There’s something undeniably refreshing about a cold, juicy slice of watermelon on a hot day—but if you’ve ever struggled with a massive melon rolling around your kitchen counter, you know the real challenge is figuring out how to cut a watermelon without making a mess. I’ve definitely been there—slippery rind, sticky hands, and uneven chunks that looked more like abstract art than snackable fruit.
After a lot of trial (and more than a few near-misses with a too-small knife), I finally figured out a few foolproof ways to slice, dice, and cube a watermelon like a pro. Whether you’re prepping a picnic, making a fruit platter for guests, or just stocking up on healthy snacks for the week, this guide will show you the easiest, cleanest, and most efficient methods to cut a watermelon—step-by-step.
So grab a sharp knife and your juiciest melon—because you’re about to become the go-to fruit cutter at every summer get-together.
Table of Contents
How to Cut a Watermelon – Easy Methods + Storage Tips
Equipment
- Large cutting board
- Chef’s knife very sharp
- Spoon or melon baller optional
- Storage containers for leftovers
Ingredients
- 1 whole seedless watermelon washed and dried
Instructions
- Slice off both ends of the watermelon. Stand upright and cut into 1-inch thick rounds.
- Take a round and slice it vertically, then again horizontally to create sticks—perfect for kids and snacking.
- Take watermelon sticks and slice crosswise into cubes. Great for salads, bowls, or freezing.
- Halve the watermelon, then quarter it. Slice each wedge into triangular pieces for picnics or platters.
- Use a melon baller to scoop out round watermelon balls for elegant presentations.
- Store cut watermelon in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 5 days. Keep cubes on a paper towel for less moisture.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
How to Cut a Watermelon (3 Easy Ways)
Watermelons might look intimidating, but once you know a few tricks, they’re surprisingly simple to break down. Here are three foolproof methods that show how to cut a watermelon based on how you want to use it: sticks, cubes, or wedges.
🟢 Method 1: Watermelon Sticks (Kid-Friendly & Great for Parties)
- Cut off both ends of the watermelon so you have two flat bases.
- Stand the melon upright on one cut end for stability.
- Slice it vertically down the middle to create two halves.
- Lay one half flat-side down and slice vertically into thick strips (about 1–1.5 inches).
- Rotate and slice again in the opposite direction to create stick-like pieces.
- Repeat with the other half.
Why this works: Sticks are easy to grab, mess-free, and great for kids’ hands or serving on a platter.
🟥 Method 2: Cubed Watermelon (Great for Meal Prep & Fruit Salads)
- Follow steps 1–3 above to halve the watermelon.
- Lay one half flat, then slice it into thick rounds (about 1–2 inches).
- Trim off the rind from each round using a paring knife.
- Stack or lay the rounds flat and cut into cubes by slicing across both directions.
- Transfer cubes into a bowl or airtight container.
Why this works: Cubes are easy to store, snack on, or mix into a fruit salad. They’re compact and great for prepping ahead.
🔺 Method 3: Classic Wedges (Perfect for Picnics & Quick Serving)
- Slice the watermelon in half lengthwise.
- Cut each half in half again lengthwise to create long quarters.
- Slice across the quarters to create wedge-shaped slices.
- Serve as-is with rind intact for easy hand-held eating.
Why this works: No-fuss, nostalgic, and perfect for serving at BBQs or casual gatherings. Everyone gets a handheld slice to enjoy.
Tips & Tricks for Cutting Watermelon Safely & Cleanly
Knowing how to cut a watermelon is only half the story—doing it efficiently and without a mess? That’s where these pro tips come in. With just a few extra tricks, you’ll save time, avoid slipping hazards, and make cleanup way easier.
1. Use a Stable Surface
Make sure your cutting board is on a non-slip surface. If it tends to slide, place a damp kitchen towel underneath to anchor it. A firm, steady base is essential when slicing into a heavy, round fruit.
2. Choose the Right Knife
Always use a large, sharp chef’s knife or serrated knife. Dull blades require more pressure, which can lead to slipping or uneven cuts. A clean, sharp cut is safer and more efficient.
3. Cut Off the Ends First
Lopping off both ends of the watermelon gives you a flat, stable base to work with. This small step makes a huge difference in control and safety.
4. Work in Halves, Then Quarters
Instead of tackling the whole watermelon at once, cut it into manageable halves or quarters. This makes it easier to slice, reduces juice loss, and gives you better leverage for clean cuts.
5. Contain the Juice
Watermelon is juicy—really juicy. Use a cutting board with a juice groove or cut near the sink so you can easily rinse away sticky drips. A kitchen towel nearby is also handy.
