4 Watermelon Recipes That Are Perfect for Summer

Is there anything more quintessentially summer than watermelon? There is something so satisfying about taking a crunchy bite and then having your mouth fill with juicy sweetness! And while I could eat it on its own anytime, I also love to combine it with other flavors for nourishing, satisfying summer dishes. To help you join in the fun, I’m share four watermelon recipes you’re sure to love.

I don’t know about you, but the first food that comes to mind when I think of summer is watermelon. I have vivid childhood memories of watermelon juice sliding down my chin and spitting the big black seeds into the grass as I watched the 4th of July fireworks and of seeking out the watermelon chunks in the fruit salad at picnics when I was a kid. I don’t know that there is anything as refreshing as that cooling, bright flavor that seems to pour into your mouth. And I love how it’s crunchy, even when everything else seems to wilt in the heat.

So this year, I wanted to share some of my favorite, creative ways to serve up that consummate summer treat. All of these would be great to bring to the beach or pool, eat out in the backyard, or pack up for a picnic.

Watermelon Nutrition Facts

Many of us eat watermelon purely for the joy of it, which is a good enough reason, but in case anyone needed more convincing, or just was curious, I wanted to share some helpful nutritional facts about watermelon. Watermelon is:

• super high in lycopene (an antioxidant that has been tied to reducing the risk of cancer, eye disorders, and even heart disease). In fact, watermelon has the highest amount of lycopene of any raw fruit or vegetable!
• low in calories, about 46 calories per cup
• high in Vitamins C, B5, and A, as well as Potassium and Copper
• linked to several health benefits including: lowering blood pressure, improving exercise performance, and reducing insulin resistance

4 Watermelon Recipes

Since it is so good for you, it seems only logical that we should try to incorporate it into more of our summer meals. So, here are four watermelon recipes to help you do just that.

Watermelon Feta and Mint Cubes

This appetizer, invented by Scramble founder Aviva’s son Solomon, is so delicious, simple, and easy to prepare. The sweet, juicy crunch of the watermelon paired with the creamy, saltiness of the feta, and the bright zing of the mint is pure magic. Get your kids in on the fun by asking them to assemble the towers.

Watermelon Caprese Salad with Arugula

A Scramble favorite! As Scramble recipe tester Jen Grosman said, “it tastes like summer!” It’s refreshing, light, and makes use of a number of fruits and vegetables that are at their peak at this time of year. This can be enjoyed as an appetizer or side dish, or pair it with some crusty bread for a simple, no-cook summer meal.

Way-Too-Cool Watermelon and Cucumber Soup

This fun spin on gazpacho will have everyone talking. Light and fruity and served with savory, crunchy toppings, this refreshing treat will please even your most skeptical of eaters.

Icy Watermelon Mojitos

With both grown up and kid-friendly versions, this refreshing drink will keep everyone cool, relaxed, and happy. This is also a great way to use up a not-so perfect watermelon.

Bonus Watermelon Recipe Inspiration

Want more fun watermelon recipes? My friends Deanne and Sabrina at Teaspoon of Spice have an adorable Watermelon Cupcake recipe. And my friend Sally from Real Mom Nutrition has a delightful Strawberry Watermelon Smoothie recipe that sounds incredibly refreshing!

Do you have favorite watermelon recipes? I’d love to hear abut them in the comments!

If you’re in search of other delicious summery meals and inspiration, check out our posts on how to cook corn on the cob and how to get over your fear of grilling, or purchase our e-cookbooks: Top 10 No-Cook Meals and The Summer Picnic Cookbook that are full of summer meal ideas.  

If you’d like to receive weekly menu plans with healthy, family-friendly dinner recipes and organized, customizable grocery lists, check out The Scramble’s family-friendly meal plans to see just how simple getting dinner on the table can be!

Here’s to a fun, safe, and festive summer!

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