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If you’ve ever bought a ripe and juicy watermelon but are unsure how to cut it, wonder no more! Keep reading for the best way to cut watermelon into cubes of any size.

Looking to sharpen your knife skills? Learn how to cut a pepperhow to cut dragon fruit, how to cut a peach.

watermelon cubes in a bowl

You can also learn how to freeze watermelon for this refreshing frozen watermelon margarita!

Picture it: you’ve been outside on a hot summer day and come inside for a hydrating, refreshing, and healthy snack of watermelon. Maybe you’ve enjoyed the convenience of store-bought pre-cut watermelon because, well…cutting a whole watermelon can be a daunting task.

It’s time to stop paying the premium price of precut watermelon and learn the easiest way to cut watermelon for recipes like watermelon basil salad.

Consider this the ultimate guide to getting perfectly square watermelon cubes in minutes! I’m also sharing how to cut a watermelon into sticks (hint: it’s the same process as cubes).

Keep reading for step-by-step instructions, with photos and a video, on how to use your cubed watermelon.

Best Method for Cutting Watermelon

There are so many different ways to cut watermelon that it can be overwhelming to figure out the best way to cut it. If you’re hoping to cut watermelon cubes to eat or add to recipes, cutting off the rind, cutting it into strips, and then into squares is the easiest method.

Cubes are perfect way to add watermelon to fruit salads or this healthy fruit salsa. This sweet and juicy fruit is perfect for snacking (or mixing into our favorite Frozen Sangria).

Watermelon is the perfect summer fruit but there are some things to keep in mind when you are cutting your watermelon.

  • Be sure to use a large and sharp Chef’s knife. By using a large Chef’s knife (roughly 8″), you can easily cut the watermelon’s thick rind away from the watermelon flesh.
  • Large cutting board. Use a fresh & clean large cutting board to cut your watermelon. Watermelons are a large fruit so the bigger the cutting board, the easier it will be to cut!
  • Kitchen towels or paper towels. These are optional to place under the cutting board to collect the juice and have less mess!
cutting board and sharp knife on a countertop

Picking the Perfect Ripe Watermelon

There are several ways to ensure that you buy the perfect watermelon whether you buy it in grocery stores or at the farmer’s market. You’re going to have the best luck finding a ripe one during watermelon season: May – September. Here are some watermelon-picking tips to keep in mind.

  • Look for a large yellow spot on the underside of the watermelon, known as the field spot. 
  • Knock on it and listen for a hollow sound. A ripe watermelon should have a hollow sound. 
  • Dull (not shiny) outside. A shiny watermelon is not ripe and often overgrown. A dull-colored watermelon rind will have dark green and light yellow colored stripes. 
  • Get a heavy one. Fresh watermelon is dense for its size. 
  • Look for a uniform shape. A good watermelon will have a uniform or almost perfect oval shape. This means it got the perfect amount of sunshine and water.
  • Smell a sweet aroma. Scratch a bit of the green skin off. Ripe melon will have a sweet aroma through the rind. 

Don’t Purchase a watermelon if: it’s shiny, has soft spots, bruises, dents, or irregular bumps.

cut up watermelon cubes on a cutting board

How to Cut Watermelon into Cubes

Cutting watermelon into cubes is one of the most classic cuts. It’s an easy process and you can do it in a few easy steps! 

Note: there are various ways to cut watermelon squares, but this is by far my favorite way. I’ve experimented with several methods, including the grid pattern, and this method results in the most perfect squares. It’s also simple, with minimal cleanup. 

Video: Watch How to Cut It

Step 1. Remove the Rind.

Place a clean kitchen towel or paper towel under a large cutting board for easy clean-up. Lay the watermelon lengthwise on the cutting board. Use a sharp knife to cut off both ends of the watermelon so it’s more stable to work with. Flip it on one of the flat sides. 

Hold the watermelon near the top with your non-dominate hand. Start at the top and using your sharp knife, carefully cut the thick green rind away from the watermelon flesh.  Rotate the watermelon as you go.

You could also cut the watermelon in half first and remove the rind from each half. However, I’ve tried this many times and find it easier to cut the watermelon in half without the thick, hard rind.

It’s okay if this process isn’t perfect. Go back and trim away any white pieces still on the watermelon flesh as needed.

Pro tip: keep a trash can or compost bucket close to discard the rind as you cut.

cutting the green rind off of a watermelon

Step 2: Cut it In Half

Lay the watermelon longways on the board and cut it in half. This will give you two large pieces of just watermelon flesh to work with.

Set one of the watermelon halves aside and place the other one upright, with the larger flat surface down on the large cutting board.v

half a peeled watermelon on a cutting board

Step 3: Cut Into Half Circles

Cut the watermelon vertically into 1-2 inch slices. I find 1 1/2 inches is my preference! This thickness will ultimately determine how large your watermelon cubes are.

The final results will be half circles when you lay the cut side of each watermelon half down and slice. 

cutting watermelon into strips

Step 4: Watermelon Sticks

Lay the half circles flat on the cutting board. While on their flat side, cut them into 1-2 inch slices. You can trim off the ends of each stick to achieve more uniform, straight cuts—resulting in perfect cubes. 

Stop here if you want to cut watermelon sticks and enjoy!

how to cut watermelon sticks

Step 5: Watermelon Cubes

Once you’ve sliced your halved watermelon into sticks, rotate them and cut them crosswise into 1-2 inches cubes of watermelon.

Transfer the watermelon to a large bowl or plastic bag. 

how to cut watermelon into cubes

More Ways to Cut Watermelon

Here are a few more easy ways to cut a watermelon if you want to try something besides cubes.

