On a long, hot summer evening, nothing beats an ice cold slice of watermelon – seeds and all! We've collected the best watermelon recipes for all your summer celebrations; including kid-friendly beverages, adult beverages, frozen treats, soup, salad, salsa, appetizers, and even watermelon steak!
Before we get to the recipes, here’s a little watermelon fun.
7 Surprising Facts about Watermelons
- Watermelon is a trailing vine, highly cultivated all over the world, with more than 1,000 identified varieties, 300 of which are cultivated in North and South America.
- Watermelon is only loosely considered a melon by botanists: it is actually a pepo. A pepo is a berry with a thick rind and a fleshy center.
- In the wild, watermelons grow to only about eight inches across, while cultivated plants can grow melons as big as 24 inches. The heaviest watermelon on record weighed 262 pounds [The Guinness Book of World Records].
- Watermelon seeds thought to be 5000 years old were discovered at a prehistoric archaeological site in southwestern Libya.
- In 1776, the first cookbook - American Cookery - was published in the U.S., and contained a recipe for watermelon rind pickles.
- Farmers in Japan use forms to grow watermelons in all kinds of different shapes: cubes, pyramids, hearts, and even human faces.
- In the United States, we celebrate National Watermelon Day on August 3rd. Watermelon Day is also celebrated in Japan, on July 27th.
Choosing a ripe, sweet watermelon can be tricky. Be sure to check out our seven proven tips for picking out a perfect watermelon!
25 Refreshing Watermelon Recipes
Watermelon is such a versatile fruit! Here you'll find recipes for kid-friendly watermelon beverages, adult watermelon beverages, frozen watermelon treats, watermelon soup, salad, and salsa recipes, watermelon appetizers, and even watermelon steak!
Creamy Strawberry Watermelon Smoothie
This strawberry watermelon smoothie is an easy way to kick off the day. Enjoy this healthy watermelon smoothie for breakfast any day of the week! (It's great for cooling off on a hot day, too!)
Sparkling Watermelon Mint Lemonade
This natural, lightly sweetened sparkling watermelon mint lemonade is made with agave nectar and 5 simple ingredients for a delicious, refreshing summer drink that is perfect for backyard BBQs and summer parties!
Easy 'Otai (Polynesian Watermelon Drink)
'Otai, a watermelon drink popular in Polynesia, is a refreshing mixture usually made with coconut milk or cream. This lower-fat almond milk version is just as creamy, and dairy-free, too!
Watermelon Mint Lemonade
This watermelon mint lemonade is sweet, tart, and has the spicy bite of mint. Drink it as is and you’ve got a festive drink for the whole family to enjoy; or add some rum for a refreshing, summer cocktail.
Frosé (easy frozen rosé slushies)
A frosé is a cocktail made with frozen fruit and rosé wine. These refreshing grown-up slushies come together in minutes and are absolutely perfect for hot summer days. Watermelon frosé is sweet, flavorful, and a great way to cool off!
Strawberry Watermelon Sangria Slushie
Icy watermelon and strawberries blended with your favorite white wine make a frosty sangria, perfect for a hot summer day!
Watermelon Sorbet
Watermelon Sorbet has all the taste of regular watermelon but in iced form; perfect for a summer afternoon!
Kiwi Watermelon Fruit Popsicles
These Kiwi Watermelon Fruit Popsicles are made of 100% fruit, and so refreshing and satisfying on hot summer days.
Watermelon Ice Cream
This is easy recipe that requires only 4 ingredients! Make your own creamy watermelon ice cream at home and surprise everyone with this unique flavor!
Watermelon Brie Bites
These watermelon brie bites are a great way to use up extra watermelon and have a tasty, refreshing treat!
Mini Watermelon Cakes
These mini watermelon cakes are an easy, healthy no bake dessert. Cool and light, they can be made in advance for your next summer party.
Watermelon Peach Salsa
This watermelon peach salsa is a juicy and refreshing side that can be served along with tortilla chips, chicken, fish or even eaten on its own! Packed full of nutrients, it's a perfect way to add a burst of flavor to any dish!
Watermelon Gazpacho
Watermelon gazpacho is an easy, healthy, and deliciously refreshing soup you make in the blender in minutes, perfect for summer.
Spicy Watermelon Feta Mint Salad
This simple, refreshing watermelon salad takes just 10 minutes to put together, and is perfect for hot summer days and BBQs.
Watermelon Blueberry Salad without Honey
This refreshing summer Watermelon Blueberry Salad with lime, mint, and pure maple syrup is a delight to both the eyes and the taste buds. Enjoy it for breakfast, as a side dish or snack, or for dessert.
Watermelon Arugula Salad
Sweet watermelon, juicy cucumber, and salty feta cheese are the perfect flavor combination nestled on a bed of tangy arugula.
Watermelon Detox Water
Watermelon Detox Water is a healthy twist to your regular drinking water. Fresh watermelon, lemon, mint, and ginger mix to make a great summer cooling drink to beat the heat.
Strawberry Watermelon Punch
This Strawberry Watermelon Punch is perfect for brunches, picnics. or summer parties. You can make it alcoholic or non-alcoholic – so it’s great for kids too! It’s easy to make and super refreshing!
Refreshing Watermelon Mimosa
A Watermelon Mimosa is a perfect summer cocktail! Made with fresh sweet watermelon juice and sparkling wine (alcoholic or non-alcoholic), it's great for sipping on the patio.
Ginger and Grilled Watermelon Cocktail
This sweet Ginger and Grilled Watermelon Cocktail brings backyard grilling flavors to your drink glass.
Watermelon Rum Punch
This watermelon rum punch recipe is a refreshing tropical drink from the Caribbean, perfect for summer.
Take-Along Watermelon Skewers with Feta and Mint Pesto
These take-along watermelon skewers with feta and mint pesto dressing are a quick and easy appetizer or snack for your next outdoor gathering, BBQ, or picnic!
Chilled Watermelon Gazpacho Soup
Chilled Watermelon Gazpacho Soup is a sweet and savory bowl of healthy deliciousness that you can have on your table in less than 20 minutes.
Grilled Watermelon Salad
This Grilled Watermelon Salad is the best! You’ve never experienced a fruit like watermelon on the grill!
Grilled Watermelon Steak
This recipe for grilled watermelon steak makes a great appetizer with a refreshing and tangy taste. Topping it with cheese, balsamic glaze, and fresh basil leaves, it is a delicious addition for your next cookout.
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