Summer just got a serious upgrade with this Grilled Watermelon with Feta and Basil Recipe. It’s juicy, smoky, and topped with fresh herbs and tangy cheese—a sweet and savory combo that totally surprised me the first time I made it!

The image shows a white rectangular plate with six large triangular slices of grilled watermelon. Each watermelon slice has a red juicy inside with dark grilled lines and a light green rind around the edge. Scattered on top of the watermelon pieces are small white crumbles of cheese and bright green basil leaves. The plate is placed on a white marbled surface with a white and black striped cloth partially visible next to it. The bright colors and textures of the watermelon, cheese, and basil create a fresh and summery 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 Feta and Basil Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Grilled Watermelon with Feta and Basil Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Grilled Watermelon with Feta and Basil Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I remember grilling watermelon for the first time on a hot afternoon, curious about how the smoky char would balance its natural sweetness. The result? Absolutely addictive and refreshingly different from anything you’d expect on the grill.

Unexpected Flavor Combo: The sweetness of the watermelon meets smoky grill marks and tangy feta for a perfect bite every time.
Super Quick and Easy: Ready in just 14 minutes, it’s a no-fuss dish that’s ideal for summer BBQs and gatherings.
Light and Refreshing: Perfect as an appetizer or side when you want something satisfying but not heavy.
Vegetarian-Friendly: It’s a beautiful meatless option packed with vibrant flavors and fresh ingredients.

Ingredients & Why They Work

For the best results, choose a ripe, seedless watermelon with firm flesh—it makes cutting and grilling much easier. And grab fresh basil and crumbly feta to add that punch of herbaceousness and saltiness.

Flat lay of a large wedge of fresh watermelon with bright red flesh and dark green rind, a small white ceramic bowl filled with golden honey, a small white ceramic bowl containing deep green olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl of bright yellow lemon juice with fresh lemon zest, a whole uncracked brown egg, a handful of small vibrant green basil leaves, a small white ceramic bowl of crumbled white feta cheese, a small white ceramic bowl with coarse kosher salt, and a small white ceramic bowl with cracked black peppercorns, all arranged symmetrically and proportionally, 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: The star of the show, its juicy sweetness pairs beautifully with smoky grill marks.
Lemon (juice and zest): Adds a bright citrus note that livens up the marinade.
Honey: Sweetens the lemon dressing naturally and helps create a caramelized finish on the grill.
Olive Oil: Balances the acidity and keeps the watermelon from sticking to the grill.
Kosher Salt: Enhances all the flavors and counteracts the watermelon’s sweetness.
Black Pepper: Gives a subtle kick to the dressing without overpowering.
Vegetable Oil: Used to grease the grill grates so the watermelon doesn’t stick.
Feta Cheese: Crumbled on top for a salty contrast that complements the fruit perfectly.
Fresh Basil Leaves: Torn fresh to add a fragrant, herbal touch that brightens every bite.

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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

The beauty of this Grilled Watermelon with Feta and Basil Recipe lies in its versatility. Feel free to tweak the flavors to match your mood or the season — it’s all about making this refreshing dish uniquely yours!

Try It Spicy: I love adding a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the lemon-honey dressing for a subtle heat that beautifully contrasts with the sweet watermelon and creamy feta.
Vegan Twist: Swap the feta cheese for a vegan-friendly alternative or creamy avocado slices to keep the salad dairy-free but still luxuriously flavorful.
Berry Fresh: In summer, I've experimented by adding fresh blueberries or sliced strawberries on top, which adds a juicy burst of flavor and pairs wonderfully with basil’s aroma.
Balsamic Bliss: Drizzling a little aged balsamic glaze over the finished dish gives it a tangy sweetness that amplifies the grilled watermelon’s smoky notes — one of my favorite finishing touches!

Step-by-Step: How I Make Grilled Watermelon with Feta and Basil Recipe

The image shows two large triangular watermelon slices with bright red flesh and light green rind, placed side by side inside a black grill pan. Each slice has five dark brown grill marks running vertically across the red flesh, showing the texture of the grilling process. The grill pan, with a red handle, sits on a black electric stovetop with control buttons visible below. The whole setup is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Fire Up the Grill and Prep the Space

Start by preheating your gas or charcoal grill on high. While it’s warming up, lightly grease the grill grates with vegetable oil — this simple step is key to prevent the watermelon from sticking and ensures those gorgeous grill marks. A clean, hot grill makes all the difference here!

