoying them fresh for the best texture and flavor.

Freezing

Freezing grilled watermelon isn’t ideal because the texture becomes mushy upon thawing. It’s best to prepare and enjoy this recipe fresh.

Reheating

If you want to reheat, place the wedges back on the grill for a minute or so on each side just to warm them through—but remember, they’re best served at room temperature or slightly warm right after grilling for that juicy, smoky bite.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use any type of watermelon for this recipe?

Yes, but for best results, choose a firm, ripe watermelon that holds its shape well on the grill. Avoid overly soft or seedless varieties that may become mushy when grilled.

Is it necessary to brush the watermelon with olive oil?

Brushing the grill grates and watermelon wedges lightly with olive oil helps prevent sticking and encourages nice char marks, but be careful not to overdo it to keep the fresh taste of the fruit.

Can I make this dish vegan?

Absolutely! Simply skip the feta cheese and swap honey for agave syrup or leave it out entirely to keep the dish vegan-friendly.

How long should I grill the watermelon wedges?

Grill the wedges for 3 minutes on each side over medium-high heat. This ensures you get those lovely char marks and caramelized sugars without drying out the fruit.

Final Thoughts

Grilled Watermelon with Mint and Feta Recipe is one of those delightful surprises that turns simple fruit into a smoky, sweet, and refreshing side perfect for warm days and breezy cookouts. It’s quick to prepare, eye-catching on the plate, and brings a unique flavor combination that guests will remember. Whenever summer rolls around, this recipe is my go-to for adding a little twist to the BBQ table. Give it a try—you might just discover your new favorite way to enjoy watermelon!