We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.
To me cold juicy watermelon is summers’ ultimate thirst quencher (well it is over 90 percent water!). And now that most of the melons in the market are seedless, it’s easier than ever to dive in and eat/drink without spitting (or swallowing) seeds. They’re smaller than traditional long melons, and perfect in delicious watermelon recipes from salads to salsas to slushies — even watermelon pizza.
If you have room in your fridge, the best value deal is to buy a whole watermelon. And if you do have room, that's exactly what you should do: don't get intimidated by the prospect of slicing and dicing the heavy melon. With a few easy tips, it's actually quite easy.
No matter if you want to slice your watermelon into triangles, batons, cubes, or just peel it, you'll have to start with these three steps.
...since bacteria lurks on melon skin, and you don’t want to drag it into your melon.
...on a clean cutting board, using a large serrated knife (or sharp chef’s knife).
...by standing it on one cut end and slicing all the way through. To make triangles or batons, slice it lengthwise. To peel and/or cube the watermelon, slice it crosswise. Note: the melon will keep better uncut so unless you’re prepping for a party, wrap one half in plastic and refrigerate.
1. Place one half cut-side down on a cutting board
...and slice vertically down the middle from end to end to make quarters.
2. Cut 1 to 1½ inch slices across the quartered melon
This is the best way to serve watermelon at a party. No more messy cheeks and extra drippy chins. You have just enough rind to hold onto and the rest gets eaten.
1. Make vertical slices down the length of the melon
...with the rind on, at 1 to 1½ inch intervals.
2. Cut crosswise down the width of the melon
...at 1 to 1½ inch intervals to form a grid.
3. Separate into batons and serve
1. Slice off both ends and halve melon crosswise
...then stand up on one cut end.
2. Cut downward in following the shape of the melon to remove strips of rind.
3. Rotate the melon and continue until all skin has been removed.
Go back and trim away any remaining white.
Just because it says cubed, remember these don't have to be perfect!
1. Slice the peeled melon at 1 to 1½ inch intervals to make slabs
...then, stack a few up and slice vertically then horizontally to create cube-like pieces.
2. Transfer to a bowl and repeat with the remaining slabs
...and then the other half of melon if using.
Or if you're you're feeling lazy try this handy watermelon-cutting tool, available on Amazon.
70 Super Easy and Cheap Weeknight Dinners
28 Breakfast Casseroles for Easy-Peasy Mornings
17 Best Latin American Comfort Foods
65 Ground Beef Recipes You'll Love
50 Easy Dinner Ideas for Kids
The Best Cocktail Recipes to Test Your Skills
How to Meal Prep Like a Pro
50 Ideas for 30-Minute Meals for the Whole Family
Lemon Thyme Chicken with Brussels Sprout Salad
37 Insanely Tasty Butternut Squash Recipes
A Part of Hearst Digital Media
Good Housekeeping participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites.
©Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved.