Grilled Watermelon with BBQ Lime Glaze is a unique summer BBQ side or dessert that caramelizes juicy watermelon over the grill and finishes it with a tangy, smoky lime-infused barbecue glaze. This easy grilled watermelon recipe is refreshing, unexpected, and perfect for cookouts, BBQ spreads, and plant-forward grilling.
Yields 4 Servings Servings Quarter (1 Serving) Half (2 Servings) Default (4 Servings) Double (8 Servings) Triple (12 Servings) Prep Time 10 minsCook Time 10 minsTotal Time 20 mins 1 small seedless watermelon, sliced into 1–1½ inch thick wedges
1 tbsp neutral oil (optional, for brushing)
BBQ Lime Glaze
¼ cup BBQ sauce (smoky, not overly sweet)
Zest of 1 lime
2 tbsp fresh lime juice
1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
½ tsp smoked paprika
Pinch of chili flakes (optional)
Pinch of flaky sea salt
Optional Garnishes
Fresh mint or cilantro
Crumbled feta or cotija (optional, not vegan)
Extra lime wedges
Preheat the grill
Make the BBQ lime glaze
2
In a small bowl, whisk BBQ sauce, lime zest, lime juice, honey, smoked paprika, chili flakes, and salt.
Set aside.
Prep the watermelon
Grill the watermelon
4
Place wedges directly on grill grates.
Grill 2–3 minutes per side , until grill marks form and surface caramelizes.
Flip carefully—watermelon softens as it heats.
Glaze & finish
Serve
6
Drizzle with extra glaze.
Garnish with herbs or cheese if using.
Serve warm or slightly cooled.
Side Information (How to Serve It)
7
As a BBQ side dish with grilled meats
As a light dessert after smoky mains
Chopped into salads or tacos
Alongside grilled halloumi or tofu
Pairing Suggestions
8
Cocktails: Margarita, paloma, mojito
Wine: Rosé, Moscato, or Riesling
Beer: Light lager or wheat beer
Non-alcoholic: Sparkling lime water, agua fresca, or iced hibiscus tea
Tips & Notes
9
Use ripe but firm watermelon—overripe slices will collapse.
Don’t over-glaze; watermelon should stay fresh and juicy.
Chili flakes add balance, not heat—use lightly.
Thick slices hold up best on the grill.
Leftovers are excellent chilled and cubed into salads.
Ingredients 1 small seedless watermelon, sliced into 1–1½ inch thick wedges
1 tbsp neutral oil (optional, for brushing)
BBQ Lime Glaze
¼ cup BBQ sauce (smoky, not overly sweet)
Zest of 1 lime
2 tbsp fresh lime juice
1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
½ tsp smoked paprika
Pinch of chili flakes (optional)
Pinch of flaky sea salt
Optional Garnishes
Fresh mint or cilantro
Crumbled feta or cotija (optional, not vegan)
Extra lime wedges
Directions Preheat the grill
Make the BBQ lime glaze
2
In a small bowl, whisk BBQ sauce, lime zest, lime juice, honey, smoked paprika, chili flakes, and salt.
Set aside.
Prep the watermelon
Grill the watermelon
4
Place wedges directly on grill grates.
Grill 2–3 minutes per side , until grill marks form and surface caramelizes.
Flip carefully—watermelon softens as it heats.
Glaze & finish
Serve
6
Drizzle with extra glaze.
Garnish with herbs or cheese if using.
Serve warm or slightly cooled.
Side Information (How to Serve It)
7
As a BBQ side dish with grilled meats
As a light dessert after smoky mains
Chopped into salads or tacos
Alongside grilled halloumi or tofu
Pairing Suggestions
8
Cocktails: Margarita, paloma, mojito
Wine: Rosé, Moscato, or Riesling
Beer: Light lager or wheat beer
Non-alcoholic: Sparkling lime water, agua fresca, or iced hibiscus tea
Tips & Notes
9
Use ripe but firm watermelon—overripe slices will collapse.
Don’t over-glaze; watermelon should stay fresh and juicy.
Chili flakes add balance, not heat—use lightly.
Thick slices hold up best on the grill.
Leftovers are excellent chilled and cubed into salads.
Grilled Watermelon with BBQ Lime Glaze
