We all know that when the temperatures rise, watermelon comes out. Not only is this fruit at its tastiest in the summer, but watermelon recipes are perfect for poolside fun and all kinds of outdoor activities. Whether you’re craving a delicious salad with fresh, juicy slices or a sweet treat at the end of the day, this list has everything you could ever dream of.
Before we share with you the best watermelon recipes this summer, there are a few important details to keep in mind when prepping and selecting your fruit. Tackling a whole watermelon when you have no experience cutting fruit can be daunting, so don’t miss these steps. But don’t worry, look no further for everything you need to know to enjoy watermelon with ease.
How to Pick the Best Watermelon
There are a few key ways to choose the ripest, sweetest, tastiest watermelon: Besides the fact that watermelons thrive in the summer, there are a few other considerations to keep in mind when heading to the farmers market.
- Shape and size. As a rule of thumb, the heavier the watermelon, the juicier it is, after all, watermelon is made up of 90% water. Additionally, the best watermelons are symmetrical in shape, whether round or oval. Irregular shapes may be a sign that the watermelon received inconsistent amounts of sun and water during its growth.
- Field spot. When choosing a melon, where You can tell when the fruit has developed. Yellow spots on the watermelon, called field spots, show where the watermelon grew and ripened above ground. If the spots are a deep yellow, the watermelon is likely to be sweeter and riper.
- Sound test. Once you’ve picked a good-looking watermelon, try tapping the fruit lightly with your knuckle: a ripe watermelon will have a deep, hollow sound, while an underripe watermelon will have a flat, dull sound when tapped.
How to cut and prepare a watermelon
There are a few different ways to cut a watermelon. If your watermelon is too large, these methods may make the job easier.
slice
- Cut off both ends of the watermelon.
- Cut the watermelon in half vertically.
- Place the halved melon flat side down, then cut it in half again to make 4 equal pieces.
- Cut the quarters into 1-inch slices, or whatever size you prefer.
Cubes/Sticks
- Cut off both ends of the watermelon.
- Cut the watermelon in half vertically.
- Place the halved melon flat side down, then cut it in half again to make 4 equal pieces.
- Place each quarter flat side down and carefully slice along the skin to remove it.
- Once the skin is removed, cut the watermelon flesh into strips and cube as desired.
15 Watermelon Recipes for a Sweet Summer
Greek salad with shredded watermelon
Why we love it: Until recently, I had no idea how versatile watermelon was, so I never looked for ways to incorporate it into summer salads. If you’re looking for a healthy and delicious side salad to serve at a summer gathering, this Chopped Greek Salad is the perfect crowd-pleaser.
Hero ingredients: A little feta cheese is all you need.
Grilled watermelon salad
Why we love it: Grilled fruit is one of my summer cooking secrets. Paired with your favorite crumbly cheese, like feta or goat cheese, this recipe is simple and will please guests of all ages. Plus, it requires less than five minutes of grilling time, so you have more time to enjoy it in the sun.
Hero ingredients: Cheese is the key.
Watermelon Vodka Cocktail
Why we love it: We all know and love the watermelon drink, but this vodka cocktail is delicious and surprisingly easy to make. Inspired by a cocktail recipe from Helen Henderson, chef and owner of Malibu Farm, this cocktail is the perfect drink to sip this summer. Simply mix all four ingredients, shake and enjoy.
Hero ingredients: Fresh lime juice adds a little tartness to this cocktail.
Watermelon punch
Why we love it: If you’re looking for an NA option, this Watermelon Punch is a great choice – packed with watermelon chunks, it’s perfect for keeping you hydrated and refreshed in the heat when combined with lime juice and fizzy club soda.
Hero ingredients: The addition of club soda makes this drink feel more luxurious and light.
Watermelon and Tomato Caprese Salad
Why we love it: Caprese salad is a summer staple that combines everything I love about hot weather. Creamy mozzarella cheese, juicy cherry tomatoes, and crisp cucumbers are the flavorful ingredients that complement the fresh watermelon in this amazing salad. Needless to say, I’m obsessed with Caprese.
