This refreshing Watermelon Mini-Wedges Recipe is made with juicy watermelon and a simple, bright topping of fresh mint, flaky sea salt, and zesty lime. The result is a simple yet elegant snack that is incredibly juicy and sweet, with a perfect balance of tangy and savory notes. It’s the perfect easy appetizer for a hot summer day or a backyard barbecue, making enough to serve a small crowd.
Watermelon Mini-Wedges Recipe Ingredients
- 1 small seedless watermelon, chilled
- A small bunch of fresh mint
- Flaky sea salt (such as Maldon)
- 1 fresh lime
How To Make Watermelon Mini-Wedges
- Prepare the watermelon: Wash the outside of the watermelon. Cut it in half crosswise. Place one half cut-side down on a large cutting board.
- Cut into rounds: Carefully slice the watermelon half into 1-inch thick rounds.
- Cut into wedges: Take each large round and cut it into 8 small, bite-sized wedges, like a pizza. Repeat with the other half of the watermelon if desired.
- Arrange on a platter: Arrange the watermelon mini-wedges on a large platter or serving board in an attractive pattern.
- Garnish and serve: Just before you are ready to serve, finely chop the fresh mint leaves. Using a zester or the fine side of a grater, zest the lime directly over the watermelon wedges. Sprinkle the chopped mint and a generous pinch of flaky sea salt over the top. Serve immediately.
Recipe Tips
- Chill the Watermelon: For the ultimate refreshing experience, make sure your watermelon is thoroughly chilled in the refrigerator for several hours before you cut and serve it. A cold watermelon is a crisp watermelon.
- Use Flaky Sea Salt: Do not substitute regular table salt in this recipe. Flaky sea salt provides a delicate, clean crunch and a subtle briny flavor that beautifully enhances the watermelon’s natural sweetness without making it taste too salty.
- Top Just Before Serving: To keep the mint looking fresh and vibrant and to prevent the salt from drawing too much water out of the melon, it’s best to add all your toppings right before you bring the platter out to your guests.
- How to Pick a Good Watermelon: For a ripe, juicy melon, look for one that feels heavy for its size and has a distinct creamy yellow “field spot” on one side—this is where it rested on the ground and ripened in the sun.
What To Serve Watermelon Mini-Wedges
These watermelon mini-wedges are the perfect light and refreshing appetizer to serve on their own before a main meal, especially at a summer barbecue alongside grilled meats, burgers, and other fresh salads. They are also a wonderful, healthy, and hydrating snack to enjoy on a hot afternoon.
How To Store Watermelon Mini-Wedges Leftovers
- Refrigerate: Store any leftover wedges in a single layer in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Please note that they will release some of their juice and will not be as crisp as when they were freshly cut. It is best to store them plain, without the toppings.
- Freeze: Freezing is not recommended for eating these as fresh wedges, as the texture will become soft and mushy upon thawing. However, you can freeze leftover watermelon chunks to use in delicious smoothies or to make a simple watermelon sorbet.
Watermelon Mini-Wedges Recipe Nutrition Facts
- Serving size: approximately 4-5 wedges
- Calories: 55 kcal
- Total Fat: 0.2g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 13g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 10g
- Protein: 1g
Frequently Asked Questions
- What other toppings would work well on these wedges? This recipe is a wonderful base for other flavors. For a savory twist, try crumbling some feta or cotija cheese over the top. For a bit of heat, a sprinkle of chili lime seasoning (like Tajín) is delicious. A drizzle of high-quality balsamic glaze can also add a lovely, complex sweetness.
- Can I prepare these in advance for a party? Yes, you can do most of the prep ahead of time. You can cut the watermelon into mini-wedges a few hours before your party and keep them covered in the refrigerator. However, for the best taste and texture, you should wait to add the toppings (lime zest, mint, and salt) until right before serving.
- What’s the easiest way to cut a watermelon? For safety and ease, always start by cutting a small slice off the bottom of the watermelon to create a flat, stable base. This will prevent it from rolling around on your cutting board while you slice the rest of it.
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Watermelon Mini-Wedges Recipe
Description
A simple and elegant Watermelon Mini-Wedges recipe, perfect for a refreshing summer snack or appetizer. Juicy, bite-sized wedges of chilled watermelon are topped with fresh mint, zesty lime, and a pinch of flaky sea salt for a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut the watermelon in half, then into 1-inch thick rounds.
- Cut each round into 8 small, bite-sized wedges.
- Arrange the wedges on a serving platter.
- Just before serving, finely chop the mint leaves.
- Zest the lime over the watermelon, then sprinkle with the chopped mint and flaky sea salt. Serve immediately