Everyone knows that when the weather gets hot, watermelons come out. Not only does this fruit taste best in the summer, but watermelon recipes are the perfect accompaniment to poolside fun and outdoor activities. Whether you want a delicious salad with fresh, juicy slices or a dessert to end the day, this list has you covered.
Before we get into the best watermelon recipes this summer, there are some important details to remember when preparing and choosing the fruit. You don’t want to miss these steps because facing a whole watermelon without experience cutting fruit can be daunting. But never fear—look no further for everything you need to know for a stress-free watermelon experience.
How to Pick the Best Watermelon
There are a few key ways to ensure you pick the ripest, sweetest, most delicious watermelons. In addition to the fact that watermelons thrive in the summer, here are a few more things to remember during your trip to the Farmers Market.
- Shape and size. A good rule of thumb is: the heavier the watermelon, the juicier it will be. After all, they are made 90% of water! Additionally, the best watermelon shape should be symmetrical, whether round or oval. An irregular shape may indicate that the watermelon received an inconsistent amount of sunlight or water while growing.
- Live live. When choosing melons, consider Where Your fruit has grown. Yellow spots on watermelons, called field spots, show where on the ground the watermelon is growing and ripening. If the spots appear dark yellow, the watermelon is probably sweeter and more ripe.
- Sound test. Once you’ve picked out a good-looking melon, crack the fruit with your knuckles. Ripe watermelons will make a low, hollow sound, while unripe watermelons will make a flat or dull sound when tapped.
How to Cut and Prepare Watermelon
There are several ways to cut a watermelon. If it’s large, these methods may help streamline the process.
slice
- Cut off both ends of the watermelon.
- Stand the watermelon upright, then cut the watermelon in half.
- Turn each half flat side down, cut it in half again, and cut the melon into quarters.
- Cut the quarters into 1-inch slices or any size you like.
cube/rod
- Cut off both ends of the watermelon.
- Stand the watermelon upright, then cut the watermelon in half.
- Turn each half flat side down, cut it in half again, and cut the melon into quarters.
- Turn each quarter side down and carefully cut along the rind to remove it.
- After removing the rind, cut the watermelon flesh into strips and then into cubes if desired.
15 Watermelon Recipes for a Sweet Summer
Chopped Watermelon Greek Salad
Why we love it: Until recently, I didn’t understand how versatile watermelon could be, which meant I hadn’t explored incorporating it into my summer salads. If you’re looking for a healthy and delicious side salad to serve at a summer party, this Chopped Greek Salad is the perfect crowd-pleaser.
Hero ingredients: A little feta goes a long way.
Grilled Watermelon Salad
Why we love it: Grilled fruit is one of my summer cooking tips. Paired with your choice of crumbly cheese, such as feta or goat, this recipe is easy and will be loved by guests of all ages. Plus, grilling takes less than five minutes, which means more time playing in the sun.
Hero ingredients: Cheese is key.
Watermelon Vodka Cocktail
Why we love it: We all know and love watermelon cocktails, but this vodka cocktail is delicious and so easy to make. Inspired by cocktail recipes from Malibu Ranch chef and owner Helene Henderson, this is the ultimate drink this summer. Shake all four ingredients together and serve!
Hero ingredients: Fresh lime juice adds a bit of flavor to this cocktail.
watermelon punch
Why we love it: If you’re looking for serving options in NA, this Watermelon Punch is perfect for you. Just the right amount of watermelon wedges, paired with lime juice and sparkling soda, are the perfect way to stay hydrated and refreshed on a hot day.
Hero ingredients: Sparkling water makes this drink feel elevated and light.
Watermelon Tomato Caprese Salad
Why we love it: Caprese salads are my go-to for summer because they contain everything I love during the warmer months. Creamy mozzarella cheese, juicy cherry tomatoes, and crunchy cucumbers are delicious elements that complement the fresh watermelon in this amazing salad. Needless to say, I was a little obsessed.
Hero ingredients: High-quality extra virgin olive oil adds rich flavor to this salad.
Watermelon Mint Margarita
Why we love it: It wouldn’t be summer without a margarita to quench your thirst. After a day in the hot weather, it’s hard to resist the slushy combo of fresh fruit and tequila, and this recipe is sure to satisfy your frozen drink cravings.
Hero ingredients: Fresh mint and watermelon are an elite pairing.
Watermelon Salad with Cucumber and Feta
Why we love it: If you’re like me, you’re always on the lookout for new summer salad recipes that incorporate seasonal flavors. Served with a simple lime-olive oil vinaigrette, this watermelon salad takes less than an hour to make, including time in the refrigerator.
Hero ingredients: Baby arugula adds a bit of green goodness to this fresh fruit salad.
Spicy Watermelon Salad
Why we love it: Spicy Indian flavors paired with cool summer flavors make this one of the must-have watermelon recipes this season. With added ingredients like cheese and chaat masala to enhance the flavor of the fresh fruit slices, it’s a bowl of sweet and tangy flavour.
Hero ingredients: Cheese as a salad topping? Yes, please.
Crispy Salmon with Watermelon Mint Salsa
Why we love it: This is the summer of salmon recipes. This fish is easy to prepare in a pinch, pairs well with a variety of sweet and savory toppings, and you can even have it in your refrigerator or pantry.
Hero ingredients: I will be adding this watermelon mint salsa to just about everything for the foreseeable future.
watermelon skewers
Why we love it: These skewers can be served as a dessert or as a light dessert. Either way, they are a must-have for summer. Just skewer all the fruit, drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and basil, and enjoy!
Hero ingredients: Just the flavor of watermelon and basil.
Kale and Avocado Watermelon Salad
Why we love it: Loaded with handfuls of kale and crispy veggies like sliced fennel, cucumbers and crunchy radishes, it’s a summer salad. Sliced avocado and crumbled feta balance out the bold textures in this bowl that’s irresistible.
Hero ingredients: I love avocado with just about everything.
Watermelon Agua Fresca by Isabel Eats
Why we love it: This Agua Fresa recipe is a foolproof drink that all ages and taste buds can enjoy. Just watermelon, water and a little sugar and you’ve got yourself an easy summer drink that’s perfect for sunny days.
Hero ingredients: When it comes to brewing a refreshing beer, finishing with a sprig of fresh mint is always the answer.
Minimalist Baker’s Strawberry Watermelon Smoothie
Why we love it: Perhaps the most famous watermelon dessert is sorbet. It has an ice cream-like texture, is dairy-free and doesn’t have a lot of sugar. Combine frozen watermelon with your choice of alternative milk and frozen strawberries and bananas for the ultimate dessert recipe that makes the most of summer fruits.
Hero ingredients: Adding alternative milks like almond or coconut gives this smoothie a great taste while still being dairy-free.
Recipe Girl’s Watermelon Salsa
Why we love it: Everyone loves a delicious salsa recipe as a pre-meal or snack throughout the day. This watermelon salsa is a sweeter version of the traditional tomato and pepper appetizer. Bonus: It only requires 6 ingredients and can be thrown together in 15 minutes.
Hero ingredients: Fresh jalapenos add a spicy kick.
Easy Chocolate-Dipped Watermelon Slices from Gluten-Free Maximus
Why we love it: This is one of those “don’t knock it ’til you try it” watermelon recipes. But if the flavor combination is to your liking, this is an amazing and easy dessert that’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Simply dip ripe watermelon slices into dark or milk chocolate and sprinkle with a sprinkle of sea salt.
Hero ingredients: No matter which chocolate you choose, it will bring a touch of decadence to this delicious dessert.
