Summer cookouts aren’t complete without a platter of watermelon wedges — either au natural or spiked (or both!). This collection of 20 watermelon recipes goes beyond the basics to make melon a welcome addition to the table all season long. Kicky salsas, refreshing frozen treats, adult libations and much more showcase the watermelon’s awesome versatility. Each is sure to get the summer party started wherever they’re invited!
Coconut Rice and Watermelon Salad Bowls
A great way to use up leftover steamed rice, these chilled grain salad bowls make for a delicious light meal that comes together in just minutes. (via Cotter Crunch)
Pink Watermelon Lemonade Slushies
Up-level your lemonade with this refreshingly delicious combo for your next weekend BBQ. (via Tieghan Gerard/Half Baked Harvest)
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)
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)
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)
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)
Watermelon Caprese With Balsamic Reduction
Swap out sliced tomatoes with rounds of watermelon for an unexpected, yet still delicious, twist on the classic caprese. (via Cooking and Beer)
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)
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)
Watermelon Fruit Leather
You only need one ingredient to make these healthy DIY snacks. Hmmm, wonder what it could possibly be… (via Domestically Blissful)
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)
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)
Watermelon, Chili and Basil Ice Pops
The layers of flavor here are certain to tickle your taste buds with every lick. (via Food Network)
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)
Watermelon Mint Jello Shots
Don’t toss that watermelon rind! Instead, repurpose it to make the perfect mold for Jello shots. (via Brit + Co)
Watermelon Blueberry Salad
Mix chopped watermelon, blueberries, honey and lime juice and you get this instant crowdpleaser, yum! (via Feel Good Foodie)
Watermelon Gazpacho
Cool off this summer with this refreshing gazpacho made with chunks of cucumber, cantaloupe, watermelon, mint and asiago shavings. (via A Spicy Perspective)
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)
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)
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Heather Sage
Heather Sage is a gluten-free recipe developer and freelance writer living in Orlando by way of the Silicon Valley. When she isn’t playing around with alternative flours in the kitchen, she can be found tackling DIY projects around the house or exploring her neighborhood. Check out her gluten-free recipe blog, A Sage Amalgam.
