There’s nothing quite as refreshing or fun as biting into a slice of watermelon on a hot day and letting its juices run free. Watermelon is the ultimate summer fruit. Sweet and refreshing, colourful, and fun to eat. It’s also composed of more than 90 percent water and is jam packed with vitamins and antioxidants, which means it will also help keep you hydrated on those hot and humid days. Best of all, it’s extremely versatile. And as you’ll see below, it’s easy to incorporate into appetizers, desserts, and even drinks.
Add it to your appetizers:
Summer watermelon salad
If you’re looking to impress your guests, this salad will. It’s a work of art, but simple to make. Watermelon, avocado, feta, and radish are cut into one-inch cubes and placed in a rectangular pattern. Recipe: www.ilanafreddye.com
Watermelon feta guacamole
If you love your guac, but are looking for a twist on the classic app, this could be your answer. Salty feta and smooth avocado combine with the sweet watermelon to make a unique dip that pairs perfectly with tortilla chips. Recipe: www.twopeasandtheirpod.com
Watermelon blueberry salsa
This is a truly unique salsa that is bound to impress everyone. Tomatoes, onions, and spicy jalapeños combine with watermelon, blueberries, lime, and fresh cilantro to create a fun, fruity dip. Recipe: www.loveandoliveoil.com
Watermelon and goat cheese appetizer
These adorable one-bites look like they could belong on the dessert table, but are in fact a fresh, no cook appetizer perfect for your next cottage party. Recipe: www.afoodcentriclife.com
Watermelon feta and arugula salad
This beautiful salad combines sweet watermelon with bitter greens, feta, pine nuts, and a balsamic drizzle. It’s the perfect light lunch for a hot day. Recipe: www.sharedappetite.com
Grilled watermelon and prosciutto spears
In this sweet and savory recipe, salty prosciutto and sweet watermelon cubes are skewered with fresh basil and then flash grilled to marry the flavours. Recipe: www.southbeachprimal.com
Serve it as an after-dinner dessert:
Watermelon popsicles with a dark chocolate drizzle
Crushed watermelon, sweet honey, and milk are frozen into ice cube trays and then garnished with a drizzle of dark chocolate for a petite treat. Recipe: www.gotchocolate.com
Vegan watermelon pizza dessert
A round slice of watermelon is the base of this simple and refreshing dessert. It’s entirely vegan and gluten free, making it a good choice for people with a variety of dietary restrictions. Recipe: www.thecookiewriter.com
Watermelon lime sorbet slices
This delicious watermelon and lime sorbet is served right back in the watermelon rind for fantastic presentation. Recipe: www.foodformyfamily.com
Strawberry and watermelon cake
It’s not very often that watermelon makes an appearance in cak—or any baked good for that matter—so when it does, it’s a great opportunity to eat even more watermelon. Flavours of almond, rose scented crea, and strawberry accompany the melon in this beautiful layered cake. Recipe: www.trissalicious.com
Mix it into a refreshing summer drink:
Watermelon shake
This creamy watermelon shake is a perfect, cool treat the whole family will enjoy. Recipe: www.food52.com
Watermelon lemonade
This is a great lemonade recipe for a large crowd, making it perfect for big parties or a long weekend at the cottage. The addition of the watermelon juice to the homemade lemonade cuts the bitter lemon flavour with a natural sweetness. Recipe: www.sugarandcharm.com
Watermelon mojito
This quintessentially summer drink blends watermelon, fresh mint, lime, club soda, and rum. Omit the alcohol for an equally delicious virgin refresher. Recipe: www.peanutbutterandpeppers.com
Watermelon bourbon fizz
Sometimes the best recipes are the most simple. This one screams summer. Bourbon, pureed watermelon, lime juice, and soda water combine to make this refreshing cocktail. Recipe: www.bakerbynature.com
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