Watermelon is the ultimate summer fruit, perfect for cooling down on hot days. Whether you’re looking for a refreshing drink, a light salad, or a fun dessert, there are so many creative ways to enjoy it. We’ve rounded up some great recipes that showcase the versatility of watermelon so you can make the most of this juicy treat all summer long.
Watermelon Lime Slushie
This watermelon lime slushie is a refreshing drink made with watermelon, lime, strawberries, and coconut water. It’s a great way to cool down on a hot summer day.
Get the Recipe: Watermelon Lime Slushie
Watermelon Bacon Salad
This watermelon bacon salad mixes the fresh taste of watermelon with the salty crunch of bacon. Perfect for your summer parties, it’s a great dish to enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Watermelon Bacon Salad
Watermelon Feta Salad with Fried Scallops
This watermelon feta salad is topped with crunchy cornmeal fried bay scallops and a balsamic drizzle. It’s a tasty way to enjoy watermelon in a savory dish.
Get the Recipe: Watermelon Feta Salad with Fried Scallops
Watermelon Peach Smoothie
Cool off with this watermelon peach smoothie. Fresh and hydrating, it’s a great drink for those hot summer days.
Get the Recipe: Watermelon Peach Smoothie
Watermelon and Cucumber Salad
Celebrate a sunny day with this watermelon and cucumber salad. Packed with watermelon, cucumber, feta, avocados, and mint, it’s a healthy and refreshing choice.
Get the Recipe: Watermelon and Cucumber Salad
Spicy Watermelon Jalapeño Salad
This spicy watermelon jalapeño salad combines sweet watermelon with the heat of jalapeño, feta cheese, tajin, and a sweet lime dressing. It’s a bold and refreshing salad.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Watermelon Jalapeño Salad
Watermelon Feta Cucumber Salad
This Greek-inspired watermelon feta cucumber salad is a colorful and refreshing side dish. It’s perfect for BBQs and summer meals with its sweet, savory, and tangy flavors.
Get the Recipe: Watermelon Feta Cucumber Salad
Watermelon Boba Popsicles
If you love bubble tea and popsicles, these watermelon boba popsicles are perfect. They combine the fun of boba with the refreshing taste of watermelon, making them a hit for the whole family.
Get the Recipe: Watermelon Boba Popsicles
Tangy and Sweet Watermelon Paloma Cocktail
This watermelon paloma cocktail mixes watermelon juice, tequila, and citrus for a refreshing drink. Perfect for hot weather, it’s a great way to enjoy a cool beverage.
Get the Recipe: Tangy and Sweet Watermelon Paloma Cocktail
Summertime Watermelon White Wine Slushie
Cool off with this watermelon white wine slushie. Combining watermelon and Pinot Grigio, it’s a popular summer drink that’s perfect for a hot day.
Get the Recipe: Summertime Watermelon White Wine Slushie
Watermelon Soju Cocktail
This watermelon soju cocktail blends the sweetness of watermelon with the kick of soju and a hint of maple syrup. It’s a refreshing drink that’s great for cooling down on a hot summer day.
Get the Recipe: Watermelon Soju Cocktail
Watermelon Lemonade
Watermelon Lemonade is a refreshing, lightly sweetened drink for hot summer days. Made with watermelon puree, fresh lemon juice, and sparkling water, it’s a perfect cool drink.
Get the Recipe: Watermelon Lemonade
Watermelon Cupcakes
These watermelon cupcakes capture the flavor of watermelon in every bite. With pink watermelon-flavored frosting and mini chocolate chips, they’re a fun and creative dessert for any summer gathering.
Get the Recipe: Watermelon Cupcakes
Watermelon Basil Feta Salad with Protein Pasta
This watermelon basil feta salad is filled with refreshing ingredients like watermelon, basil, and feta, and comes together with protein pasta. It’s a great summer dish that’s healthy and light.
Get the Recipe: Watermelon Basil Feta Salad with Protein Pasta
Watermelon Tuna [sashimi + steaks]
Transform watermelon into vegan tuna steaks and sashimi with just six ingredients and an hour of baking. It’s a creative way to enjoy watermelon in a plant-based recipe that mimics the look and taste of tuna.
Get the Recipe: Watermelon Tuna [sashimi + steaks]
Refreshing Strawberry Watermelon Rosé Sangria
Enjoy summer in a glass with this strawberry watermelon rosé sangria. This flavorful and easy-to-make cocktail is a perfect way to enjoy a refreshing drink.
Get the Recipe: Refreshing Strawberry Watermelon Rosé Sangria
Watermelon Feta Orzo Salad With Arugula
Enjoy juicy watermelon in this creative salad with feta cheese, orzo, and arugula. It’s a go-to summer side dish that’s refreshing and light.
Get the Recipe: Watermelon Feta Orzo Salad With Arugula
Watermelon-Basil Sorbet
Use fresh basil and ripe watermelon to make this frozen treat. It’s a great way to enjoy a cool snack on a hot day.
Get the Recipe: Watermelon-Basil Sorbet
Watermelon Paletas
These watermelon paletas, or paletas de sandia, are a low-calorie frozen treat perfect for summer. They’re a cool way to enjoy a sweet, icy snack.
Get the Recipe: Watermelon Paletas
Greek Watermelon Pie
Try this traditional watermelon pie recipe from the island of Milos. Shared by Greek celebrity chef Giorgos Tsoulis, it’s a great way to enjoy a classic Greek dessert.
Get the Recipe: Greek Watermelon Pie
Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.