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Summer cookouts just aren't the same without a giant platter of watermelon wedges—whether kept classic or spiked with something a little stronger. This roundup of 20 creative watermelon recipes goes way beyond the basics to prove just how versatile our favorite summer fruit really can be. From kicky salsas and crisp salads to refreshing adult libations and sweet treats, these ideas will keep melon front and center on the table all season long.
Try these unique watermelon recipes this summer!
Brit + Co
Watermelon-Peach Chilled Soup
Summery chilled soup recipes are one of our favorite ways to cool off when the weather's warm. Full of nutritious veg, sweetness, and a hint of spice, this chilled soup has become our go-to working from home lunch. Pair it with a lemonade for the most refreshing meal of all time. (via Brit + Co)
Tieghan Gerard/Half Baked Harvest
Strawberry Watermelon Salad
Swap out sliced tomatoes with rounds of watermelon for an unexpected, yet still delicious, twist on the classic caprese. (via Tieghan Gerard/Half Baked Harvest)
Pinch of Yum
Balsamic Watermelon Chicken Salad
The mix of textures plus sweet, tangy and briny elements makes this one crave-worthy salad that’ll keep you satisfied. (via Pinch of Yum)
Clean Cuisine
Veggie, Papaya and Watermelon Gazpacho with Jalapeno
Summery, crisp, and incredibly refreshing, this vibrant Watermelon Gazpacho is the ultimate way to beat the heat. It blends sweet summer melon with garden-fresh veggies and a subtle kick of spice. (via Clean Cuisine)
Naive Cook Cooks
Refreshing Cucumber Watermelon Salad
Loaded with hydrating produce, this cooling salad is perfect when temps soar, or you’re in need of a bloat-busting dish. (via Naive Cook Cooks)
Grilled Watermelon Steak
Fire up the grill for a smoky, savory twist on summer’s favorite fruit! Grilling watermelon caramelizes its natural sugars, creating a rich, steak-like texture that pairs amazingly with herbs and tangy cheeses. (via Live Eat Learn)
Watermelon Blueberry Salad
Mix chopped watermelon, blueberries, honey and lime juice and you get this instant crowdpleaser, yum! (via Feel Good Foodie)
Tieghan Gerard/Half Baked Harvest
Frozen Watermelon Spritz
Up-level your summer spritz with this refreshingly delicious combo for your next weekend BBQ. (via Tieghan Gerard/Half Baked Harvest)
Watermelon and Whipped Feta Crostini
Crisp, juicy watermelon meets rich, salty whipped feta in this effortless summer bite. Perched atop toasted crostini, it’s the ultimate sweet-and-savory appetizer for warm-weather entertaining. (via Cozy Cravings)
Sweetgreen
Watermelon Salsa
Scoop up this kicky fruit salsa with tortilla chips or even endive spears. We imagine it would also make a fab topping for fish tacos. (via Sweetgreen)
Brit + Co
Watermelon Margarita Poptails
An oldie but a goodie, these super cute poptails are a festive alternative to Jello shots for your next fiesta. (via Brit + Co)
Watermelon Coconut Ice Cream (Vegan, Gluten-Free)
You don’t even need an ice cream maker to churn up a batch of this luscious, date-sweetened and dairy-free frozen dessert. (via Nutritionist in the Kitchen)
Half Baked Harvest
Mahi Mahi Tacos With Tequila-Soaked Watermelon Salsa
Mango, avocado and watermelon combine to create a stunning, spicy salsa for these grilled fish tacos. (via Half Baked Harvest)
Domestically Blissful
Watermelon Fruit Leather
You only need one ingredient to make these healthy DIY snacks. Hmmm, wonder what it could possibly be… (via Domestically Blissful)
Brit + Co
Cucumber Watermelon Shooters
Put a new spin on the expected booze-infused watermelon by filling edible cucumber shot glasses with a spicy mix of peppers and spiked fruit. (via Brit + Co)
Nugget Markets
Watermelon Pizza
Go low-carb in a bright new way by topping wedges of watermelon with feta, onions and olives. It may not take the place of your fave pie, but still makes for a tasty appetizer. (via Nugget Markets)
Brit + Co
Watermelon-Cantaloupe Dessert Fruit Cake
We’d gladly dig into this multilayer creation that redefines the meaning of fruitcake in a very good way. (via Brit + Co)
Barley & Sage
Red White & Blue Sangria
This Labor Day make this festive red, white, and blue sangria (pinot grigio, vodka, and fresh berries), garnished with watermelon stars! (via Barley & Sage)
A Spicy Perspective
Five-Ingredient Watermelon Rum Punch
5 ingredients, zero stress, total summer vibes. This quick-and-easy rum punch blends juicy fresh watermelon with a tropical kick for the ultimate batch cocktail—perfect for poolside sipping or warm-weather entertaining. (via A Spicy Perspective)
Brit + Co
Watermelon Fruit Pizza
This irresistible dessert features honey-sweetened whipped cream cheese and ricotta icing with juicy watermelon, topped with fresh kiwi, blueberries, and strawberries. (via Brit + Co)
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