Watermelon is an incredible fruit loaded with healthy benefits, so to celebrate, we’re going to show you our favorite ways to prepare watermelon. This sweet fruit is a delicious and healthy option for keeping cool in the summer heat. So grab your sunglasses and sandals, and enjoy sharing these treats with your friends all summer long!
1. Peach Watermelon Salad
Peaches and watermelons are a deliciously sweet summertime combination, and this salad recipe makes sure you get the best of both worlds!
Ingredients:
8 to 10 slices of fresh peaches
8 to 10 slices of fresh watermelon
8 to 10 slices of mozzarella cheese
12 to 14 slices of fresh tomatoes
Fresh mint leaves
Fresh basil leaves
Olive oil
Salt and pepper
Balsamic vinegar
Directions:
Stack the tomato, peach, watermelon, and mozzarella slices and layer them as desired. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar and olive oil. Add a dash of salt and pepper. Serve chilled.
2. Quinoa with Basil, Watermelon, and Feta
Quinoa is an excellent source of vegetarian protein. So this dish can act as a small snack, or it can be your entire lunch. It will leave you feeling full but refreshed, and it’s surprisingly easy to make!
Ingredients:
1 ½ cups chopped fresh watermelon
⅔ cup feta cheese
1 cup uncooked quinoa, rinsed
¼ teaspoon pepper
¾ teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon honey
15-20 basil leaves, chopped
1 lime, for juice
Directions:
Cook the quinoa according to the directions on the package. When it’s finished, let the quinoa cool and then toss with the pepper and ½ teaspoon of salt. Add the chopped watermelon, honey, and ¼ teaspoon of salt. Toss it all together with the basil and crumbled feta. Then squeeze the lime for juice, toss it again, and serve. It’s that easy!
3. Grilled Watermelon with Honey Salad
Grilled watermelon might sound strange, but it’s actually a delicious way to prepare this fruit. And when topped with honey in this tasty salad, it adds a whole new twist to the traditional watermelon flavor.
Ingredients:
2 round, large watermelon slices, each cut into 4 triangles
1 pint of grape tomatoes, quartered
4 ounces of mozzarella cheese, sliced
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons olive oil
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon pepper
Directions:
Brush both sides of each watermelon triangle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Drizzle with honey and place the watermelon slices on a grill at medium heat. Grill each side for 2 minutes. Remove from the grill, and place two watermelon triangles on each plate. Cover the watermelon with a sprinkle of tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella. Add salt and pepper, then drizzle with balsamic glaze and serve.
4. Watermelon Pizza
This may not sound yummy at first, but for all pizza lovers, it’s the perfect way to get the nutrients you need in your favorite triangle shape. This juicy watermelon fruit pizza recipe is one that the whole family will love and the perfect dessert for any summer party!
Ingredients:
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
4 ounces cool whip
¼ cup powdered sugar
½ teaspoon vanilla
2 slices watermelon
½ cup sliced strawberries
½ cup sliced peaches
½ cup sliced kiwi
½ cup blueberries
Directions:
Beat the softened cream cheese. Mix in the cool whip. Stir in the powdered sugar and vanilla. Spread ½ cup of the cream cheese frosting on each slice of watermelon. Top with sliced fruit.
5. Watermelon Salad With Balsamic and Bacon
Who doesn’t love bacon? You don’t have to avoid bacon when you’re trying to eat healthy when you combine it with watermelon in this recipe. It makes for a delicious salad that you can enjoy guilt-free.
Ingredients:
6 cups of watermelon (cubed)
1 pound of bacon
2 tablespoons of fresh mint
¼ cup of sliced red onion
⅔ cup of sesame seeds or other nuts
2 tablespoons of basil
1 tablespoon of sea salt
1 tablespoon of olive oil
¼ cup balsamic vinegar
Directions:
Make the glaze by putting the balsamic vinegar in a small saucepan. Let it simmer until reduced by half. Cook the bacon. Chop the fresh mint and basil, cube your watermelon, and slice your onion. Add basil, mint, onion, and watermelon to a large bowl and toss with salt and olive oil. Once the bacon has finished cooking, toss it into the salad mixture. Drizzle the whole thing with your glaze and serve it up!
6. Watermelon Chicken
You’re probably wondering how this combination is even possible or if it could possibly taste good. Well, it may come as a surprise, but the smoky, sweet flavor of this summertime chicken will leave you wanting more.
Ingredients:
4 pounds of chicken drumsticks
2 cups of cubed watermelon
¼ cup of honey
¼ cup of chipotle peppers
1 cup of ketchup
1 cup of blue cheese crumbles
¾ teaspoon of salt
1 lime for juice
½ cup of fresh cilantro
1 cup of Greek yogurt
Directions:
Place the watermelon, honey, chipotle peppers, ketchup, and salt in a blender, and blend until smooth. Put the chicken in a large Ziploc bag, and pour the watermelon marinade into the bag. Place in the fridge and let the chicken marinate for 1-2 hours.
Place the yogurt, cilantro, blue cheese, ¼ teaspoon of salt, and lime juice into a food processor and process until combined. This is your dipping sauce, so transfer it from the bowl and place it in the fridge until you need it.
Preheat the oven to 425°F. Take the chicken out of the marinade and bake for 40 minutes. Flip the chicken once while baking. While the chicken cooks, bring the marinade to a boil in a saucepan. Then lower the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes, stirring frequently. Then remove it from the heat and set it to the side. When the chicken is done baking, brush it with the marinade. Place it under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, or until it starts to darken. Pull the chicken out of the oven and enjoy with your blue cheese sauce!
The Bottom Line
Watermelon is a perfect treat on a hot day, or really whenever you feel like having it. Summer days are great for having fun in the sun and tasty, refreshing recipes. These recipes are quick and easy to make, so you can kick back with a cool snack and enjoy summertime. Just remember to stay hydrated and use sunscreen.
