Watermelon is not only delicious, but healthy too — it is full of vitamins A & C, lycopene, potassium, and amino acids. It's been a staple for our family all summer, but to make sure we don't get tired of our favorite summer treat, we like to use it ways that may surprise you. Watermelon adds a new twist and a sweet flavor to these recipes that your taste buds will not be expecting!
Here are a few new ways to enjoy watermelon:
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1. Add to Salads
Summer Watermelon Salad
Ingredients: 4 cups cubed seedless watermelon, 2 cups cubed tomatoes (we love Campari), ½ cup halved and thinly-sliced red onion, a handful of torn fresh basil, ¼ cup avocado oil, 2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar, feta cheese for topping/garnish (we also like it with shaved Parmesan), kosher salt and cracked pepper to taste
Directions: In a large bowl, combine oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper and whisk together. Add watermelon, tomato, onion, and basil and toss until coated. Serve at room temperature or chill for later. Add cheese right before serving. Serve with crusty bread for a fresh and light lunch.
More Salad Ideas
- Combine bite-sized pieces of watermelon and cucumber, dress with lime juice and thinly-sliced fresh mint leaves
- Slice watermelon thin and add to a Caprese salad
- Wrap in prosciutto and add to your anti-pasta platter or charcuterie board
2. Make Salsa
Watermelon Salsa
Ingredients: 1 seedless watermelon, 1 red onion, 5 jalapeño peppers (seeded), 1 cup basil, lime juice to taste
Directions: Roughly chop all ingredients and mix. Feel free to experiment, adding more or less of any particular ingredient to fit your family's taste.
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3. Use the Rinds
Just remove the green and you can make all kinds of treats!
- Pickle the rinds for a tart treat
- Grate the rinds and add to coleslaw
4. Go Savory
- Eat it as is, or bring out the sweetness by sprinkling a little sea salt on your slices.
- Add to toast with goat cheese, honey, and thyme.
- Grill slices or chunks and try different spices and flavors like chili powder and lime or honey.
- Grill Caribbean kabobs with chicken, pineapple, peppers, and watermelon.
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5. Don't Forget Dessert!
Watermelon Granitas
Ingredients: 4 cups of cubed watermelon, juice of 1/2 of a lime, 1/4 cup sugar
Directions: Puree all ingredients, pour into a shallow dish, freeze for one hour, scrape off the top — layer by layer — with a fork and serve with a garnish of lime or fresh mint leaves.
More Dessert Ideas
- How about a cake made out of watermelon? Peel, cut in the shape you'd like, ice with whipped topping and top with berries. So fun!
- Make watermelon pops, blend 4-5 cups seedless watermelon chunks and 1-2 Tbsp fresh lime juice and freeze in ice pop molds.