6. Batch Prep & Store
If you’re cutting for meal prep, store cubes or sticks in airtight containers in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to 4–5 days, making it easy to grab a healthy snack or assemble a quick fruit salad.
7. Clean Up with Cold Water
Rinse knives and boards with cold water first to avoid setting sticky watermelon sugars. Then wash with warm soapy water as usual.
Once you try these tips, you’ll wonder why you ever struggled with cutting watermelon. Clean, safe, and fast—it’s the kind of kitchen confidence booster we all love.
Recipe Variations & Serving Ideas
Watermelon is as versatile as it is refreshing. Once you’ve mastered how to cut a watermelon, there’s no limit to the ways you can enjoy it. Whether you’re keeping it simple or getting fancy for guests, here are some creative and delicious ways to serve it up.
🍉 Watermelon Salad with Feta & Mint
Toss watermelon cubes with crumbled feta cheese, chopped fresh mint, and a squeeze of lime juice. The sweet-salty combo is wildly refreshing and perfect for summer picnics or BBQ sides.
🌶️ Chili-Lime Watermelon Wedges
Sprinkle wedges or sticks with Tajín (or a mix of chili powder, lime juice, and salt). This Mexican street snack-inspired twist is bold, zesty, and surprisingly addictive.
🍓 Mixed Berry Watermelon Bowl
Cut a watermelon in half and scoop out the flesh to use as a bowl. Fill it with a mix of cubed watermelon, strawberries, blueberries, and grapes for an eye-catching fruit salad centerpiece.
🥒 Watermelon Cucumber Bites
Top thick cubes of watermelon with a slice of cucumber, a dollop of Greek yogurt or cream cheese, and a fresh herb (like basil or mint). Great for appetizers or elegant snacking.
🍹 Watermelon Juice or Smoothie
Blend fresh watermelon cubes with ice, mint, and a splash of lime or coconut water for a thirst-quenching drink. You can even freeze cubes for smoothies or popsicles later.
🍧 Frozen Watermelon Pops
Insert popsicle sticks into thick watermelon triangles and freeze on a baking sheet. It’s an all-natural treat that’s hydrating and fun for kids (and adults).
No matter how you serve it, watermelon’s sweet crunch and hydrating bite make it the ultimate summer MVP. Don’t just cut it—celebrate it!
More Kitchen Tips You’ll Love
If learning how to cut a watermelon has you feeling like a kitchen pro, you’ll definitely want to check out these other time-saving, fruit-forward, and prep-friendly tutorials from UMI Recipes. These tips help you make the most of your fresh produce and keep your kitchen running smooth all summer long.
🥭 How to Cut a Mango (Without the Mess)
Master the hedgehog method and learn how to get the most fruit from your mango—no special tools required. Bonus: no more juice running down your arms!
🍍 How to Cut a Pineapple Like a Pro
Skip the canned stuff and slice fresh pineapple in minutes with this step-by-step guide. Sweet, tangy, and perfect for everything from snacking to smoothies.
🍋 How to Zest and Juice Citrus (Without a Juicer)
Unlock all the flavor from lemons, limes, and oranges using just a grater and your hands. Perfect for baking, marinades, and fresh salad dressings.
🧅 How to Dice an Onion Without Crying
The ultimate chopping tutorial that helps you dice faster—and reduce the tear factor. Perfect for beginners and meal preppers.
🧄 How to Peel Garlic Fast
Tired of sticky garlic skins? This trick will help you peel multiple cloves at once and save tons of time on prep.
Explore more of our Kitchen Tips collection for simple, practical ways to save time, reduce waste, and boost your cooking confidence every day.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the easiest way to cut up a watermelon?
The easiest method is the stick method: Cut off both ends, halve the melon lengthwise, and slice each half into thick strips. Then rotate and cut in the opposite direction to make grab-and-go sticks—no peeling required and very little mess.
How do chefs cut watermelon?
Professional chefs often use the cube method for efficiency and presentation. They trim the rind from each side, slice the flesh into slabs, and then into uniform cubes. This method is clean, precise, and perfect for fruit salads or garnishes.
How do you cut watermelon in cubes like on WikiHow?
WikiHow’s cube method is pretty straightforward: Cut off the ends, halve the melon, then slice into 1–2 inch thick rounds. Trim the rind off each round and slice into even cubes. You can also cube it directly in the rind for a faster, rustic version.
What is the rhyme of the watermelon good for?
You might be thinking of the old summertime chant: “Watermelon, watermelon, I love you…” While not a cutting technique, this rhyme has often been used in children’s games or songtime to celebrate summer—and of course, the fruit itself.