There’s something irresistibly refreshing about biting into a chilled slice of watermelon on a hot summer day. Now imagine that same juicy sweetness transformed into crisp, hand-held “fries,” served with a zesty, creamy coconut lime dip that hits all the right notes of sweet, tart, and tropical.

I first made this on a whim for a backyard barbecue, hoping to offer a healthier alternative to chips and dip. Little did I know it would become the star of the table, with everyone—from toddlers to grandparents—asking for the recipe. It’s light, fun, and shockingly easy to make.
Let me show you why you’re about to fall in love with this snack.
Why You’ll Love This Watermelon Fries With Coconut Lime Dip
Get ready for your new favorite summer snack. These watermelon fries are more than just a clever presentation—they’re a healthy, crowd-pleasing dish that takes minimal effort.
First, they’re incredibly quick and easy. All you need is a ripe watermelon and a few pantry staples. No cooking, no fuss—just slice, whisk, and serve. It’s a perfect last-minute dish when you need something fast.
They’re also great for kids and picky eaters. Something about food shaped like fries just screams fun, and the creamy, tropical dip makes it feel like dessert without all the sugar.
Plus, this recipe is naturally dairy-free and vegan, making it ideal for all kinds of dietary needs. And you won’t find any refined sugars here, just fresh fruit and a few simple, wholesome ingredients.
Best of all, these watermelon fries are versatile and beautiful to serve. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, attending a picnic, or lounging by the pool, this recipe fits right in. It's as Instagram-worthy as it is delicious.
Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need to make it.
Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. With only a few ingredients, each one plays an important role in building that bright, tropical flavor profile. You might already have everything you need on hand.
Watermelon is, of course, the star of the show. You’ll want to choose a seedless variety for the best texture and easiest prep. Look for one that feels heavy for its size and has a creamy yellow spot on the underside—those are signs of ripeness. Slice it into fry-shaped sticks, about ½-inch thick, for the perfect bite.
Coconut cream is the base of the dip and gives it a luxuriously thick texture. Be sure to use the full-fat version from a can, not the carton-style coconut milk. If your coconut cream is separated, just give it a good stir before mixing. This adds richness without any dairy.
Lime juice and zest bring the tropical dip to life. The tart acidity of the lime balances the sweetness of the watermelon and coconut beautifully. Don’t skip the zest—it adds a fragrant citrus punch that takes the dip from good to great.
Maple syrup (or honey, if you're not vegan) adds just a touch of natural sweetness to the dip. It’s totally optional, but it rounds out the flavors nicely and helps mellow the tang of the lime.
No special equipment is needed for this recipe, though a microplane zester will make quick work of the lime zest. A sharp knife and a cutting board are all you need for the watermelon.
How To Make This Watermelon Fries With Coconut Lime Dip

Making this recipe is as easy as it gets—perfect for hot days when you don’t want to spend any time near the stove. Here's how it all comes together.
Start by prepping your watermelon. Slice it into thick rounds, then cut away the rind. From there, slice each round into uniform sticks, about the size and shape of thick-cut fries. Try to keep the pieces roughly the same size so they’re easy to grab and dip.
Next, prepare your coconut lime dip. Open your can of coconut cream and scoop it into a mixing bowl. If there’s any separation, stir until smooth. Add the lime zest, lime juice, and maple syrup. Whisk everything together until the dip is creamy and well combined.
At this point, give the dip a quick taste. If you prefer it sweeter, add a little more maple syrup. Want more tang? A squeeze more lime juice will do the trick. Once you're happy with the flavor, chill the dip in the fridge while you plate the watermelon fries.
To serve, arrange the watermelon sticks on a large platter or shallow bowl. Place your chilled coconut lime dip in the center or in a small bowl on the side. Garnish with extra lime zest or a sprinkle of shredded coconut if you’d like to make it extra special.
From start to finish, the whole process takes about 15 minutes—no heat, no mess, just a simple and stunning snack that’s ready to go.
Storage Options
Watermelon fries are best enjoyed fresh, but you can prep them a few hours in advance. Store the sliced watermelon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Be sure to drain any excess juice before serving so they stay crisp.
The coconut lime dip can be made ahead and stored separately. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just give it a good stir before serving, as the ingredients may separate slightly over time.
If you're bringing this dish to a party or picnic, transport the components separately and assemble right before serving. This keeps everything fresh and prevents the watermelon from getting too watery.
To re-serve leftovers, avoid freezing the dip or watermelon, as the texture won’t hold up well. Keep everything cold and covered for best results.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is incredibly adaptable, so feel free to make it your own. Whether you’re working with dietary restrictions or just want to try something new, here are a few ideas to switch things up.
Swap out the watermelon for another fruit like cantaloupe or honeydew. They’re just as refreshing and can be sliced into similar fry-like shapes. A mix of melon "fries" adds beautiful color variety to your platter.
Not a fan of coconut? You can substitute Greek yogurt or a dairy-free alternative for the dip base. Just mix with lime juice, zest, and sweetener to get a similar bright and tangy flavor.
Add a touch of heat with a sprinkle of Tajín or chili powder over the watermelon fries. The spicy-sweet combo is especially good with the creamy coconut lime dip and makes for an adult-friendly twist.
Want to go extra tropical? Add a splash of pineapple juice or a few chunks of crushed pineapple to the dip for a fruity burst of flavor.
Don’t be afraid to get creative. This recipe is forgiving and flexible, and experimenting can lead to some delicious discoveries.
PrintWatermelon Fries With Coconut Lime Dip Recipe
This refreshing Watermelon Fries With Coconut Lime Dip recipe is a perfect summer treat, combining juicy watermelon sticks with a creamy, tangy coconut lime dip. Easy to prepare, healthy, and ideal for parties, BBQs, or a light snack.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Snack, Appetizer
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: American, Summer
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
For the Watermelon Fries:
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1 small seedless watermelon, cut into fry-shaped sticks
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Optional: Tajín or chili lime seasoning for garnish
For the Coconut Lime Dip:
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½ cup coconut yogurt (or plain Greek yogurt for a non-vegan version)
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1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
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Zest of 1 lime
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1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
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Pinch of salt
Instructions
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Slice the watermelon into fry-shaped sticks, removing the rind.
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In a small bowl, combine coconut yogurt, maple syrup, lime zest, lime juice, and a pinch of salt. Mix until smooth.
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Arrange the watermelon fries on a serving plate.
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Sprinkle with Tajín or chili lime seasoning if using.
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Serve chilled with the coconut lime dip on the side.
Notes
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For best results, chill the watermelon before cutting.
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Use Greek yogurt if you prefer a thicker, creamier dip.
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Add a hint of mint or basil for a fresh twist.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ¼ of recipe
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 25mg
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