It’s time to savor the sweet and refreshing taste of summer with these 20 incredible watermelon recipes.
From delicious salads and drinks to mouthwatering desserts, this list has everything you need to make the most of this juicy fruit.
Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or simply looking for a cool and hydrating treat, these recipes are sure to impress your friends and family.
Let’s dive in and celebrate the versatility of watermelon in the kitchen!
Refreshing Watermelon Salads
Watermelon and Feta Salad with Mint
To kick off the refreshing watermelon salad section, let’s talk about a classic favorite – Watermelon and Feta Salad with Mint. This combination of sweet, juicy watermelon, salty feta cheese, and fresh mint is like a flavor explosion in every bite. Feta adds a creamy and tangy contrast to the sweet watermelon, while the mint leaves provide a refreshing finish to each mouthful.
Watermelon and Tomato Salad with Burrata
Refreshing yet satisfying, the Watermelon and Tomato Salad with Burrata is a delightful twist on a traditional caprese salad. The juicy watermelon pairs beautifully with ripe, tangy tomatoes and luxurious burrata cheese. The creamy burrata adds a velvety richness that elevates the salad to a whole new level of indulgence.
To make this salad, simply combine chunks of watermelon and tomato with torn pieces of burrata cheese. Drizzle with a balsamic glaze and sprinkle with fresh basil for a vibrant and flavorful dish that is sure to impress your guests.
Watermelon and Cucumber Salad with Dill
With its crisp textures and bright flavors, the Watermelon and Cucumber Salad with Dill is a perfect summer side dish or light lunch option. The combination of juicy watermelon, crunchy cucumber, and fragrant dill creates a refreshing and hydrating salad that is ideal for hot days.
The key to this salad is to keep it simple. Just toss together cubed watermelon, sliced cucumbers, and chopped dill in a bowl. Dress with a light vinaigrette made with olive oil, lemon juice, and a touch of honey. Serve chilled for a delightful and invigorating taste experience.
Sweet Watermelon Treats
It’s time to satisfy that sweet tooth with some refreshing watermelon treats. In this section, I’ll share some delightful recipes that are perfect for a summer day.
Watermelon Sorbet with Lime Zest
On a hot summer day, there’s nothing better than a scoop of homemade watermelon sorbet with a zesty twist of lime zest. This recipe is simple to make and requires just a few ingredients. The combination of sweet watermelon and tangy lime creates a harmonious flavor that will cool you down in no time.
Watermelon Granita with Basil
Watermelon granita with basil is a sophisticated yet easy dessert that will impress your guests. The sweetness of the watermelon combined with the herbal notes of fresh basil creates a unique and refreshing flavor profile. This icy treat is perfect for serving on a warm evening or as a palate cleanser between courses.
Watermelon Granita with Basil: This sophisticated dessert is a showstopper, with the unique blend of sweet watermelon and aromatic basil creating a flavor explosion in every bite. The granita’s icy texture adds a refreshing element that makes it a perfect summer treat.
Watermelon Tarts with Whipped Cream
Lime your taste buds with these delightful watermelon tarts topped with fluffy whipped cream. The combination of juicy watermelon and creamy whipped cream creates a luscious dessert that is as beautiful as it is delicious. These mini tarts are perfect for serving at a summer party or as a sweet treat after dinner.
Watermelon Tarts with Whipped Cream: This elegant dessert elevates the humble watermelon into a gourmet treat by pairing it with luxurious whipped cream. The contrast of textures and flavors in these tarts will leave you craving more, making them a standout dessert for any occasion.
Savory Watermelon Sides
Many savory watermelon dishes can surprise and delight your taste buds. One favorite is
Grilled Watermelon with Prosciutto and Arugula
. Grilled to perfection, the sweetness of the watermelon pairs beautifully with the salty prosciutto and peppery arugula. It’s a combination of flavors that will leave you craving more with each bite.
An equally delicious option is
Roasted Watermelon with Feta and Pistachios
. Roasting the watermelon caramelizes its natural sugars, intensifying its sweetness. When topped with creamy feta cheese and crunchy pistachios, this dish becomes a symphony of textures and flavors that will make your taste buds sing.
It’s not often that you think of salsa when it comes to watermelon, but
Watermelon Salsa with Tortilla Chips
is a game-changer. With a refreshing mix of diced watermelon, red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, and lime juice, this salsa is perfect for summer gatherings. The sweet and spicy flavors paired with crispy tortilla chips create a delightful contrast that will keep you coming back for more.
Hydrating Watermelon Drinks
For a refreshing and hydrating summer beverage, look no further than watermelon-based drinks. Whether you’re lounging by the pool or hosting a backyard BBQ, these hydrating watermelon drinks are sure to cool you down and quench your thirst.
Watermelon Mint Slushie
The Watermelon Mint Slushie is a perfect blend of sweet and refreshing flavors. I love using fresh mint leaves to add a burst of freshness to this drink. Simply blend watermelon chunks with mint leaves, ice, and a touch of lime juice for a revitalizing summer slushie that will keep you cool on hot days.
