How to Cut a Watermelon

There a myriad ways to enjoy watermelon: on its own in slices or as part of a salad or cake. But, with the exception of the latter, you're going to need to know how to cut a watermelon before you can enjoy it. Follow our guidance and you'll be cutting watermelon like a pro in no time.

With only a few additional steps or minor adjustments, these knife skills can also be used to cut similar melons, such as cantaloupes and honeydews.

Steps for Cutting Watermelon into Slices

Follow these easy steps to create the familiar triangle slices that are a mainstay at spring picnics and summer barbeques:

Before you begin to slice and dice your watermelon, wash the rind, the hard outer layer, with a small amount of dishwashing liquid or fruit wash. Everything your knife touches while cutting the watermelon will end up in contact with the melon's flesh, so it is important to have the outside rind as clean as possible. Make sure you rinse it thoroughly after washing to eliminate any soapy taste.
Use a sharp knife to carefully slice small portions at the top and bottom of the rind. A knife with a long, flat blade is preferable, because it will cover more surface area and require fewer strokes.
After cutting the watermelon off at its ends, stand the melon on one end and carefully slice it in half vertically.
Cut each half lengthwise to create quartered sections. You could also stop here and use a gadget called a melon baller to scoop perfectly shaped spheres from watermelon halves. The melon balls make a pretty addition to fruit salads.
Slice across each quarter at your desired thickness to create triangular pieces of the watermelon.

How to Cut a Watermelon into Cubes

You can extend the basics of cutting a watermelon to create smaller pieces for use in other recipes.

Follow the first two steps listed above.
After cutting the watermelon off at its ends, stand the melon on one end and carefully cut the rind off in strips from top to bottom. As noted, the longer and flatter your knife, the fewer strokes it will take.
After cutting the rind and going back to trim any small remaining pieces, cut the peeled melon crosswise into slices.
Stack a few slices and cut them into cubes.
Store for later or use as directed in your recipe.

Now That You Know How to Cut Watermelon

Here are a few more of our favorite recipes to use your newfound watermelon-cutting skills.