20 Beyond-Basic Watermelon Recipes You Need This Summer (2024)

Summer cookouts aren’t complete without a platter of watermelon wedges — either au natural or spiked (or both!). This collection of 20 watermelon recipes goes beyond the basics to make melon a welcome addition to the table all season long. Kicky salsas, refreshing frozen treats, adult libations and much more showcase the watermelon’s awesome versatility. Each is sure to get the summer party started wherever they’re invited!

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Coconut Rice and Watermelon Salad Bowls

A great way to use up leftover steamed rice, these chilled grain salad bowls make for a delicious light meal that comes together in just minutes. (via Cotter Crunch)

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Pink Watermelon Lemonade Slushies

Up-level your lemonade with this refreshingly delicious combo for your next weekend BBQ. (via Tieghan Gerard/Half Baked Harvest)

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Watermelon-Peach Chilled Soup

Summery chilled soup recipes are one of our favorite ways to cool off when the weather's warm. Full of nutritious veg, sweetness, and a hint of spice, this chilled soup has become our go-to working from home lunch. Pair it with a lemonade for the most refreshing meal of all time. (via Brit + Co)

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Balsamic Watermelon Chicken Salad

The mix of textures plus sweet, tangy and briny elements makes this one crave-worthy salad that’ll keep you satisfied. (via Pinch of Yum)

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Refreshing Cucumber Watermelon Salad

Loaded with hydrating produce, this cooling salad is perfect when temps soar, or you’re in need of a bloat-busting dish. (via Naive Cook Cooks)

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Watermelon Caprese With Balsamic Reduction

Swap out sliced tomatoes with rounds of watermelon for an unexpected, yet still delicious, twist on the classic caprese. (via Cooking and Beer)

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Watermelon Margarita Poptails

An oldie but a goodie, these super cute poptails are a festive alternative to Jello shots for your next fiesta. (via Brit + Co)

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Watermelon Coconut Ice Cream (Vegan, Gluten-Free)

You don’t even need an ice cream maker to churn up a batch of this luscious, date-sweetened and dairy-free frozen dessert. (via Nutritionist in the Kitchen)

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Mahi Mahi Tacos With Tequila-Soaked Watermelon Salsa

Mango, avocado and watermelon combine to create a stunning, spicy salsa for these grilled fish tacos. (via Half Baked Harvest)

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Watermelon Fruit Leather

You only need one ingredient to make these healthy DIY snacks. Hmmm, wonder what it could possibly be… (via Domestically Blissful)

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Cucumber Watermelon Shooters

Put a new spin on the expected booze-infused watermelon by filling edible cucumber shot glasses with a spicy mix of peppers and spiked fruit. (via Brit + Co)

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Watermelon Pizza

Go low-carb in a bright new way by topping wedges of watermelon with feta, onions and olives. It may not take the place of your fave pie, but still makes for a tasty appetizer. (via Nugget Markets)

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Watermelon, Chili and Basil Ice Pops

The layers of flavor here are certain to tickle your taste buds with every lick. (via Food Network)

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Watermelon-Cantaloupe Dessert Fruit Cake

We’d gladly dig into this multilayer creation that redefines the meaning of fruitcake in a very good way. (via Brit + Co)

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Watermelon Mint Jello Shots

Don’t toss that watermelon rind! Instead, repurpose it to make the perfect mold for Jello shots. (via Brit + Co)

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Watermelon Blueberry Salad

Mix chopped watermelon, blueberries, honey and lime juice and you get this instant crowdpleaser, yum! (via Feel Good Foodie)

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Watermelon Gazpacho

Cool off this summer with this refreshing gazpacho made with chunks of cucumber, cantaloupe, watermelon, mint and asiago shavings. (via A Spicy Perspective)

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Watermelon Fruit Pizza

This irresistible dessert features honey-sweetened whipped cream cheese and ricotta icing with juicy watermelon, topped with fresh kiwi, blueberries, and strawberries. (via Brit + Co)

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Red White & Blue Sangria

This Labor Day make this festive red, white, and blue sangria (pinot grigio, vodka, and fresh berries), garnished with watermelon stars! (via Barley & Sage)

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Heather Sage

Heather Sage is a gluten-free recipe developer and freelance writer living in Orlando by way of the Silicon Valley. When she isn’t playing around with alternative flours in the kitchen, she can be found tackling DIY projects around the house or exploring her neighborhood. Check out her gluten-free recipe blog, A Sage Amalgam.

