Longer days and warmer temperatures mean watermelon season is finally here. Whether you’re grilling it, cubing it, blending it, or just munching as is, watermelon is the unofficial star of summer produce. Its versatility is unmatched, with tons of watermelon recipes to choose from, shapeshifting from morning smoothie to savory salad with ease.
Selecting and prepping a watermelon is easy with these tips. Choose a ripe melon that appears symmetrical with a rind that has a matte sheen. If it has a small area that’s faded or yellow, this is most likely a field spot, where the melon rested against the ground while growing, and can indicate a ripe and sweet watermelon. Avoid any fruit with dents, cracks, bruises, or bumps. A fully ripened watermelon will also feel heavy, and you’ll hear a hollow sound when you tap it.
When you’re cutting up a watermelon, the shapes you choose to cut it into depend on how you’ll be serving it. Wedges and sticks with the rind attached are finger-friendly and ideal for picnics, playdates, and any time you don’t want to bother with utensils (but you will need plenty of napkins or wet wipes for sticky fingers). For watermelon recipes, like a salad, bite-sized cubes or spheres made with a melon baller, like in this Triple Melon Fruit Salad, work well.
Sliced watermelon will stay fresh refrigerated in a sealed container for three to five days. But be careful when combining melon with other ingredients, particularly anything salty or acidic, such as cheese or salad dressing. Those ingredients can start to break down the melon, causing it to lose water and make your dish soggy. It’s best to store those ingredients separately and add them just before serving
Once you’ve got the basics down, here are watermelon recipes to make the fruit the star of backyard barbecue season.
Spicy Tomato and Watermelon Salad
Watermelon and ripe summer tomatoes are a flavor match made in heaven. This recipe adds another dimension with a rich medley of spices, like cumin, turmeric, paprika, and cayenne, which are warmed in oil to draw out even more flavor. The finished masterpiece is garnished with fresh basil ribbons for an ideal balance of savory, sweet, and spicy notes.
Get the recipe: Spicy Tomato and Watermelon Salad
Retro Watermelon Pie
Guests will be tickled pink when this showstopping throwback to the 1960s hits the table. Watermelon-infused gelatin and marshmallow whipped cream combine, creating a mild-flavored mousse that lets the flavor of the freshly squeezed watermelon juice shine. A blender and a strainer are all you need to extract the juice, and a store-bought graham cracker crust lets you get a jump on the rest of the easy prep.
Get the recipe: Retro Watermelon Pie
Chili Lime Watermelon Wedges
Don’t be surprised if you find yourself hooked on this Mexican street food-inspired favorite all summer long. It’s one of our favorites of the watermelon recipes. The mix of fresh watermelon, chili-lime seasoning, and cotija cheese creates a sweet, spicy, salty, and sour explosion that hits every part of your tongue. Fortunately, when the craving strikes, this quick and easy snack comes together in just 10 minutes.
Get the recipe: Chili Lime Watermelon Wedges
Watermelon and Jicama Salsa
Jicama and watermelon share a similar crunchy, juicy texture, so they’re a natural pairing in this chunky salsa. Jalapeño and chili powder add mild heat, balanced with fresh lime and cooling mint. A whole watermelon doubles both as an ingredient and serving vessel for this party-ready dip. Serve this with a side of chips or as a condiment for your favorite grilled meat.
Get the recipe: Watermelon and Jicama Salsa
Watermelon and Berry Salad with Feta
The combination of fresh, sweet watermelon and tangy, salty feta is a classic opposites–attract story. We added another component to this love affair—peak summer blueberries and strawberries. The result is a refreshing, red, white, and blue side that works with any cookout menu.
Get the recipe: Watermelon and Berry Salad with Feta
Watermelon Punch
If your favorite part of a watermelon is the sweet juice dribbling down your chin, this recipe is for you. An immersion blender makes it easy to whip up and serve this watermelon punch directly inside the rind itself. A homemade, basil-infused simple syrup and bottled lemonade round out each sip with just the right balance of tart and bright herbal flavors.
Get the recipe: Watermelon Punch
Watermelon and Mozzarella Panzanella with Prosciutto
This bowl full of Italian flavors will make any cookout feel like a summer night in Tuscany. Cubes of watermelon add unexpected sweetness and crunch to this take on Panzanella, an Italian bread salad. Plus, the salty prosciutto, creamy mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, crunchy bread cubes, and peak season melon sing together in perfect harmony.
Get the recipe: Watermelon and Mozzarella Panzanella with Prosciutto
Fruit and Cheese Sparklers
A miniature cookie cutter and wooden skewers are all you need for this stellar, budget-friendly backyard barbecue snack. Star-shaped bites of mild mozzarella and blueberries pair perfectly with peak-season watermelon. Together, they stack up as patriotic kabobs that will be the standout of any festive summer spread.
Get the recipe: Fruit and Cheese Sparklers
Mojito Fruit Salad
The mellow but distinctive flavor of watermelon pairs well with all kinds of summer fruit, including whatever you add to this mix-and-match salad. A mojito-inspired dressing bursting with fresh mint and lime juice turns your combination into pure refreshment on a plate.
Get the recipe: Mojito Fruit Salad
Whipped Feta with Watermelon and Cucumber
This no-cook recipe will brighten up any summer picnic spread. Refreshing watermelon and crisp cucumber bring vibrant color and sit atop creamy whipped feta for a perfect blend of textures. Ready in just 20 minutes and easily paired with a sliced baguette, it’s the perfect light entrée or standout side for the season.
Get the recipe: Whipped Feta with Watermelon and Cucumber
Watermelon Ice Cream Float
Unlock the unbeatable duo of fruity and creamy with this summertime treat. Juicy, sweet watermelon blends with vanilla ice cream for a unique frozen dessert. Garnished with fresh mint, this float is perfect for enjoying all summer long.
Get the recipe: Watermelon Ice Cream Float
