29 watermelon recipes to try (and share!) this summer

delicious recipes with summer's most refreshing fruit

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by Cora Diekman

Watermelon Popsicles Starting with one obvious summertime treat, these popsicles are made of only three all-fruit ingredients: watermelon, strawberry, and lime.  Puree, freeze, and done!

Mexican Fruit Salad Fruit salad has come a long way, like this version that’s drizzled with a light dressing made with honey, lime juice, and ancho chili powder.  The take away: if you’re tasked with fruit salad, never show up to the barbecue with a boring bowl of fruit again!

Watermelon Fruit Leather With only two ingredients (watermelon and sugar) you can recreate this iconic treat, minus any preservatives or additives.  This recipe is a great way to use up leftover watermelon, or any that was less sweet or flavorful than expected.

2-Ingredient Watermelon Limeade When you need refreshment in a hurry, this 2-ingredient limeade is ready in a snap.  Pop everything into a blender, and you have a tasty watermelon treat that’s perfect large-batch style for parties and barbecues.

Cilantro-Lime Grilled Watermelon Yes, we’re grilling our watermelon now.  But don’t stop there – top with a few extra ingredients and you’re guaranteed a simple, healthy side bursting with unexpected flavor.

Cucumber, Basil, and Watermelon Salad Watermelon and basil may not be an obvious flavor combo, but this yummy salad is proof that it totally works.  Keep this recipe on file for occasions that call for mayo-free sides.

Watermelon Yogurt Pops Watermelon combines with Greek yogurt to create these deliciously creamy pops that are also healthy.  Kids and adults will love cooling down with these homemade popsicles all summer long.

Grilled Halibut Tacos with Watermelon Salsa Upgrade your average fish taco with a homemade watermelon salsa.  This tropical topper would also be just as delish on chicken, pork, and shrimp tacos, too.

Watermelon Lemonade If you prefer lemon to lime, this recipe lightens things up with club soda and plenty of fresh watermelon flavor.

Watermelon Feta Blackberry Skewers When you need an appetizer that looks as tempting as it tastes, these watermelon skewers are the answer – great for showers, cocktail parties, and any occasion that calls for more than chips and dip.

Watermelon Tequila Pops These adult-only popsicles are perfect for summertime celebrating.  With only 6 ingredients, you have a refreshing cocktail and dessert in one.  Bonus: the same basic recipe also works for cantaloupe and kiwi pops, too!

Watermelon Mango Pico de Gallo Grilled meat is delicious as is, but if you’re craving a topper with tropical flair, mix up a batch of this fruit-filled pico de gallo. Use to top practically any grilled protein, a variety of Mexican dishes, or just devour with a spoon.  It’s that good.

Strawberry, Watermelon, and Mint Infused Water Keep calories in check with this tasty fruit infused water – just as refreshing, minus the added sugar.

Watermelon Granita Granitas are seriously understated, especially considering how delicious, simple, and versatile they actually are.  Luckily, they can be made from practically any fruit – including watermelon.  Freeze up a batch, and enjoy the next time you’re craving an ice cold treat.

Watermelon Fruit Pizza For a lighter take on dessert, a watermelon pizza packs all of the WOW factor without the guilt.  This yummy pizza is a great way to end a heavy comfort-food meal on a refreshing note.

Watermelon Salsa Consider this Watermelon Salsa recipe a guidepost for fruit salsa.  It’s perfectly delicious as is, but feel free to add in whatever ingredients you like best to customize the flavors to your taste.  Mango, kiwi, pomegranate, pineapple, and strawberry would also be delicious mixed in.

Creamy Watermelon Coconut Milkshake This ‘milkshake’ is actually a 4-ingredient wonder smoothie that’s dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan.  Coconut does the heavy lifting, while watermelon, vanilla extract, and maple syrup provide plenty of sweet-treat flavor.  Yum!

Watermelon, Blackberry, and Mint Salad It doesn’t get simpler than this – watermelon, blackberries, mint, and DONE.

Salted Watermelon Margaritas Every fruit deserves its own margarita, and watermelon is no exception.

Honey Grilled Watermelon Caprese Salad This is a 2-step salad that involves grilling slices of watermelon before assembling the rest.  Slices are drenched in honey and then quickly grilled before getting topped with the ingredients of a traditional caprese salad.  Sweet, savory, and full of texture, this salad is definitely one of a kind.

Watermelon Bruschetta Just when you thought you’d run out of ideas for topping bruschetta, THIS recipe happens.

Watermelon Shots These are filled with vodka, so consider making a second batch from lemon-lime soda for parties where kids will also be celebrating.

Grilled Shrimp and Watermelon Chopped Salad Don’t you just love when a craveable recipe is also healthy and nutritious?  This salad is bursting with flavor, and good-for-you eats.

Magic Wand Fruit Pops No recipe required here – just a genius idea for tempting kids (and adults) with summertime fruit, in a convenient fork-free pop.

3-Layer Watermelon Gelatin Yes, gelatin may be old fashioned, but it’s making a comeback with all-natural recipes that feature fresh fruit.  This recipe calls for fresh watermelon, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, and plenty of other REAL ingredients – definitely not the gelatin you remember from childhood.

Watermelon Limoncello Prosecco Slushies The name alone has us craving one right now.

Watermelon Jelly Use up leftover watermelon to make a batch of jelly, and preserve the flavor of summer for months to come.

Vodka Watermelon Frosty These sweet frosties may look innocent, but they’re blended with vodka for added kick.  For an alcohol-free version, sub in lemon-lime or club soda instead.

Pickled Watermelon Rind This regional treat is popular in the South where every ounce of fresh watermelon is put to use.  In this recipe, Martha Stewart explains how to turn seemingly inedible watermelon rind into a deliciously tender sweet snack or garnish.