20 Beyond-Basic Watermelon Recipes You Need This Summer (2024)

FAQs

20 Beyond-Basic Watermelon Recipes You Need This Summer? ›

And just in case you are wondering, freezing a whole watermelon is best avoided—think of the freezer space it would require! Before you freeze watermelon, remove the rind and the seeds. Watermelon seeds get rock hard in the freezer and are much easier to remove from fresh rather than frozen fruit.

What can I do with lots of watermelon? ›

Tasty Ways to Use Leftover Watermelon
  1. Prepare Appetizers. Looking to add a sweet twist to something traditional? ...
  2. Blend into Smoothies. There's nothing more thirst-quenching than a smoothie on a sizzling summer day. ...
  3. Mix into Salads. Fresh watermelon adds flavor and zest to any salad. ...
  4. Add to Soup. ...
  5. Make Dessert.

Is it OK to freeze a whole watermelon? ›

And just in case you are wondering, freezing a whole watermelon is best avoided—think of the freezer space it would require! Before you freeze watermelon, remove the rind and the seeds. Watermelon seeds get rock hard in the freezer and are much easier to remove from fresh rather than frozen fruit.

What Cannot be mixed with watermelon? ›

Avoid mixing your watermelons, muskmelons, cantaloupe and honeydews with other fruits. Try not to mix acidic fruits, such as grapefruits and strawberries, or sub-acidic foods such as apples, pomegranates and peaches, with sweet fruits, such as bananas and raisins for a better digestion.

Is watermelon good for dogs? ›

It's good news for your canine pal, because watermelon is officially on the menu. With lots of health benefits for your dog, and only 46 calories per cupful, dogs can eat watermelon as a cool, refreshing treat. It's the perfect snacking solution, especially in the summer when our dog friends are feeling the heat.

Is watermelon healthy yes or no? ›

Watermelon — which can actually be considered a fruit or a vegetable, according to the National Watermelon Promotion Board — is incredibly nutritious, too. Nutritionists say watermelon is low in calories and sugar and chock-full of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making it a great addition to a healthy diet.

Is watermelon a vegetable yes or no? ›

There are a few foods that have sparked debate over whether they are a fruit or a vegetable. Is a watermelon a fruit or a vegetable? According to watermelon.org, like the pepper, tomato, and pumpkin, watermelon is a fruit, botanically.

What flavor enhances watermelon? ›

In South American and Latin cuisine, watermelon is commonly paired with chili powder and lime, as are apples, guava, and pineapples. The hit of spice and sour shifts the fruit's flavor, too, the same way salt does.

Why Tajin on watermelon? ›

Just as salt accentuates and brings out the sweetness and juiciness of fresh watermelon, so does Tajin—except with a much bigger punch of flavor. Imagine a bite that is sweet, salty, zingy, and with a little kick of spice. A bite that makes your mouth immediately water for more. That's Tajin on watermelon.

Is Epsom salt good for watermelon? ›

Adding Epsom salt to your soil can help correct magnesium deficiencies, which may result in healthier watermelon plants and potentially sweeter fruit. However, it's essential to use Epsom salt sparingly and according to the instructions, as excessive amounts can harm plants and soil.

What is the trick for watermelon? ›

For me, the field spot is the dead giveaway, I always try to find a melon with a good field spot that is creamy or dark yellow. A whiter field spot means that the melon still needs time to ripen. Tap on it! Pick up the watermelon, hold it close to your ear and knock it in a few spots.

What is the sweetest watermelon? ›

The 7 best-tasting watermelon varieties
  • Sugar Baby.
  • Crimson Sweet.
  • Cal Sweet Bush.
  • Congo.
  • Charleston Grey.
  • Yellow Buttercup.
  • Secretariat Seedless.
May 31, 2023

How do you preserve watermelon? ›

- Don't stress spoilage, be mellow-n - Watermelon

Whole watermelon should be left at room temperature until ripe. Once ripe, place the whole watermelon, uncovered, in the refrigerator. Once cut, seal cut watermelon halves or slices in a Glad® Zipper Bag. Store in the refrigerator.

What does eating watermelon everyday do for you? ›

Research has found that the nutrients in watermelon reduce blood pressure and improve circulation to support heart health. Watermelon also helps reduce muscle soreness, manage weight, aid digestion, and protect your skin. Eating the fruit may also protect against chronic diseases.

What to do with watermelon so it doesn't go bad? ›

If your watermelon is ripe and you don't have time to eat it, don't panic. But don't slice either. Slide that whole watermelon into the fridge, where it will stay fresh for two to three more weeks.

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