Step 2: Whisk Together the Bright Lemon-Honey Dressing

In a small bowl, combine the juice and zest of one lemon with 3 tablespoons of honey, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Whisk everything until it’s well blended and the honey is fully incorporated. This dressing is the magic that marries the sweet and savory notes in the dish.

Step 3: Marinate Those Watermelon Wedges

Brush the lemon-honey dressing generously over both sides of the 1-inch thick watermelon wedges. Taking a moment to coat them well means each bite will be bursting with the tangy-sweet flavor. Plus, the lemon’s zest brings a lovely freshness to the juicy watermelon.

Step 4: Grill to Perfection

Place the watermelon wedges on your hot grill. Grill each side for about 2 minutes—just until those beautiful grill marks appear and the watermelon softens slightly but still holds its shape. Keep a close eye to avoid overcooking; you want a warm wedge with a smoky char, not mushy fruit.

Step 5: Assemble and Delight!

Arrange the grilled watermelon wedges on a serving platter. Sprinkle about ¼ cup of crumbled feta cheese evenly over the top, then scatter 1 to 2 tablespoons of torn small basil leaves for that fresh, herbal finish. Serve immediately and watch your guests fall in love with this light and vibrant appetizer.

Top Tip

Making the perfect grilled watermelon with feta and basil is all about balancing flavors and textures. These tips will help you bring out the best in this refreshing summer dish every time.

Choose the Right Watermelon: Use a ripe, seedless watermelon for the sweetest taste and easiest preparation.
Don’t Over-Grill: Grill each side for about 2 minutes—just enough to get grill marks and soften slightly without turning mushy.
Brush Generously: Make sure to brush both sides of the watermelon wedges with the lemon-honey dressing so every bite is flavorful.
Fresh Basil Last: Add the fresh basil leaves just before serving to preserve their bright, aromatic flavor.

How to Serve Grilled Watermelon with Feta and Basil Recipe

A white plate with a beaded rim holds one slice of watermelon with green rind and bright red flesh as the base layer, topped with crumbled white cheese scattered unevenly across the surface, and fresh green basil leaves placed on and around the watermelon slice. The plate sits on a white marbled surface, and part of a silver fork is visible in the top right corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Besides the crumbled feta and torn fresh basil, you can elevate your presentation with a drizzle of good-quality balsamic glaze or a sprinkle of chili flakes for a hint of heat. A few cracked black peppercorns on top add a subtle kick, and thinly sliced red onions can introduce a bit of crunch and sharpness.

Side Dishes

This Grilled Watermelon with Feta and Basil Recipe pairs wonderfully with light, summery sides like a crisp cucumber salad, grilled chicken skewers, or a quinoa tabbouleh. It also makes a refreshing counterpoint to smoky barbecued meats or spicy grilled shrimp.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover grilled watermelon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors will mellow slightly, so it’s best enjoyed fresh, but it still makes a refreshing snack or addition to salads the following day.

Freezing

Freezing grilled watermelon is not recommended because the high water content causes it to become mushy and lose texture once thawed. For best results, enjoy this recipe fresh.

Reheating

If you want to serve the watermelon warm again, lightly reheat it on a hot grill or grill pan for about 1-2 minutes per side, just enough to revive the char marks without overheating and softening the fruit too much.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different cheese instead of feta?

Absolutely! Goat cheese is a great alternative if you prefer a milder, creamier flavor. For a vegan option, you can omit the cheese or use a plant-based feta substitute.

What if I don’t have a grill?

No grill? No problem! A grill pan on the stovetop or even under a broiler can achieve similar charred marks and caramelization. Just watch carefully to avoid overcooking.

How do I prevent the watermelon from sticking to the grill?

Make sure to preheat the grill on high and lightly grease the grates with vegetable oil before placing the watermelon wedges. This prevents sticking and ensures beautiful grill lines.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

You can marinate the watermelon wedges a few hours in advance, but it’s best to grill and assemble just before serving to enjoy the freshest flavors and best texture.

Final Thoughts

This Grilled Watermelon with Feta and Basil Recipe is one of those happy accidents where sweet, smoky, tangy, and fresh come together in the most delightful way. Whether you’re looking for a light appetizer on a hot summer day or a unique side at your next barbecue, this dish never fails to impress. Give it a try and watch as people fall for the clever simplicity of grilled watermelon—trust me, it’s a showstopper!