How to Cut Watermelon Slices, Cubes, Sticks, and More

On a hot, sticky day, there's nothing better than biting into a chilled slice of watermelon. Juicy, crunchy, sweet, and sour all at the same time, watermelon is the most refreshing summer fruit. If you're intimidated by the idea of cutting watermelon, know that you're not alone. Watermelons are large, unwieldy orbs with thick, hard rinds; of course they're daunting to slice into! It can be tempting to buy pre-cut watermelon at the grocery store, but try to resist the urge. Pre-cut watermelon can get expensive, and will go bad much faster than a whole watermelon will.

Keep reading to learn our advice for how to cut watermelon confidently and safely for all the summer salads, granitas, and agua frescas your heart desires. Spoiler: it's a lot easier than you think to cut watermelon slices, cubes, and more! Just make sure you have a big, sturdy cutting board and a sharp chef's knife, and you're good to go.

How to Cut Watermelon Slices

With built-in watermelon rind handles, classic triangular slices are a perfect picnic snack. Watermelon slices are also great grilled, which lends smokiness and allows the flavors to concentrate.

1. Trim off one end of the watermelon in order to create a flat surface.
2. Place the watermelon on its flat side and slice down through the center, creating two halves.
3. Set one half aside to make space, then place the other half cut-side down and slice it in half lengthwise.
4. Slice each half crosswise into wedges. (We like ~1-inch wedges, but the size is up to you.)
5. Repeat with remaining watermelon.

How to Cut Watermelon Cubes

If you're making a watermelon salad, or if you're going to blend up your watermelon for a smoothie or slushie, cubes are the way to go.

1. Slice watermelon in half around the "equator."
2. Lay halves on a cutting board with the wide, flat ends facing down.
3. Working from top to bottom, use a chef's knife to cut off the rind in strips, following the curve of the melon.
4. With the wide, flat end still facing down, make even, parallel slices through the top of the melon.
5. Rotate the watermelon 90 degrees and slice again.
6. Holding the slices together, turn the watermelon onto its side so your knife is at a right angle to the most recent slices.
7. Make parallel slices along the length of the watermelon to create cubes.

How to Cut Watermelon Sticks

Easy to execute, this cut is kid-friendly and fun to eat. Plus, you don't need to worry about removing the rind.

1. Slice watermelon in half around the "equator."
2. Lay halves on a cutting board with the wide, flat ends facing down.
3. Slice into ~2-inch strips, then rotate the melon 90 degrees and slice ~2 inch strips the other way.
4. Pull out your watermelon sticks and enjoy!

How to Cut Watermelon Balls

Ideal for a colorful fruit salad, watermelon balls have a decidedly retro feel. You'll need a melon baller for this approach, but a small cookie dough scoop would also work.

1. Trim off one end of the watermelon in order to create a flat surface.
2. Place the watermelon on its flat side and slice down through the center, creating two halves.
3. Use a melon baller to carve into the flesh and form balls.