Watermelon Lime Refresher
Hydrating Watermelon Lime Refresher is a tangy and invigorating drink that is perfect for picnics and outdoor gatherings. The combination of watermelon and lime creates a zesty flavor profile that is both hydrating and delicious. You can customize this drink by adding a splash of sparkling water for some fizz or a sprig of fresh mint for an extra burst of freshness.
Watermelon Lime Refresher is a great option for those looking to stay hydrated while enjoying a flavorful beverage. This drink is low in calories and packed with hydration-boosting properties, making it an excellent choice for hot summer days.
Watermelon Cucumber Juice
Another delicious and hydrating option is the Watermelon Cucumber Juice. This refreshing drink combines the sweetness of watermelon with the crispness of cucumber for a revitalizing beverage that will keep you feeling hydrated and refreshed. Simply blend watermelon chunks and cucumber slices with a bit of water until smooth, then strain the mixture to extract the juice.
Juice up your summer with this cooling and hydrating Watermelon Cucumber Juice that is perfect for staying hydrated during the hot summer months. The addition of cucumber adds a refreshing twist to the watermelon juice, making it a go-to drink for those looking for a healthy and delicious hydration boost.
Watermelon as a Main Course
All over the world, watermelon is a refreshing and delicious treat typically enjoyed as a snack or dessert. However, this versatile fruit can also take center stage as the main course in savory dishes. From grilled watermelon skewers to watermelon salsa tacos, there are numerous ways to incorporate this juicy fruit into your main course repertoire.
Grilled Watermelon and Prosciutto Skewers
Grilled watermelon and prosciutto skewers are a delightful combination of sweet and salty flavors that are sure to impress your guests. To make these skewers, simply alternate chunks of juicy watermelon with slices of savory prosciutto on skewers and grill until the prosciutto is crispy. The contrast between the warm, caramelized watermelon and the salty richness of the prosciutto is a winning combination that will elevate any backyard barbecue or summer picnic.
Watermelon and Feta Stuffed Chicken Breasts
Grilled watermelon and feta stuffed chicken breasts are a show-stopping main course that combines juicy grilled chicken with the fresh flavors of watermelon and feta cheese. To make this dish, butterfly chicken breasts and stuff them with a mixture of diced watermelon, crumbled feta, and fresh herbs. Grill until the chicken is cooked through and the flavors have melded together. The juicy sweetness of the watermelon pairs perfectly with the salty tanginess of the feta, creating a dish that is as visually stunning as it is delicious.
Prosciutto and watermelon make for a classic flavor combination that can be elevated by grilling the fruit. The subtle char adds a smoky depth to the sweetness of the watermelon while the salty prosciutto provides a perfect contrast in each bite. These skewers are a great appetizer or main course option for any summer gathering.
Watermelon Salsa Tacos with Grilled Fish
Stuffed with a zesty watermelon salsa, tacos filled with grilled fish are a fresh and flavorful main course option that is perfect for summer dining. The spicy kick of the salsa, combined with the tender, flaky fish, creates a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that will leave you craving more. Whether you choose mahi-mahi, tilapia, or another favorite fish, this dish is a fun and creative way to incorporate watermelon into a savory main course.
The addition of watermelon salsa to these tacos adds a refreshing twist that balances out the heat of the grilled fish. The juicy, crisp texture of the watermelon contrasts beautifully with the smoky flavors of the fish, creating a taco experience like no other.
Watermelon Desserts
Watermelon Basil Ice Cream
Not only is watermelon delicious on its own, but it also makes for a fantastic ingredient in desserts. One of my favorite ways to enjoy watermelon in a sweet treat is by making Watermelon Basil Ice Cream. The combination of the refreshing watermelon flavor with the herbaceous notes of fresh basil creates a delightful and unique ice cream flavor that is perfect for hot summer days.
Watermelon Tarts with Fresh Berries
With a buttery crust and a creamy filling made with pureed watermelon, these Watermelon Tarts with Fresh Berries are a show-stopping dessert that will impress your guests. The vibrant colors of the fresh berries on top of the watermelon filling make these tarts not only delicious but also visually stunning.
Fresh berries like strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries complement the sweet and juicy watermelon filling, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures in each bite.
Watermelon Panna Cotta with Honey
With a delicate texture and a subtle watermelon flavor, this Watermelon Panna Cotta with Honey is a sophisticated dessert that is surprisingly easy to make. The smooth and creamy panna cotta is infused with fresh watermelon juice and set with gelatin to achieve the perfect consistency.
This elegant dessert is topped with a drizzle of honey, which adds a touch of sweetness that balances out the slight tartness of the watermelon. Serve this Watermelon Panna Cotta with Honey at your next dinner party for a memorable and refreshing end to the meal.
Conclusion
So there you have it, 20 delicious and creative watermelon recipes to try out and enjoy. Whether you are looking for a refreshing drink, a light salad, or a sweet dessert, there is something for everyone on this list. I hope these ideas inspire you to get creative in the kitchen and make the most of the summer season with this versatile and juicy fruit. Happy cooking!