How To Cut A Watermelon
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Learning how to cut a watermelon is easier than you think, and once you know a few simple tricks, you’ll never go back to struggling with giant slippery slices again. Whether you want bite-sized cubes for fruit salad (or my Watermelon Basil Salad), classic watermelon triangles for cookouts, or easy-to-grab sticks that are perfect for kids and snacking, this step-by-step guide will show you exactly how to do it.
In this post, I’m sharing 3 simple ways to cut a watermelon so you can choose the method that works best for whatever you’re serving. These techniques are quick, beginner-friendly, and make storing and serving watermelon so much easier. Plus, I’ll share my favorite tips for picking a ripe watermelon, cutting it safely, and keeping it fresh in the fridge.
Table Talk with Tawnie
How do you cut your watermelon?! I’m sharing some of my favorite go-to ways with you in this post. My kids love the “stick” method because its fun to grab, easy to eat, and keeps the mess to a minimum (I say minimum lightly haha). So grab a sharp chef’s knife, a cutting board, and let’s do this. If you’re going to be cutting watermelon all summer long like I am, use my methods for reference and let me know what you think in the comments below! PS – a little squeeze of fresh lime and some salt or Tajin on your watermelon is so refreshing, try it out!
How-To Guides & Tutorials
Master essential kitchen skills with these helpful how-to guides featuring step-by-step posts for everyday cooking basics like boiling eggs, cutting onions, caramelizing onions, and more. Perfect for beginner cooks or anyone looking to build confidence in the kitchen.
Tips For Choosing The Best Watermelon
- Look for a creamy yellow field spot: The “field spot” is the area where the watermelon rested on the ground while growing. A ripe watermelon should have a creamy yellow or golden spot, not white. The deeper the yellow color, the longer it ripened on the vine.
- Choose a watermelon that feels heavy: A good watermelon should feel heavy for its size. That extra weight usually means it’s full of water and nice and juicy inside.
- Pick one with a dull finish: Shiny watermelons are often underripe. Look for a watermelon with a darker, more matte-looking rind instead.
- Check for uniform shape: Choose a watermelon that looks symmetrical without odd bumps or dents. Consistent shape usually means it grew evenly and developed a better flavor.
- Give it a tap: A ripe watermelon should have a deep, hollow sound when tapped. If it sounds flat or dull, it may be overripe or underripe.
- Look for brown “webbing”: Those rough brown web-like lines on the rind are actually a good sign! They can indicate pollination activity, which is often associated with sweeter watermelon.
Method 1: Easy Stick Method!
- Cut the watermelon in half: Place the watermelon on a large cutting board and carefully slice it in half crosswise using a sharp knife.
- Place cut-side down: Set one half of the watermelon flat-side down on the cutting board for stability.
- Slice in one direction: Using a sharp knife, make even vertical cuts across the watermelon, about 1-1½ inches apart.
- Rotate and slice again: Turn the watermelon 90 degrees and slice again in the opposite direction to create a grid pattern. This creates long, grab-and-go watermelon sticks, and the rind acts like a natural handle to make them super easy and fun to serve!
- Separate and serve: Gently lift or separate the pieces. They’ll naturally pull apart into sticks that are easy to grab and eat!
- Cubes: You can turn them into cubes with this method, too, by just laying the sticks flat and slicing across to make perfect cubes. (Toss them in my waterlemon salad!)
Method 2: Triangles
- Cut the watermelon in half: Place the watermelon on a sturdy cutting board and slice it in half crosswise using a large, sharp knife.
- Cut into quarters: Take each half and cut it in half again to create 4 large wedge sections.
- Cut one more time: Cut each wedge one more time in half to create 8 wedges.
- Place cut-side down: Set one wedge flat-side down on the cutting board so it’s stable and easy to slice.
- Slice into triangles: Starting at one end, cut the wedge crosswise into even slices (about 1-1½ inches thick). Each slice will form a triangle with the rind on the bottom, which acts as a natural handle.
- Repeat and serve: Repeat with remaining wedges and arrange on a platter. Serve immediately or chill until ready to enjoy.
Method 3: Classic Cubes
- Trim both ends: Slice a small piece off the top and bottom of the watermelon so it can sit flat and stable on your cutting board.
- Stand it upright: Place the watermelon on one of the flat ends.
- Remove the rind: Using a sharp knife, carefully slice downward, following the curve of the fruit to remove the green rind and white pith. Rotate and repeat until fully peeled.
- Cut into slabs: Lay the peeled watermelon on its side and slice into thick slabs (about 1-1½ inches).
- Slice into strips: Stack or line up the slabs and cut into long strips.
- Cube it: Turn and cut across the strips to create evenly sized cubes.