Hero ingredients: Using a quality EVOO will add a rich flavor to this salad.
Watermelon Mint Margarita
Why we love it: Summer just isn’t summer without a thirst-quenching margarita recipe. It’s hard to resist the combination of fresh fruit and tequila sorbet after a hot day, and this recipe will definitely satisfy your frozen drink craving.
Hero ingredients: Fresh mint and watermelon are a great combination.
Watermelon salad with cucumber and feta cheese
Why we love it: If you’re like me, you’re always on the lookout for new summer salad recipes that incorporate the flavors of the season. This watermelon salad with a simple lime-flavored olive oil vinaigrette takes less than an hour to make, including chilling time in the refrigerator.
Hero ingredients: Baby arugula adds a touch of green deliciousness to this fresh fruit salad.
Spicy Watermelon Salad
Why we love it: With a spicy Indian flavour that complements the cool summer tastes, this recipe is one of the must-have watermelon recipes for this season. Enhance the flavour of fresh watermelon slices with the addition of paneer and chat masala for a sweet and tart taste.
Hero ingredients: Can I use paneer as an ingredient in a salad? Yes, please.
Crispy Salmon with Watermelon Mint Salsa
Why we love it: This is a summer salmon recipe that’s easy to prepare when you’re in a hurry and can be combined with a variety of sweet and savory toppings that you may have leftover in your fridge or pantry.
Hero ingredients: I plan on adding this watermelon mint salsa to all my meals from now on.
Watermelon skewers
Why we love it: These skewers can be enjoyed as a sweet snack or a light dessert – either way, they’re a must-have in the summer. Add all the fruit to the skewers, drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and basil and serve.
Hero ingredients: There’s something special about watermelon and basil.
Watermelon salad with kale and avocado
Why we love it: Packed with a generous amount of curly kale and other crunchy veggies like sliced fennel, cucumber, and crisp radishes, this is the quintessential summer salad. Sliced avocado and crumbled feta balance out the bold textures of this bowl that will be hard to resist.
Hero ingredients: I love putting avocado in everything.
Watermelon Agua Fresca by Isabel Eats
Why we love it: This agua fresa recipe is a foolproof drink that can be enjoyed by all ages and palates. All you need is watermelon, water, and a little sugar – a simple summer drink perfect for sunny days.
Hero ingredients: When making a refreshing drink, the perfect finishing touch is to garnish it with a fresh mint sprig.
Minimalist Baker’s Strawberry Watermelon Sorbet
Why we love it: Perhaps the most well-known watermelon dessert is sorbet, which has a texture similar to ice cream, but without the dairy or tons of sugar. Made with frozen watermelon, your favorite alternative milk, and frozen strawberries and bananas, sorbet is the ultimate dessert recipe for making the most of this summer fruit.
Hero ingredients: By adding alternative milks such as almond milk or coconut milk, you can create a sorbet that is dairy-free but still has a delicious taste.
Recipe Girl’s Watermelon Salsa
Why we love it: Everyone loves a delicious salsa recipe to have before dinner or throughout the day. This watermelon salsa is a sweet twist on the traditional tomato and pepper based appetizer. Best of all, it only requires six ingredients and can be made in 15 minutes.
Hero ingredients: Fresh jalapeños add a nice heat.
Gluten-Free Maximus’ Easy Chocolate Dipped Watermelon Bites
Why we love it: This is one of those “you can’t criticize it unless you’ve tried it” watermelon recipes, but if this flavor combination is to your liking, it’s a surprisingly simple dessert that will satisfy your sweet tooth: just dunk ripe watermelon in dark or milk chocolate and top with a little sprinkling of sea salt.
Hero ingredients: Whatever chocolate you choose, it will add a decadent flavor to this royal dessert.
