RecipesWatermelon › Grilled Watermelon with Tajin and Lime

Grilled Watermelon with Tajin and Lime

A surprising summer treat — thick watermelon slabs charred briefly on a hot grill until they develop caramelized marks and a subtly smoky sweetness, dusted with Tajin and a squeeze of lime. Simple, dramatic, and the perfect unexpected party snack.

10 min (5 min prep, 5 min cook)Serves 4easySnacksvegetarian · gluten-free · dairy-free

Ingredients

  • ½ small watermelon watermelon, cut into 1-inch thick triangular slabs
  • 2 tbsp Tajin seasoningChili powder + salt + lime zest
  • 2 lime, cut into wedges
  • ¼ cup fresh mint, leaves torn (optional)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Contains: milk.

Method

  1. Heat a grill or grill pan to very high heat. Brush watermelon slabs with olive oil.About 3 min
  2. Grill watermelon for 2 minutes per side until grill marks form and the surface caramelizes slightly. Don't move them until marks are set.About 5 min
  3. Arrange on a platter, dust with Tajin, squeeze lime juice over, and scatter mint leaves. Serve immediately.About 2 min

Tips

  • The grill must be very hot — medium heat just makes the watermelon steam.
  • Watermelon can also be grilled without oil; just pat it dry first.
  • The rind actually becomes more palatable when grilled — try eating it.

Ring the changes

  • Crumble cotija cheese and sprinkle over the grilled watermelon for an elote-style version.
  • Drizzle with chili-honey for a spicier, sweeter finish.

Keeping it

Serve immediately. Grilled watermelon doesn't keep well.

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Mexico's perfect summer drink — blended watermelon strained into a cool, lightly sweet agua fresca with lime and a hint of mint. This hydrates better than almost anything else on a hot day and is infinitely more flavourful than any bottled drink. Takes 10 minutes.

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Tony C Smith
Tony C Smith

Allotment keeper in the North East of England, the voice behind the Tony C Smith YouTube channel, and the gardener who built GrowMore CookMore. Club numbers on this page update as members log their plots. Last updated 4 April 2026.