Watermelon – the quintessential symbol of summer. Its juicy sweetness and refreshing coolness are a welcome escape from the scorching sun.
But watermelon isn’t just for grabbing a slice on a hot day. This versatile fruit can be transformed into an array of delicious dishes, from sweet treats to savory salads to refreshing drinks.
Get ready to unlock the full potential of watermelon with these 25 recipes that will have you reaching for this summertime favorite all season long!
Sweet Treats:
Watermelon Sorbet:
This light and refreshing sorbet is the perfect way to cool down on a hot day. Simply blend seedless watermelon chunks with a touch of lime juice and sugar for a healthy and delicious frozen treat.
Watermelon Fries with Coconut Lime Dip:
Take a fun twist on french fries with these healthy watermelon sticks. Dredge them in a light coconut batter and fry until golden brown. Serve them with a refreshing coconut lime dip for a sweet and tangy snack.
Watermelon Pizza:
Who says pizza can’t be healthy? This playful dessert uses a watermelon slice as the “crust.” Top it with a creamy ricotta cheese layer, fresh berries, and a drizzle of honey for a delightful summer treat.
Watermelon and Mint Granita:
This Italian shaved ice dessert takes advantage of watermelon’s natural sweetness. Freeze a mixture of watermelon juice, sugar, and mint, then scrape it with a fork for a light and flavorful granita.
Strawberry Chia Watermelon Smoothie:
This smoothie is packed with nutrients and antioxidants. Blend together watermelon cubes, fresh strawberries, chia seeds, and your favorite milk for a refreshing and filling breakfast or afternoon snack.
Savory Salads:
Watermelon-Feta Orzo Salad:
This twist on a classic pasta salad is perfect for picnics and potlucks. Combine orzo pasta, juicy watermelon chunks, salty feta cheese, and peppery arugula for a delightful combination of textures and flavors.
Tomato-Watermelon Salad with Turmeric Oil:
This salad showcases the unexpected yet delicious pairing of watermelon and tomato. The addition of a vibrant turmeric oil adds a touch of warmth and complexity to the dish.
Balsamic Watermelon Chicken Salad:
This salad is a refreshing take on the classic chicken salad. Use leftover grilled chicken, juicy watermelon chunks, red onion, and a balsamic vinaigrette for a flavorful and healthy lunch option.
Watermelon, Feta, & Basil Quinoa:
This protein-packed salad combines the sweetness of watermelon with the salty creaminess of feta cheese. Quinoa adds a nutty texture and extra fiber, making it a satisfying and healthy meal.
Spinach, Watermelon, & Zucchini Salad:
This salad is a nutritional powerhouse. Combine fresh spinach, juicy watermelon, and zucchini ribbons for a light and refreshing salad that’s packed with vitamins and minerals.
Drinks:
Watermelon Limeade:
This simple yet delicious drink is the perfect way to quench your thirst on a hot day. Blend together fresh watermelon with lime juice and a touch of sugar for a refreshing and naturally sweetened beverage.
Watermelon Margaritas:
Who can resist a classic margarita? Give it a summery twist by muddling fresh watermelon with tequila, lime juice, and your favorite sweetener for a vibrant and refreshing cocktail.
Watermelon-Mango Margaritas:
Take your margarita game to the next level by adding some tropical flair. Blend together watermelon, mango, tequila, lime juice, and a touch of sweetness for a vibrant and flavorful margarita.
Watermelon Gazpacho:
This chilled soup is a perfect light and refreshing lunch option for a hot summer day. Blend together watermelon, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and garlic for a flavorful and healthy gazpacho.
Chili-Lime Watermelon Cooler:
This drink is a delightful combination of sweet, spicy, and tart. Muddle together watermelon chunks, jalapeno slices, lime juice, and a touch of sugar for a refreshing and invigorating cooler.
Appetizers & Snacks:
Watermelon Feta Bites:
These bite-sized appetizers are easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion. Skewer cubes of watermelon, feta cheese, and fresh mint leaves for a delightful combination of sweet, salty, and refreshing flavors.
Grilled Watermelon Caprese Salad:
Take your Caprese salad to the next level by grilling the watermelon slices. Layer grilled watermelon with fresh mozzarella cheese, cherry tomatoes, and a drizzle of balsamic reduction for a flavorful and elegant appetizer.
Watermelon, Jalapeño, & Mint Skewers:
This appetizer is a fun and flavorful twist on fruit skewers. Thread cubes of watermelon, sliced jalapeno, and fresh mint leaves onto skewers for a sweet, spicy, and refreshing appetizer.
Main Courses:
Grilled Shrimp Tacos with Corn & Cotija Salsa:
Elevate your taco game with this refreshing summer dish. Grill watermelon slices and use them as tortillas for succulent grilled shrimp, sweet corn salsa, and crumbly cotija cheese.
Watermelon Zoodle Bowls:
This vegetarian and gluten-free dish is a healthy and flavorful take on pasta bowls. Spiralize watermelon into zoodles, toss them with your favorite pesto or sauce, and top them with grilled vegetables or protein for a satisfying meal.
Spicy Watermelon Fries:
Spice things up with these flavorful fries. Cut watermelon into sticks, coat them in a spicy batter made with chili flakes or cayenne pepper, and bake or air-fry them until crispy. Serve them with a cooling yogurt dip for a delicious and contrasting treat.
Watermelon Bacon Salad:
This unexpected combination is surprisingly delicious. Combine juicy watermelon chunks, crispy bacon bits, crumbled blue cheese, and a tangy balsamic vinaigrette for a salad that’s both sweet and savory.
Unique Uses:
Watermelon Jelly:
Don’t throw away the watermelon rind! Make delicious and colorful watermelon jelly by boiling the rinds with sugar and pectin. Enjoy it on toast, pancakes, or even in fruit salad.
Watermelon Syrup:
Infuse your favorite cocktails and desserts with a unique flavor using homemade watermelon syrup. Simply simmer watermelon chunks with sugar and water to create a sweet and refreshing syrup.
Spiked Watermelon Lemonade:
This drink is perfect for entertaining adults. Combine watermelon puree, fresh lemonade, a touch of your favorite liquor (vodka, tequila, or rum work well), and a splash of club soda for a fun and flavorful summer cocktail.
With these 25 recipes, you can experience the versatility of watermelon and enjoy it in a variety of ways throughout the summer. So grab a watermelon, get creative, and explore the endless possibilities this refreshing fruit has to offer!