- Serve or store: Transfer to a bowl or airtight container and chill until ready to serve.
Storage / Freezing
- Store cut watermelon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. Keeping it sealed helps prevent the watermelon from drying out and keeps it tasting fresh and juicy.
- If you’ve only cut the watermelon in half, wrap the cut side tightly with plastic wrap or beeswax wrap before refrigerating.
- For the best flavor and texture, serve watermelon chilled straight from the fridge.
Watermelon Basil Salad
This Watermelon Basil Salad is fresh, light and comes together in less than 15 minutes! It’s filled with juicy, sweet watermelon, fresh basil, feta cheese, red onion and dressed with a simple vinaigrette dressing. It’s a quintessential summer salad and the perfect addition to any BBQ party or backyard hangout.
FAQs
What are the best containers for storing watermelon?
Large airtight glass or BPA-free plastic containers work best because they help keep the watermelon juicy and prevent it from absorbing fridge odors. Containers with locking lids are especially helpful for keeping it fresh longer.
Can you freeze watermelon?
Yes! Watermelon can be frozen, but the texture becomes softer once thawed, so it’s best used for smoothies, slushies, or frozen drinks instead of fresh snacking. To freeze: Arrange watermelon cubes in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.
Why is my watermelon mealy?
A mealy or grainy texture usually means the watermelon is overripe, old, or was exposed to temperature changes during storage or transport. Watermelon should be crisp, juicy, and firm. If it feels dry, mushy, or grainy, it’s likely past its prime.
How can you tell if watermelon has gone bad?
Watermelon should be discarded if it develops:
– A sour or fermented smell
– Slimy texture
– Mushy spots
– Dark discoloration
– Excess liquid pooling in the container
If anything smells “off,” it’s best to throw it away.
How do you keep watermelon fresh for longer?
Keeping watermelon cold and tightly sealed is the best way to maintain freshness. Store it in the refrigerator as soon as possible after cutting and avoid leaving it out at room temperature for long periods. You can also place a paper towel inside the container to help absorb excess moisture and keep the watermelon crisp.
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Before You Begin! If you make this, please leave a review and rating letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business thrive & continue providing free recipes.
How To Cut A Watermelon
Ingredients
- Watermelon
Last step! If you make this, please leave a review and rating letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business thrive & continue providing free recipes.
Instructions
Easy Stick Method
- Cut the watermelon in half: Place the watermelon on a large cutting board and carefully slice it in half crosswise using a sharp knife.
- Place cut-side down: Set one half of the watermelon flat-side down on the cutting board for stability.
- Slice in one direction: Using a sharp knife, make even vertical cuts across the watermelon, about 1-1½ inches apart.
- Rotate and slice again: Turn the watermelon 90 degrees and slice again in the opposite direction to create a grid pattern. This creates long, grab-and-go watermelon sticks, and the rind acts like a natural handle to make them super easy and fun to serve!
- Separate and serve: Gently lift or separate the pieces. They’ll naturally pull apart into sticks that are easy to grab and eat!
- Cubes: You can turn them into cubes with this method, too by just laying the sticks flat and slicing across to make perfect cubes. (Toss them in my watermelon salad!)
Triangles
- Cut the watermelon in half: Place the watermelon on a sturdy cutting board and slice it in half crosswise using a large, sharp knife.
- Cut into quarters: Take each half and cut it in half again to create 4 large wedge sections.
- Cut one more time: Cut each wedge one more time in half to create 8 wedges.
- Place cut-side down: Set one wedge flat-side down on the cutting board so it’s stable and easy to slice.
- Slice into triangles: Starting at one end, cut the wedge crosswise into even slices (about 1-1½ inches thick). Each slice will form a triangle with the rind on the bottom, which acts as a natural handle.
- Repeat and serve: Repeat with the remaining wedges and arrange on a platter. Serve immediately or chill until ready to enjoy.
Classic Cubes
- Trim both ends: Slice a small piece off the top and bottom of the watermelon so it can sit flat and stable on your cutting board.
- Stand it upright: Place the watermelon on one of the flat ends.
- Remove the rind: Using a sharp knife, carefully slice downward, following the curve of the fruit to remove the green rind and white pith. Rotate and repeat until fully peeled.
- Cut into slabs: Lay the peeled watermelon on its side and slice into thick slabs (about 1-1½ inches).
- Slice into strips: Stack or line up the slabs and cut into long strips.
- Cube it: Turn and cut across the strips to create evenly sized cubes.
- Serve or store: Transfer to a bowl or airtight container and chill until ready to serve.
Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and is automatically calculated. It should only be construed as an estimate rather than a guarantee. Ingredients can vary and Kroll’s Korner can’t make any guarantees to the accuracy of this information.
📸 Photography by Creating Kaitlin