  • Watermelon Wedges (Triangles): Cut the watermelon in half crosswise with the rind still on. Lay the melon cut-side down and cut each one in half lengthwise starting at the stem/end. Turn the melon and cut them again crosswise about 2 inches apart. You’ll have large watermelon triangles and you can cut those in half if you want smaller wedges.
  • Watermelon balls: with the rind still on, use a sharp knife to cut the ends of the watermelon so it’s stable. Cut it in half width-wise then stand it up on the flat end. Use a melon baller to scoop out the watermelon flesh from each side until the watermelon is gone.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does watermelon last?

Uncut watermelon can last for 7-10 days at room temperature. Freshly cut watermelon will last about 2-3 days refrigerated.

What’s the best way to store cut watermelon?

Uncut watermelon should be stored at room temperature while cut watermelon can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Watermelon juice is best when it’s cold so it’s best to store cut watermelon in the refrigerator. Cut watermelon will last about 3 days in your refrigerator.

Do I need to cut the entire watermelon at once?

You do not need to cut the entire watermelon all at once. If you only cut one half of your watermelon, you can place the other half of the watermelon in the refrigerator wrapped in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.

Are seedless watermelons better than watermelons with seeds?

Seedless watermelons are a bit sweeter than watermelons with seeds! It’s also much less of a hassle to cut and enjoy seedless watermelons without having to pick them out.

Storing Watermelon

How Long Does a Watermelon Last Before Cutting?

Uncut watermelon can last 7-10 days at room temperature. 

How Long Does Cup Up Watermelon Last in the Fridge?

Freshly cut watermelon will last 3-4 days if you store it in an airtight container in your refrigerator. If you have leftover watermelon after serving, you can store the leftovers in the refrigerator.

Pro tip: place cut watermelon in a plastic bag in the fridge flat side down. After storing countless bags of watermelon I’ve learned that the heavier weight smashes the watermelon on the bottom of the bag. Before serving, poke a hole in the bottom of the bag with a toothpick to drain excess watermelon juice.

Can You Freeze Watermelon?

To freeze, place the watermelon cubes on a large baking sheet in a single layer. Flash freeze until solid, about 1 hour, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or storage bag. Store frozen watermelon in the freezer for up to 4 months.

Thaw overnight in the fridge or use frozen watermelon cubes in recipes like this frozen watermelon margarita.

watermelon cubes in a glass bowl

Ways to Use Watermelon

Watermelon is perfect on its own, but there are several ways to integrate watermelon into your cooking and baking! Watermelon pairs well with several foods, including:

  • Fruits and Veggies: avocado, lemon, lime, red onion, berries, coconut, jalapeño, other melons, lettuce, corn
  • Herbs & Spices: mint, chili pepper, salt, ginger, basil
  • Savory: pork, chicken, white fish, beans and pulses, shrimp, balsamic vinegar
  • Dairy: goat cheese, feta cheese
  • Other: almonds, pecans, and maple syrup

Watermelon Recipes

  • Watermelon balances well with basil in these popsicles. Simply substitute the watermelon in for the strawberry, or use a mixture of strawberry and watermelon!
  • If you are feeling adventurous, use watermelon in place of peaches in this burrata salad.
  • Feta cheese in this Spinach Salad with Healthy Poppyseed Dressing complements watermelon’s flavors so well. You can add in the watermelon in place of the strawberry or combine the two!
  • If you love margaritas as much as we do, you will love a watermelon margarita! This margarita recipe is a great baseline to make the perfect watermelon margarita. Simply swap out the cucumber for watermelon.
  • You can also grill watermelon. That’s right – grill! This Grilled Zucchini Salad uses foods that balance out this sweet fruit.
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How to Cut Watermelon Into Cubes

Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 0 minutes
Total: 15 minutes
Here’s the easiest way to cut watermelon cubes1 If you’re hoping to cut watermelon cubes to eat or add to recipes, cut off the rind, slice it into strips, and then into squares. View the full blog post for step-by-step photos.

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Servings: 1 watermelon

Ingredients

  • 1 whole watermelon seedless

Instructions 

  • Place paper towels or a large towel you don’t mind getting watermelon juice on under a large cutting board.
  • Lay the watermelon lengthwise on the cutting board. Use a sharp knife to cut off both ends of the watermelon. Stand it up tall with one of the ends down so it’s on a flat surface.
  • Hold the watermelon near the top with your non-dominate hand. Start at the top and carefully cut the thick green rind away from the flesh, turning the watermelon as you go to remove all of the rinds. Trim away any white pieces of flesh as needed. Discard the rind and wipe down the cutting board with a damp towel as needed.
  • Lay the watermelon longways on the board and cut it in half, leaving two large pieces. Set one aside and place the other one upright, with the larger flat surface down on the cutting board.
  • Cut the watermelon vertically into 1 to 1 1/2-inch slices, so you’re left with rough half circles when you lay it flat. When they’re flat, cut them into 1 to 1 1/2-inch watermelon sticks. Turn them and cut them crosswise into cubes.
  • Transfer the cubed watermelon to a serving dish or store it until you’re ready to eat.
Last step! If you make this, please leave a review letting us know how it was!

Notes

Storage tip: place in a bowl or a plastic bag. We like to put ours in a plastic bag and poke the bottom with a toothpick to release any extra juices before serving.

Video

Equipment

  • Large cutting board
  • Sharp chef's knife
  • Clean kitchen towel or paper towels for cleaning up juices

Nutrition

Serving: 1watermelon | Calories: 1355kcal | Carbohydrates: 341g | Protein: 27.6g | Fat: 6.8g | Sodium: 45.2mg | Fiber: 18.1g | Sugar: 280g | Vitamin A: 1265IU | Vitamin C: 366mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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