18 Next-Level Watermelon Recipes

on July 31, 2015

Cooking Classy

Wild for Watermelon

In honor of National Watermelon Day on August 3rd, we pay homage to one of summer's favorite fruits. Available in all shapes and sizes, any way you whip 'em up, watermelons are refreshing and light. Whether sweet, savory, tangy or simple, watermelon recipes provide an easy way of using up a surplus of the juicy treat we love and salute as an American summertime staple. Here are some creative new watermelon recipes to try before summer is long gone!

National Watermelon Promotion Board | Relish.com

Creamy Watermelon Sherbet

One of the best ways to dress up your watermelon is as a frozen treat, and this creamy watermelon sherbet is frosty and easy to make. With hints of nutmeg and lime, this frozen dessert is refreshing, sweet, and tangy. It makes the perfect afternoon scoop to help you cool off. Get the recipe here.

National Watermelon Promotion Board | Relish.com

Watermelon Salsa

Sweet and spicy is a kicker of a combination, but this watermelon salsa takes the combo to a new level. With sweet watermelon, tart strawberries, hot jalapeu00f1os, lime juice, mint, and onion, this unique mixture of flavors is sure to tingle your taste buds. Serve it up for a summer snack or side with tortilla chips, pretzels, or pita chips. Get the recipe here.

Lucy Schaeffer

Watermelon Salad

This salad mixes beautiful pale greens and pink along with mild flavors and a hint of sweetness. Cooling cucumbers, delicate slivers of radish and crunchy celery combine a variety of textures and come together with juicy bites of watermelon. This tangy summer salad is just right for a backyard bash or a side dish for grilled chicken or burgers. Get the recipe here.

Betty Crockeru2019s Living with Cancer Cookbook

Watermelon Kiwi Banana Smoothie

Smoothies are a healthy afternoon snack or grab-n-go breakfast. This trio of fruits all boast super sweet flavors that blend seamlessly into a thick, delicious smoothie. Light, juicy watermelon adds just the right amount of flavor to this creamy summer sip. Get the recipe here.

Damn Delicious

Watermelon Mango Pico de Gallo

Need a refreshing taco-topper that goes perfectly with shrimp or fish tacos? This tropical, sweet salsa has a fresh flavor and a strong bite thanks to jalapeu00f1os and zesty cilantro. Loaded with ripe mango and juicy watermelon, you may just want to eat it straight out of the bowl. It's the most colorful pico de gallo around, and it's one you won't want to miss out on! Get the recipe here.

Tiffany from Creme de la Crumb

Watermelon Pops

Another way to pack the ultimate summer food into a delicious, cold treat is by whipping out the popsicle sticks and having a go at some homemade watermelon pops. This two-ingredient recipe requires only watermelon-flavored yogurt and fresh chunks of watermelon. Slip the mixture into popsicle molds, freeze 'em, and enjoy! Get the recipe here.

Minimalist Baker

Coconut Lime Watermelon Slushie

For this icy, tangy treat, all you need is frozen watermelon, lime juice, coconut milk, watermelon juice, a pinch of sea salt, and a dash of sweetener. The smooth, slushy texture of this sweet and sour treat is hard to beat. For added fun, serve it in a small, hollowed watermelon half! Get the recipe here.

A Healthy Life For Me

Watermelon Feta Blackberry Skewers

Crumbly, salty feta cheese pairs so nicely with ripe watermelon and tangy, plump blackberries that you won't believe how tasty these tiny skewers are! Not to mention that the colors in this bite-sized snack are absolutely delightful. These skewers make the perfect appetizer or party favorite snacku2013and they're so easy to make! Get the recipe here.

Show Me The Yummy

Watermelon Sangria

You might need a siesta after this sangria, but who can blame youu2013summer is the ultimate nap time. With a mixture of pureed watermelon and strawberries, lemon juice, Pinot Grigio, strawberry vodka, triple sec, and bunches of fruit to soak, this sangria is the number one cocktail to get you in the spirit of National Watermelon Day. Try it with some tapas or serve it up aloneu2013it'll speak for itself. Get the recipe here.

Alexandra Grablewski

Salted Watermelon Shooter

Raise a glass to summer fun! Throw back these tangy salt-rimmed shooters as a toast to watermelon (or any occasion). A blend of watermelon juice, watermelon vodka (oh yes, we went there), silver tequila, lime juice, and simple syrup combines the flavors of a margarita into a quick punch of a shot. What a way to get the party started! Get the recipe here.

Mark Boughton Photography / styling by Teresa Blackburn

Watermelon Ice Cubes

Ice, ice, baby. These watermelon ice cubes are a simple way to use up some extra watermelon for a cool, refreshing addition to sparkling water, ginger ale, or whatever you please. With simple syrup and lemon juice, they are lightly sweetened with a splash of tanginess. They are just enough to doctor up your drinks. Get the recipe here.

Kimberly Sneed

Grilled Pineapple Watermelon Fruit Kabobs

Grilling fruit is an interesting new way to mix up your daily dose of vitamins and minerals. Juicy watermelon and tropical pineapple complement one another when grilled because both flavors are enhanced by a tinge of char and the ultra-sweet juices pulled out from the heat. Skewer some up and pop 'em on the grillu2013you won't be disappointed. Get the recipe here.

Jennifer Pallian fromu00a0Foodess

Watermelon Milkshake

Inspired by a pool-side treat from Thailand, this watermelon milkshake is easy to make and totally refreshing. With just milk, frozen watermelon and granulated sugar, this frozen beverage is creamy and satisfying. Plus, it is a delicate shade of pink that is oh-so pleasant! Get the recipe here.

Camille Styles

Watermelon and Halloumi Salad

This cheese and watermelon pairing makes a delightful savory salad that is great for the summertime. Halloumi's mild flavor combined with sweet, juicy watermelon, peppery arugula, crunchy pistachios and fresh mint makes this salad a whirlwind of flavors that stitch together perfectly in every bite. Get the recipe here.

Domestically Blissful

Watermelon Syrup

Pancakes, waffles, ice cream...Oh, my! This watermelon syrup recipe is incredible for topping your favorite desserts and sweet breakfast foods. You can even mix it in your favorite drinks and cocktails for a melon-y twist. You might find yourself drizzling this syrup on just about everything! Get the recipe here.

Pinch of Yum

Balsamic Watermelon Chicken Salad

Strangely enough, balsamic vinegar and watermelon are an amazing duo. The tangy, salty sauce mixed with the sweet juices of the watermelon brings out a whole new world of flavor. This colorful salad packs in cubed watermelon, blue cheese crumbles, fresh green baby spinach, and almonds with mild grilled chicken and ties everything together with a balsamic and olive oil dressing. It makes the perfect healthy meal. Get the recipe here.

Perpetually Hungry

Watermelon Beer Shandy

In case you're unaware, a shandy is a beer and juice combination cocktail that is fruitier and lighter than a flavored beer or cider. Concocted with just a white or wheat beer and pureed watermelon, this drink is a go-to refresher that can liven up any party. It's a total must for summer. Get the recipe here.

Cooking Classy

Kiwi Coconut Watermelon Popsicles

Just one more popsicle...for the road. This watermelon look-alike popsicle combines fresh watermelon, chocolate chips, coconut milk, and pureed kiwis for a layered frozen treat to help you escape the heat. They're fun, cooling, and incredibly adorableu2013kids and adults alike will go crazy for them. Get the recipe here, and cheers to watermelon!