4th of July Watermelon Kabobs

15 min | easy | low-fat

Red, white, and blue fruit kabobs on a white rectangular platter: each toothpick holds a cube of watermelon topped with a marshmallow and a blueberry. Extra blueberries and mint sprigs are scattered around, with watermelon slices softly blurred in the background.

Recipe by Eunice Updated Mar 10, 2025

Prep Time	Cook Time	Total Time
15 min	0 min	15 min

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Introduction

These 4th of July watermelon kabobs are a fun, colorful treat that kids and adults both love.

Juicy watermelon, fluffy marshmallows, and sweet blueberries make a fresh, no-bake dessert that comes together in minutes.

They are perfect for hot summer cookouts, backyard parties, or an easy last-minute Fourth of July snack.

Ingredients (8 servings)

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Ingredients:

½ small watermelon, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 24 cubes)
24 large marshmallows
24 fresh blueberries

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Red, white, and blue fruit kabobs on a white platter: each short skewer is stacked with a cube of watermelon, a large marshmallow, and a blueberry on top; a few loose blueberries sit on a fringed cloth in the foreground.

How to Make 4th of July Watermelon Kabobs

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Prep the watermelon

Cut the watermelon into 1-inch cubes, trimming off the rind and any very soft spots for clean edges.
Dry the watermelon cubes

Pat the watermelon cubes dry with a paper towel so they grip the skewers better and do not drip as much.

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Assemble the red, white, and blue kabobs

Thread one watermelon cube, one marshmallow, and one blueberry onto each cocktail skewer, keeping the colors in clear stripes.
Arrange on a platter

Arrange the kabobs on a platter in rows or a star shape to show off the red, white, and blue pattern.
Chill or serve

Serve right away, or cover the platter loosely and chill for up to 4 hours before your 4th of July party.

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Close-up of 4th of July watermelon kabobs on a white platter: each mini skewer stacks a red watermelon cube, a white marshmallow, and a blue blueberry, with extra blueberries scattered in front and a blurred watermelon wedge in the background.

Substitutions

Watermelon cubes -> strawberries or red seedless grapes: Use halved strawberries or whole red seedless grapes instead of watermelon cubes for a firmer, less juicy red layer. The skewers will drip less on the table and hold up better if they sit out in warm weather.
Marshmallows -> angel food cake cubes: Swap the marshmallows for small cubes of angel food cake for a more grown-up, shortcake-style bite. The cake soaks up a little juice from the fruit and tastes soft and airy instead of chewy.
Blueberries -> blackberries or blue candy-coated chocolates: Use small blackberries instead of blueberries if you like a slightly tarter, darker blue bite on each skewer. For a fun party twist, add one blue candy-coated chocolate between the marshmallow and fruit, but serve them right away.

Ingredients for red, white, and blue kabobs: a bowl of 1-inch watermelon cubes beside a bowl of fresh blueberries, with large marshmallows blurred in the background on a light countertop.

Tips

Cut even cubes for neat kabobs: Aim for watermelon cubes close to 1 inch so everything stacks neatly and the skewers look uniform on the platter.
Dry the fruit to avoid slipping: Blot the watermelon gently with paper towels so it is not too slick, which keeps the pieces from sliding off. This small step also helps keep extra juice off your serving platter.
Chill skewers before serving: Arrange the finished kabobs on a tray, cover loosely with plastic wrap, and chill until party time for maximum refreshment. Cold marshmallows also hold their shape better outdoors in summer heat.
Plan for kids and tiny hands: If serving kids, choose shorter cocktail skewers or cut longer ones down, so sharp tips feel less intimidating. You can also slide the pieces off onto plates for toddlers or very young guests.
Scale the recipe for a crowd: This recipe scales easily; just plan about three kabobs per person for a dessert option, or two alongside other sweets.

Nutrition Facts ^*

Energy	263	kcal
Protein	4	g
Total Fat	1	g
Carbohydrates	64	g
Dietary Fiber	1	g

^* Approximate, per serving.
Data source: USDA FoodData Central.

Close-up of 4th of July fruit kabobs on cocktail skewers: a 1-inch cube of red watermelon topped with a white marshmallow and a single blueberry, arranged in rows on a white platter.

FAQ

Can I make these watermelon kabobs ahead of time?: Yes, you can assemble them up to 4 hours ahead and store them covered in the fridge. Any longer and the watermelon starts to release more juice, which makes the kabobs a little soggy.
How do I keep the watermelon from getting mushy or watery?: Choose a firm, very cold watermelon and cut it right before assembling for the best texture. After cutting, quickly blot the cubes with paper towels to remove extra moisture before threading them onto the skewers.
What if I do not have cocktail skewers?: You can use sturdy toothpicks for bite-size kabobs or cut full-length wooden skewers in half. If you use full-length skewers, add two or three sets of fruit and marshmallows so they feel balanced in the hand.
Can I make these without marshmallows for a lighter option?: Yes, you can skip the marshmallows and use banana slices, jicama sticks, or white melon cubes for the white layer. The kabobs will taste more refreshing and less sweet, which works nicely as a light dessert or snack.
Are these safe to leave out during a hot outdoor party?: Because they are mostly fruit, they are fine at room temperature for about 2 hours, or 1 hour in strong heat. Keep the platter in the shade, or set it over a tray of ice if the day is very hot.