When summer comes, I love to host backyard barbecues and pool parties. Watermelon is always the star of the show. Its bright red color and cool taste are perfect for hot days.
I enjoy making easy watermelon recipes that wow my guests. These dishes range from cool watermelon granitas to tasty watermelon chicken skewers. Each one celebrates the summer season.
In this article, I’ll share 11 tasty watermelon recipes. They turn this juicy fruit into refreshing summer treats and yummy desserts. Whether you need a quick snack or a new twist on a classic, there’s something here for you.
Table of Contents
Watermelon Granita
Watermelon granita is a cool treat for hot summer days. It’s made from ripe watermelon, sugar, and lemon juice. This dessert is light and full of flavor.
To make it, I cut 4 cups of watermelon into chunks. Then, I blend them until smooth. Next, I strain the juice to remove pulp.
After that, I mix the juice with lemon and sugar. This mix adds sweetness and tanginess. I pour it into a shallow pan and freeze it.
Every 30 minutes, I scrape the mixture with a fork. This makes it fluffy. When it’s ready, I serve it in chilled glasses or bowls. It’s a hit for everyone.
Watermelon Gazpacho
Watermelon gazpacho is a fun twist on cold soups. It mixes watermelon’s sweetness with fresh, savory tastes. To make it, I blend 3 cups of watermelon with 1 cup of cucumber, 1 bell pepper, and red onion.
This creates a smooth, bright soup perfect for summer.
Then, I add salt, pepper, and olive oil to boost the flavors. Letting it chill in the fridge for an hour makes it even better. When I serve it, I add fresh mint or basil on top.
This makes a great summer appetizer. It’s unique and refreshing, and everyone loves it.
Watermelon Sorbet
Making watermelon sorbet at home is easy and fun. I blend 6 cups of cubed watermelon until it’s smooth. Then, I add 1/2 cup of sugar and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice for flavor.
After blending, I pour the mix into a shallow dish and freeze it. I stir it every 30 minutes for 2-3 hours. This makes it fluffy and perfect for summer.
This fruity sorbet is great for hot summer days. I often top it with fresh mint leaves. It’s not just tasty, but also healthy, making it a perfect summer treat.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cubed Watermelon | 6 cups |
| Sugar | 1/2 cup |
| Lemon Juice | 1 tablespoon |
Watermelon sorbet is perfect for summer gatherings. It’s easy to make, light, and very satisfying. It’s sure to be a hit at any summer event.
Watermelon Popsicles
Watermelon popsicles are a fun and healthy treat for summer. They are easy to make and taste amazing. To make them, I blend 4 cups of ripe watermelon with 2 tablespoons of lime juice and 2 tablespoons of honey.
Then, I pour the mix into popsicle molds. Freezing them for at least 4 hours is key. When it’s time to eat, running warm water on the molds makes them come out easily.
Watermelon Chicken Skewers
Watermelon chicken skewers mix savory and sweet in a fun way. I start by marinating chicken breast in olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper. This lets the flavors mix well for at least 30 minutes.
Then, I thread chicken and watermelon cubes on skewers. The juicy watermelon and tender chicken taste great together. I grill them for about 15 minutes, turning them to cook evenly.
These skewers are perfect for summer barbecues. They look vibrant and taste amazing. Serve them with a salad or grilled veggies for a great outdoor meal.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Chicken breast (cubed) | 1 lb |
| Olive oil | 1/4 cup |
| Honey | 2 tablespoons |
| Watermelon (cubed) | 3 cups |
| Salt | to taste |
| Pepper | to taste |
Watermelon Pizza
Watermelon pizza is a fun and healthy dessert for summer. I start with a big watermelon slice, about 1 inch thick. It’s juicy and adds flavor to any warm day.
I then spread 1 cup of Greek yogurt over the watermelon. This makes it creamy and healthy. I add blueberries, kiwi slices, and strawberries on top. They make it look great and taste amazing.
A little honey makes it sweet, and some granola adds crunch. This fruit pizza is beautiful and healthy. It’s perfect for impressing guests with creative recipes.
Watermelon Salsa
Watermelon salsa is a cool twist on regular salsa. It’s great for summer parties. I chop 3 cups of fresh watermelon, add 1 cup of diced cucumber, and mix in 1/2 cup of chopped red onion.
Then, I add 1/4 cup of chopped cilantro for freshness. I squeeze in 1 lime’s juice and season with salt and pepper.
This salsa is amazing with tortilla chips. It’s also great with grilled fish or chicken. Each bite is full of bright flavors, perfect for sunny days.
Making watermelon salsa is easy and fun. It’s perfect for outdoor parties. Guests love its unique taste and bright colors.
It’s a hit as a dip or side dish. Watermelon salsa makes any summer event special.
Watermelon Mojito
A watermelon mojito is a fun twist on the classic mojito. I make it often in summer. It’s perfect for parties because of its bright taste.
To make it, I mash 1/2 cup of fresh mint leaves with sugar and lime juice. Then, I blend 2 cups of watermelon to get 1 cup of juice.
I mix the watermelon juice with the mint and sugar. Then, I add 1 ounce of rum and stir. Adding ice and soda water makes it even better.
This drink is great for impressing friends. It’s full of flavor and perfect for summer. I love serving it at barbecues and picnics.
Watermelon Poke Bowl
The watermelon poke bowl adds freshness to my meals. It’s a great example of healthy food that’s fun to eat. I start with sushi rice, cooking one cup and letting it cool.
Then, I add diced watermelon, avocado, cucumber, and edamame. The mix of tastes and textures is amazing. I top it with soy sauce, sesame seeds, and green onions.
This dish is perfect for summer. It’s full of fresh ingredients and tastes great. It’s a favorite of mine for its health benefits and delicious taste.
Watermelon Jam
Making watermelon jam is fun. I start with 4 cups of cubed watermelon. Then, I blend and strain it.
After that, I mix it with 1/4 cup of lemon juice and one package of fruit pectin. Cooking it until it thickens is key. It makes the jam’s texture just right.
Next, I add 2 cups of sugar and simmer for about five minutes. I pour the hot jam into sterilized jars. This way, it stays fresh.
This watermelon jam is great on toast or as a sweet spread on desserts. Try it on cheesecake or vanilla ice cream. It’s a unique flavor for your pantry.
Each bite reminds me of summer. It brings joy to any breakfast or snack.
Watermelon Mint Lemonade
Looking for a cool drink for summer? Try watermelon mint lemonade. It’s sweet from watermelon and fresh from mint. It’s great for hot days.
To make it, blend four cups of ripe watermelon until smooth. Then, strain it for a silky feel.
Next, mix the watermelon juice with half a cup of lemon juice and a quarter cup of sugar. Stir until the sugar is gone. This mix is full of flavor and perfect for any time.
Add a handful of fresh mint leaves for extra smell. It makes the lemonade even better.
Serve it ice-cold over ice for the best taste. It’s perfect for cooling down on a hot day. You’ll love it so much, it’ll be your go-to summer drink.