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Make the most out of your juicy, summer fruit, and learn how to cut a watermelon in 18 fun and new ways. Perfect for everyday snacking, BBQs, parties, and platters.
We’ve all got our own way to serve this sweet, refreshing fruit, be it triangles, chunks, sticks, or slices, etc (see picture below). And there really is no right or wrong technique!
Whether you’re looking for a beautiful centerpiece or want to enjoy a bowl of crisp, micro-diced melon, there are plenty of new ideas below for you to try at home. Let’s go!
How to Pick the Right Watermelon
- Field spot: Look for a field spot (that’s where the watermelon rested on the ground). Ideally, it’s yellow or orange.
- Weight: You want a heavy watermelon.
- Color: Opt for dark green melons. They will be the sweetest.
- Sound: Look for a firm, hollow sound when you tap it.
1. Cake
A Watermelon Cake with fresh mint, strawberries, and grapes is the ultimate centerpiece. Great for special occasions and so fun to eat. You’ll need your largest cutting board for this one!
2. Crinkle Cut
Slice your watermelon with a crinkle cutter to get this fun effect. Watch how to make the crinkle cut slices here.
3. Flowers
This pattern is much easier than it looks: simply slice a piece of watermelon. Cut from the center to the outer edge at a 45º angle across, then slice straight down from the center into the angled cut. Continue this way, working from the middle all the way around. Watch how to make watermelon flower slices here.
4. Basket
This charming watermelon basket is perfect for parties and so easy to bring along outside. Fill it with all your favorite fruit. You can scallop the edges or keep it simple. Watch how to make the watermelon basket here.
5. Chevron Cut
Quarter your slices, then use a sharp knife to trim a chevron pattern into the top layer.
6. Carpaccio
To achieve these perfectly thin slices of watermelon carpaccio, use a wide vegetable peeler (or cut them by hand if you’re up for the challenge). Layer the slices next to each other, then top with feta, pistachios, basil, and hot honey. So good.
7. Zig-Zag
Cut off the top of a watermelon, then trim all the way around in a zig-zag pattern. Slice underneath the jagged line, trim into quarters, and repeat. Check out my zig-zag watermelon instructions and video here.
8. Cubes
Slice the melon and use a square cookie cutter (you can also cube it by hand). Top the watermelon cubes onto fruit platters or serve them as a side salad with feta.
9. Micro-Diced
To make this micro-diced watermelon, slice the melon, remove the rind, and cut it into small planks. Then cut across in a grid to make the tiny cubes. Squeeze fresh lime juice over them and eat them like cereal, or add them to fruit salads.
10. Balls
Use a melon baller to make these beautiful balls. Stick to watermelon or mix and match your fruit. You can even use different-sized balls for a beautiful arrangement, or color-coordinate your fruit platter.
11. Matchsticks
Another variation of watermelon sticks, this version resembles matchsticks with its double-dipped layer of dark chocolate on top. Serve with or without candy eyes. Be sure to dry the fruit with a paper towel before dipping it in chocolate so it sticks properly!
12. Fries
Slice the watermelon, trim off the rind, and cut into thin planks. Halve each plank and snip the ends at an angle to resemble fries. Mix and match with other fruits, or stick to watermelon. Great for dipping in melted dark chocolate.
13. Animals
Carve your watermelon into incredible creatures with charming options for every difficulty level.
14. Skewers
Cube the watermelon and skewer the cubes with feta and cucumber for a tasty appetizer. You can even pair the melon with other fruits for a colorful dessert idea.
15. Cookie Cutters
Get ready to have fun! Cookie cutters are perfect for cutting fruit, especially watermelon. I’ve included examples of cookie cutters used to cut out your design, as well as examples where you use only the cutouts.
16. Roses
Thin strips of watermelon rolled into roses are as elegant as they are tasty.
17. Popsicles
Cut thick slices of watermelon. Halve the slices and trim each half into rectangles. These refreshing popsicles are great straight out of the freezer on really hot days.
18. Julienne
Impress your summer guests and cut your melon into long, thin fries for the cutest snack. Serve it with any dip you like. I made a quick Greek Yogurt, honey, and vanilla dip. Delish!
FAQs
Keep smaller pieces in the fridge in an airtight container. For larger pieces, the easiest way is to cover the top with a paper towel or plastic wrap. Enjoy the fruit within 1-2 days.
If you have smaller chunks of fruit without the rind, you can freeze them to add to smoothies or make a delicious watermelon juice or slushie.
Yes! I always recommend washing any dirt away (even the kind we can’t see) before cutting into the fruit.
Use a large kitchen knife, as it makes it easier to cut into the large fruit. Some people find a serrated knife helpful, too.
Yes, absolutely. It’s very nutritious, rich in fiber, and full of antioxidants. Wash and peel off the outer green rind first. Enjoy it raw in juices, salads, and slaws. Or pickle it (like you would cucumbers).
