Subtly smoky, lightly spicy, and tantalizingly sweet.

Have you ever combined the two?

When succulent ripe watermelon hits a hot grill, something beautiful happens.

Hand sprinkling spice mix over triangle of grilled watermelon

Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe

In this recipe, weve taken it a tiny step further.

Its like adding a spicy tajin rim to awatermelon margaritaour go-to summer beverage.

Why Grill Watermelon?

Triangles of grilled watermelon with small bowl of spice mix, sprig of mint and lime wedges alongside

Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe

Typically we are melon purists, but theres something irresistible about the flavor combination that results from chargrilled watermelon.

Grilling is a fun and interesting way to enjoy the fruit of the summer.

What Kind Of Watermelon Works Best?

Wedges of watermelon with grill marks on a grill

Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe

If youre using a stronger kosher salt like Mortons, halve the amount of salt.

If you like spicy foods, use 1/4 teaspoon cayenne, otherwise use just a sprinkle.

If needed, clean the grates.

Bowl of Spice Blend for Grilled Watermelon Recipe

Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe

Rinse and dry the watermelon and place it on your cutting board.

Using a large knife, trim off each end of the watermelon.

Turn the watermelon up so that its resting on one of the flat ends you just created.

Large Watermelon on a Cutting Board With the Ends Carefully Cut Off Using a Knife for Grilled Watermelon Recipe

Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe

Slice it in half lengthwise.

Place the watermelon halves cut side down on the board and slice into 1-inch thick slices.

Then stack those larger slices and cut them in half again so you have triangular wedges.

Halved watermelon, cut sides up

Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe

As long as the grill is clean and is very hot, the watermelon should not stick.

The rind should still be vibrant and green, not shriveled.

Squeeze lime juice on top and sprinkle each wedge with the spice mix.

Watermelon in the process of being cut into triangles

Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe

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Watermelon wedges on the grill

Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe

Watermelon wedges with grill marks on the grill

Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe

Grilled watermelon wedges on a silver sheet tray

Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe

Hand sprinkling spice mix over triangle of grilled watermelon

Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe

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Triangles of grilled watermelon with small bowl of spice mix, sprig of mint and lime wedges alongside

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