How to Cut Watermelon Sticks (with Video!)

This easy-to-follow watermelon cutting hack will show you How to Cut Watermelon Into Cubes and Sticks with almost no mess! Enjoy the sticks for snacking and the cubes in a salad. It’s the ultimate summer treat!

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Watermelon, whether added to a refreshing salad or sliced into triangles, is one of my very favorite summer staples. It’s so juicy and always cools me down during a heatwave! But prepping the enormous melon? That’s another story.

Lugging a 10-pound melon up onto the counter, then chopping it into triangles, cubes, or wedges is not only time-consuming but messy and sticky as well. Thankfully, with this easy watermelon cutting hack, you’ll learn How to Cut Watermelon Into Cubes and Sticks without getting watermelon juice all over your hands and countertops!

Watermelon sticks are an easy-to-grab snack while the cubes make for fantastic summer appetizers and are a refreshing addition to salads. There are endless ways to enjoy watermelon sticks and cubes!

For this hack, all you need is the perfect watermelon (see the shopping tips below), a sharp knife, and a cutting board. Enjoy the sticks and cubes right away or store them for later. Sliced watermelon is easy to store all summer long both in the fridge and freezer.

Tips on choosing the best watermelon

Use these tips when you’re out shopping for the perfect watermelon:

Choose an elongated or round watermelon with an even shape.
The heavier it is, the juicier the watermelon will be.
An orange “field spot” (a discoloration on the end or bottom) will indicate a more flavorful melon.
Choose a melon that’s dark green in color (almost dull looking). This means it’s ripe and ready to eat!

How to cut a watermelon

Cutting a watermelon into sticks and cubes ensures that they’re easy to eat, mess-free, and a breeze to serve to friends, family, and the kids. Make sure to use a sharp knife and cutting board to make this process as easy as possible. If you need a little extra help, check out this video for a demonstration.

How to cut watermelon into sticks

Start by cutting the watermelon in half. Turn it cut side down onto a large cutting board.

Slice the half into 1-inch wide pieces, then repeat going the other direction. You should be left with a checkerboard pattern. Repeat with the other half or keep it in the fridge for later.

From there, pull out the watermelon sticks and enjoy!

Half watermelon on cutting board with cuts made into it.

How to cut watermelon into cubes

Now that the watermelon has been cut into sticks, you can take it one step further by slicing those sticks into cubes.

To cut the watermelon sticks into cubes, slice off the green rind, then cut each stick into 3 to 4 cubes. Enjoy them as a snack, appetizer, or toss them in a salad!

Ways to serve watermelon sticks

On their own for a quick and easy snack
On a platter with more grabbable fruits, like pineapple, kiwi, and strawberries
Dip them into yogurt, whipped cream, or whipped feta
Topped with a drizzle of honey and fresh mint

Ways to serve watermelon cubes

In a salad with mint, basil, feta, or mozzarella
As part of a fruit salad
Blended to make this Watermelon Vodka Cocktail
As a refreshing addition to a cucumber salad
On their own as a snack (Tip: sprinkle Tajin on top for a touch of smoke and zest)
On a Chocolate Dessert Board
As part of a summer-themed charcuterie board
Skewered on a toothpick with basil and mozzarella
Topped with goat cheese and a cucumber slice

Any extras you have laying around can be blended for popsicles and homemade fruit juices. Or take it a step further and freeze the melon before blending them for slushy fruity cocktails or smoothies.

Storing

An uncut watermelon should last for about 2 days when kept at room temperature or up to 1 week in the fridge. Otherwise, the sliced cubes and sticks are easy to store in the fridge and freezer:

Refrigerator: Store the cut watermelon sticks or cubes in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 or 4 days.
Freezer: Lay the sticks or cubes on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Place it in the freezer until the melon is frozen solid. Transfer them to an airtight container or sealable bag and freeze for up to 3 months.

Watermelon sticks stacked in large tuperware.

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Hand holding stick of watermelon next to cut up melon.

How to cut watermelon into sticks:

Start by cutting the watermelon in half. Turn it cut side down onto a large cutting board.
Slice the half into 1-inch wide pieces, then repeat going the other direction. You should be left with a checkerboard pattern. Repeat with the other half or keep it in the fridge for later.
From there, pull out the watermelon sticks and enjoy!

How to cut watermelon into cubes:

Now that the watermelon has been cut into sticks, you can take it one step further by slicing those sticks into cubes.
To cut the watermelon sticks into cubes, slice off the green rind, then cut each stick into 3 to 4 cubes. Enjoy them as a snack, appetizer, or toss them in a salad!