Chili Lime Watermelon Skewers: A Sweet & Spicy Summer Treat
Romantic picnic recipes are one of my favorite ways to make an ordinary afternoon feel a little more memorable. And over the years, I’ve learned that the dishes people remember aren’t always the most complicated. They’re the ones they didn’t expect.
These chili lime watermelon skewers are a perfect example. Sweet, juicy watermelon gets a squeeze of fresh lime and a sprinkle of chile for a combination that’s sweet and tangy with a little surprise of spice. Cut into hearts (or just left cubed) and served on skewers, they’re playful enough for a date but easy enough for any summer gathering.
Looking for more romantic picnic ideas? Don’t miss my article on choosing a wine for your romantic picnic. My suggestions just might surprise you.
Why chile and lime make watermelon taste even better
Watermelon, chile and lime are popular in the Southwestern U.S. and Mexico for its irresistible balance of sweet, tart, salty and spicy flavors. But for anyone who has never before experienced the combination, the taste bud tingling combination is an unforgettable new sensation.
The lime makes the watermelon taste sweeter, while the chile adds just enough warmth to keep every bite interesting. If you like more heat, simply add a little extra chile. (I personally like just enough to make the tongue tingle.) Just remember to keep the lime and salt in balance.
The secret to making these skewers
You’ve got to have fresh lime.
Do not try to make them with bottled juice, it just doesn’t have the same brightness. A squeeze of fresh lime wakes up the watermelon and enhances its natural sweetness.
The heart shapes are optional, but they’re what transform this from a simple fruit snack into a memorable picnic dessert or appetizer. I use 2-inch, heart-shaped cookie cutters. If you don’t have cookie cutters or can’t bear to do kitsch, just cut the watermelon into even cubes.
You will need a set of skewers to make this fruit salad playful and portable. I use 8-inch wooden skewers but 10-inch are also fine.
Serving suggestions from romantic picnic to backyard party
If you’re looking for a simple date idea, these skewers travel beautifully in a cooler and require almost no cleanup.
Watermelon has a long reputation as an aphrodisiac food, while chile has been associated with passion for centuries because of the warming sensation it creates. Whether you believe the legends or simply love the flavors, they’re a fun addition to any summer picnic.
The recipe is designed to serve two. If you’re going to serve them for a party, plan on 2-3 skewers per person as a side dish or alongside dessert.
Discover why watermelon is one of the 10 best foods for men
Learn more about how chile can make your meals more aphrodisiac
Chili Lime Watermelon Skewers
Ingredients
- 1/4 of a large watermelon sliced into 3/4” rounds
- 8-10 red grapes
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp chile powder (if you like a lot of heat, you can try substituting with Aleppo pepper or Cayenne.)
- 1 lime halved
Special equipment:
- heart-shaped cookie cutter approximately 2-inch size
- 8-inch or 10-inch bamboo skewers
Instructions
- Cut out hearts from the watermelon, discarding the rind. Try to space them as closely as possible to use as much of the fruit as you can. The discards can be used in smoothies or fruit salad.*
- Add one grape to each skewer, skewering lengthwise.
- Skewer each heart from the bottom, sliding the grape further down the skewer as you go. Be careful not to push the skewer all the way through the fruit.
- Using a mortar and pestle, combine the chile and salt. (If you don’t have a mortar and pestle, you can do this in a small bowl with a spoon, pressing the chile powder slightly to release its oils into the salt.)
- Just before serving, sprinkle each heart with the chile mixture.
- Squeeze 1/2 lime over each heart. Add additional lime to taste.
Notes
Nutrition
This article originally appeared on our site in 2018. It was updated in 2026 with a new introduction, additional recipe details and nutrition information.
Amy is considered a leading authority on aphrodisiacs. Her work in aphrodisiacs is quoted in publications including National Geographic, The New York Times, Epicurious, Wine Enthusiast, Health and Playboy magazines. She speaks internationally on aphrodisiac foods and has brought her knowledge of aphrodisiac history and science to national television shows including The Today Show and CBS Early Show. She is a frequent guest on relationship and lifestyle radio and podcast shows and has been interviewed by BBC and NPR radio, Cosmopolitan radio and popular podcasts including My Dad Wrote a Porno.
Amy is also a freelance food, wine and health researcher and writer as well as a wine competition judge. Her work has appeared in publications ranging from Variety to The Daily Meal. She is an MSN content provider. And she is also a former wine editor for Gayot.com and wine & spirits editor of Las Vegas magazine.
Fun fact: Amy was the creator of the first ever comprehensive food and wine apps, Amy Reiley's Pocket Gourmet and Amy Reiley's Pocket Vineyard for Palm.
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