Nothing says summer eating quite like watermelon. The kid in me remembers camp cookouts that always ended with a juicy slice of watermelon and a handful of paper towels. The arrival of seedless watermelon in markets (yes, there was a time when that was not a thing) put an end to the seed-spitting contests, but not the sweet deliciousness of this summer treat. Here are 12 different recipes that satisfy that watermelon craving, but take it up a notch or two.
Watermelon Lemonade
If there’s anything out there that will quench your thirst like a glass of this — the ultimate pink lemonade — I’d like to know about it. Get the recipe from Smitten Kitchen.
Minted Summer Couscous With Watermelon and Feta
A refreshing salad that will be the star of any summer BBQ. The salty feta provides just the right counterpoint to the sweet watermelon, and the mint and lime bring added flavor and acidity. Simple and lovely. Get the recipe from Maria Speck’s “Simply Ancient Grains” via Naturally Ella.
No-Bake Watermelon Cake
A brand new way to get fruit and yogurt in your face, and this one’s pretty enough to bring to a party. Perfect for a summer brunch or luncheon. Get the recipe from Food Heaven Made Easy.
Balsamic Watermelon Chicken Salad
First of all, and not unimportantly, this chicken salad is flat-out beautiful. Again, the interplay of flavors (sweet and juicy chunks of watermelon, savory grilled chicken, tangy and salty blue cheese, crunchy almonds and sweet-tart balsamic vinegar) is key to the success of the salad. It’s all about balance, and hitting every part of your taste buds. Get the recipe from Pinch of Yum.
Watermelon “Caprese” With Balsamic Glaze
You know what your boring Caprese salad needs? It’s crying out for help, since tomatoes aren’t really at their peak. Spice it up a bit by subbing in watermelon for the tomato, and giving it a strong drizzle of balsamic glaze. And just in time for your Fourth of July festivities, use a cookie cutter to make the watermelon into a star. Get the recipe from Skinny Taste.
Twofer: Beef Brisket Tacos With Spicy Watermelon BBQ Sauce and Pickled Rind Relish
My, oh my. Meat lovers will line up for this take on a beef brisket taco. The spicy BBQ sauce — fruity, vinegary, and oh-so good — is like gilding the lily. Plus a bonus recipe for Pickled Watermelon Rind Relish. Get the recipe from The Fit Fork.
Watermelon Ice Cream Floats
The simplicity of this dish is astonishing, yet it is so very, very delicious, and it will taste precisely like summer. There are but three ingredients; four, if you count the mint garnish. Get the recipe from Grandbaby Cakes.
Watermelon-Lime Margaritas
Summertime party matchmaking: watermelon, meet tequila. And you’re welcome. Get the recipe from Minimalist Baker.
Watermelon Salsa
Fruit salsas accomplish a few things: they combine fruit and heat, always a welcome twist; they absolutely kill it on grilled pork tenderloin or salmon; and they look so pretty! Get the recipe from The Girl Who Ate Everything.
Watermelon Pops
The only thing that can really top an ice-cold slice of watermelon for dessert is an even icier popsicle, especially if it’s a little boozy. Don’t worry, you can omit the vodka and make a batch for the kiddos. Just be sure to note which is which. Get the recipe from Orangette.
Tomato and Watermelon Gazpacho
This recipe, from the Ottolenghi website, captures summer in a bowl. Cold soup just works for me, especially when it’s both garlicky and herby balanced with the sweetness of watermelon and the acidity of tomatoes. Toss a few crunchy croutons on top, and you are in business, my friend. Get the recipe from Ottolenghi.
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