Watermelon is the perfect way to cool off on a hot day. Whether you cut it into slices to enjoy at a picnic or blend up cubes for a refreshing drink, there are so many ways to enjoy this deliciously juicy melon. Try these easy ideas and recipes to get started.
Choosing the Best Melon and Storage
Choose melons with deeply colored, unblemished skin. It’s fine if one side is paler than the rest; this indicates the part of the melon that rested on the ground while it was ripening on the vine.
A fresh, lightly sweet aroma is a sign of ripe watermelon. When tapped, it should sound taut and hollow if ripe.
If you purchase a piece of a cut watermelon, look for firm, solid flesh with deep color and no cracks.
Before storing or cutting whole watermelon, rinse the exterior well under cold running water.
Whole watermelon will keep at room temperature 7 to 10 days. Once cut, watermelon is best eaten as soon as possible but can be refrigerated for 2 to 3 days.
Watermelon Drinks and Frozen Treats
Watermelon Agua Fresca
This drink is super popular in Mexico, and it might very well become a hit in your kitchen, too. It’s watermelon blended with cold water, agave nectar or honey and a little bit of lime juice ... aka very thirst quenching.
Watermelon Granita
Embraced by slushie fans, the granita — part sorbet, part Italian ice — can get you through the most uncomfortably hot day. This three-ingredient recipe makes the most of ripe watermelon and results in a very Instagrammable shade of light pink.
Grape and Watermelon Freezer Pops
This kid-friendly recipe is a good activity for hot summer afternoons — just remember that it will need to freeze for 8 hours or overnight before you can enjoy them.
Watermelon Lemonade
Easy to make and packed with big flavor, this pink drink is just the thing for backyard pool parties and afternoons on the porch.
Strawberry Watermelon Coolers
This light, icy blended drink is essentially a frozen mocktail. Strawberries and watermelon come together with strawberry sparkling water and sugar for something sweet and refreshing.
Strawberry-Watermelon Water with Basil
Here's a clever way to use the trimmings from summer’s fresh fruits — transform them into refreshing flavored waters! Drink in the flavors of the season with this light and sweet infused water while staying cool.
How to Make Watermelon Juice
Looking to make simple, refreshing watermelon juice? It's as easy as it is delicious. Just follow these three steps:
1. Cut watermelon flesh into chunks.
2. Add to blender and purée.
3. If you prefer a juice with pulp, you're done. Like it smoother? Just strain it through a sieve and enjoy.
Refreshing Watermelon Salads and More
Watermelon and Arugula Salad
This refreshing salad makes a delicious first course or side dish for warm-weather meals. You can make it up to a day ahead, but add the arugula just before serving for best texture.
Grilled Watermelon with Olive Oil and Sea Salt
Grilling watermelon brings its natural sugars to the surface and caramelizes them slightly, making it a perfect light dessert for a hot summer night.
Get the recipe: Grilled Watermelon with Olive Oil and Sea Salt
Heirloom Tomato and Melon Salad
Use any ripe heirloom tomatoes in this scrumptious summer salad, but we especially love varieties like Evergreen for a nice color contrast to the red and orange melon. A single hot chile pepper in the dressing delivers a nice kick without overwhelming the other flavors.
Shrimp, Watermelon and Goat Cheese Salad
This bright and refreshing main-dish salad is perfect for backyard picnics. Grill thickly sliced whole wheat or sourdough bread alongside the shrimp.
Strawberry Melon Gazpacho
Traditionally made with tomatoes, this refreshing twist on an old favorite can be served as a dessert soup at the end of a hearty meal or as part of a brunch buffet.
Pickled Watermelon Rind with Radishes
When you're left with chunks of thick, white watermelon rind, definitely don't throw them away. Use this pickle as a condiment on sandwiches or serve as you would a chutney with grilled meats.
