14 Watermelon Recipes to Keep You Cool All Summer Long
Drinks, salads, and easy desserts.
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A big, cold slice of watermelon just *feels* like summer. It's the go-to side at cookouts, the snack you grab after a day in the sun, and the thing everyone hopes is chilling in the fridge. But watermelon's good for a whole lot more than just wedges on a plate. You can toss it into fresh salads, blend it into smoothies, turn it into salsa, work it into your favorite BBQ recipes, or even use it to make the most refreshing watermelon drinks of the season. From mocktails to margaritas, it's the summer fruit that does it all.
First things first, you'll want to know how to pick a watermelon that's ripe and juicy. There are a few tricks that involve thumping the rind to see if it sounds hollow and feeling the watermelon to see if it's heavy. Of course, many supermarkets these days also sell pre-cut watermelon pieces to make things even easier. Try watermelon for breakfast in one of your favorite smoothie recipes or for dessert in watermelon popsicles. To give your watermelon a savory spin, you can make a chilled watermelon gazpacho or give slices of watermelon a quick sear on the grill—it'll change the way you think about it! Whether you go sweet, savory, or in your favorite summer cocktails, watermelon is sure to be the highlight of the season.
Watermelon Sweet Tea
When you need this summer afternoon pick-me-up, reach for a glass of this sweet tea! Its sweetness is offset by the mild green tea and minty flavor.
Get Ree's Watermelon Sweet Tea recipe.
Watermelon-Feta Orzo Salad
This fresh twist on pasta salad starts with orzo, then gets loaded up with sweet watermelon, salty feta, and peppery arugula. It's light, flavorful, and perfect for warm-weather gatherings.
Get Ree's Watermelon-Feta Orzo Salad recipe.
Melon Spritzers
A honeydew mocktail and watermelon skewers for garnish? Yes, please! These spritzers are fun, fruity, and just the thing to sip on while you sit in the shade.
Get Ree's Melon Spritzers recipe.
Watermelon Pizza
A watermelon "crust," sweetened Greek yogurt for your sauce, and all the delightfully fruity topping you can dream of make this watermelon "pizza" the most fun summer treat!
Get Ree's Watermelon Pizza recipe.
Watermelon Feta Salad
Ree calls this salad "magical," and once you taste it, you'll understand why. It's cool, crisp, salty-sweet perfection made with just a few simple ingredients.
Get Ree's Watermelon Feta Salad recipe.
Grilled Watermelon
Grilling watermelon might sound funky, but trust us—it's worth the experimentation and extra effort. The heat brings out a caramelized sweetness, and a sprinkle of lime zest and cilantro makes it feel downright gourmet.
Get the Grilled Watermelon recipe.
Watermelon Margarita
Sweet, tart, and a little spicy, this fun margarita recipe has summer written all over it. Blended fruit, fresh lime, and a Tajín-sugar rim make every sip a treat.
Get the Watermelon Margarita recipe.
Watermelon Smoothie
Need something fast, cold, and kid-approved? This smoothie blends watermelon with frozen berries and creamy Greek yogurt for a refreshing treat that works any time of day.
Get the Watermelon Smoothie recipe.
Sunrise Fruit Salad
This colorful bowl is basically sunshine in salad form. Watermelon, mango, pineapple, and orange slices get topped with toasted coconut and a quick homemade syrup for a tropical finish.
Get Ree's Sunrise Fruit Salad recipe.
Watermelon Sangria
A big batch of this summer sangria is perfect for 4th of July parties or any pool party for that matter. In fact, with only three ingredients and 15 minutes of prep, you'll want to make this sangria all summer long.
Get Ree's Watermelon Sangria recipe.
Watermelon-Raspberry Frozen Sangria
This recipe is basically like a wine slushy made with watermelon and raspberries. If it doesn't cool you down on a hot day, we don't know what will!
Get Ree's Watermelon-Raspberry Frozen Sangria recipe.
Watermelon Salsa
It's the perfect balance of refreshing and spicy—this fruit salsa is just as delicious on top of grilled chicken or fish as it is in a bowl with tortilla chips for dipping.
Get Ree's Watermelon Salsa recipe.
Watermelon Wine Coolers
This cocktail is made with watermelon three ways: pureed watermelon, watermelon-flavored seltzer, and watermelon balls for garnish.
Get Ree's Watermelon Wine Coolers recipe.
Watermelon Granita
A granita might sound fancy, but all you need is a spoon or fork to scrape the icy mixture as it freezes. Ree says it's the perfect treat for those " unbearably hot months of summer."
Get Ree's Watermelon Granita recipe.
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