How to Cut a Watermelon (3 different ways!)

I’m back with another easy, super helpful kitchen hack that’s perfect for summer: how to cut a watermelon! I’ve got step-by-step tutorials that show three ways to cut a watermelon to make your summer snacks, BBQs and picnics a breeze. You’ll learn everything from how to choose a ripe watermelon to freezing it for frozen drinks and more!

I’ve also included delicious ways to use your fresh cut watermelon that you’re going to love. Try out each method and let me know your favorite in the comments!

How can you tell when a watermelon is ripe?

The first step in perfectly cutting a whole watermelon is, of course, to get one! Choosing a ripe watermelon can seem daunting, but there are a few tricks you can use to tell if a watermelon is ripe or not:

• Pick it up. To start, the watermelon should be pretty heavy for how large it looks. If you’re choosing between two watermelons that look similar in size, choose the one that’s heavier as this means it has a lot more juice in it.
• Look for a yellow spot. The underside of the watermelon should have a yellow-ish spot, which indicates where it was sitting as it grew on the ground. If it has a white spot, this means the watermelon is not yet ripe.
• Smell it. A ripe watermelon should have a slight, sweet smell to it (similar to what the inside smells like).
• Give it a knock. Carefully tap the watermelon with your knuckles and listen carefully. A ripe watermelon will have a hollow sound, whereas an unripe watermelon will sound more like a “slap.”

How to cut a watermelon: three different ways

Method 1: cut it into triangles

Use this easy method for cutting a watermelon into triangles if you’d like to serve triangle slices on a platter for guests or even for grilling!

Step 1: place your watermelon on a large cutting board and use a sharp knife to cut about 1/2 – 1″ off the stem end and the opposite end of the fruit so that you have two flat sides.

Step 2: tip the watermelon onto one flat side so that it’s facing upright.

Step 3: cut the watermelon vertically down the middle, starting at the top flat end.

Step 4: take one of the watermelon halves and place the large, flat, cut side down on your cutting board.

Step 5: cut 1″ half moons across the watermelon half, keeping the knife parallel to the two ends you cut off in the beginning.

Step 6: cut each of those half moons into 2, 3 or 4 smaller triangles, depending on how big you want them!

Step 7: repeat steps 4, 5 & 6 with the other half of your watermelon. You’ll have nice watermelon wedges!

Method 2: cut it into cubes

Use this cubing method for watermelon to keep pieces in the fridge for healthy snacks, fresh watermelon salad, or even freezing for frozen drinks and smoothies.

Step 1: repeat steps 1 & 2 above.

Step 2: use a large, sharp knife to vertically cut off the watermelon rind, moving the knife around the edge of the watermelon so that you’re not cutting straight down (and subsequently cutting off the juicy parts). Cut any remaining white parts off.

Step 3: once you’ve cut off all of the skin, cut the watermelon into 1-inch slices or sticks.

Step 4: cut each of those sticks into 1-inch cubes and enjoy.

Method 3: make watermelon balls

This method is a fun, pretty way to serve watermelon! Use watermelon balls in salads, on kabobs or on a skewers as a cute appetizer.

Step 1: repeat steps 1, 2 & 3 from the first method.

Step 2: place one of your watermelon halves flesh-side up on your cutting board.

Step 3: use a melon baller or small cookie scoop to scoop out balls of watermelon.

Step 4: repeat steps 2 & 3 with the other half of your watermelon.

How to store fresh watermelon

• In the refrigerator: store your fresh cut watermelon in airtight containers or bags in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.
• In the freezer: spread out your cubed or balled watermelon on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and place it in the freezer for a few hours until frozen solid. This is called a flash freeze and will prevent the chunk of watermelon from freezing together. After the pieces are frozen, add them to freezer-friendly, airtight containers and store them in the freezer. Try frozen watermelon in smoothies, as fruity ice cubes or just as a cool summer treat!

Delicious ways to serve watermelon

Besides serving it up on a platter and watching guests devour, here are some fun, delicious ways to enjoy watermelon:

• Get the party started with my famous Skinny Jalapeño Watermelon Margaritas
• Enjoy a refreshing Triple Cherry Berry Watermelon Smoothie
• Add some cubed watermelon or watermelon balls to this Honey Lime Basil Peach Fruit Salad
• Serve watermelon balls with mozzarella, fresh basil and a drizzle of balsamic
• Dip your watermelon in melted dark chocolate, sprinkle with sea salt and freeze for later. The perfect treat!

Get more of our delicious summer recipes here!

More helpful how-to guides & tutorials

• How to Grill Delicious Vegetables (4 different ways!)
• How to Make Paleo Powdered Sugar
• The Easiest Way to Cut an Avocado
• How to Prep Smoothies: 3 Different Ways (plus tips and tricks!)
• How to Cut a Mango: 3 different ways!

Check out all of our how-to guides on the blog here.

I hope you loved this easy, step-by-step tutorial on how to cut a watermelon! Be sure to leave a comment if you try it out, and sign up for the AK VIP List to get more Back to Basics posts straight to your inbox.

How to Cut a Watermelon

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Prep Time 15 minutes minutes

Total Time 15 minutes minutes

Learn exactly how to cut a watermelon into triangles, cubes or melon balls! With this step-by-step tutorial, you'll be able to safely and easily cut a watermelon in just a few simple steps. Use fresh-cut watermelon in your favorite summer recipes!

Ingredients

• 1 ripe watermelon

Instructions

• Place the watermelon on its side on a cutting board.
• Cut about ½-1” off the stem end and opposite end so that you have two flat surfaces.
• Tip the watermelon onto one of the flat surfaces.
• FOR TRIANGLES

  Cut the watermelon vertically down the middle, starting at the top flat end.

  Take one of the watermelon halves and place the large flat cut side on your cutting board.

  Cut 1” half moons across the watermelon, keeping the knife parallel to the two ends you cut off in the beginning.

  Cut each of those half moons into 2, 3, or 4 smaller triangles, depending on how big you want them!
• FOR CUBED WATERMELON

  Use a large, sharp knife to vertically cut off the skin, moving the knife around the edge of the melon so that you’re not cutting straight down. Cut any remaining white parts off.

  Once skin is all off, cut vertical 1” planks.

  Cut each plank into 1” cubes.
• FOR MELON BALLS

  Cut the watermelon vertically down the middle, starting at the top flat end.

  Use a melon baller or small scoop to scoop out balls of melon

Recipe by: Monique Volz // Ambitious Kitchen | Photography by: Eat Love Eats