There is something about cold slice of watermelon on really hot day that just feel right.I remember keep whole watermelon in the fridge during summer and cutting it open whenever the afternoon heat became too much. Sometime we ate it plain with little salt. Other time I turned it into drink salad and quick snacks.
Watermelon is one of the summer ingredient that does not need much help. It is naturally sweet juicy refresh and easy to prepare. With few simple ingredient you can turn it into something that feel completely different every time.
If you are looking for easy watermelon recipe for hot day this collection has plenty of ideas to try.From chilled watermelon drink and fresh salad to frozen treat and simple snack these recipes are perfect for summer breakfast lunch party picnic or lazy afternoon.
Table of Contents
- Why Watermelon perfect for summer
- How to choose sweet watermelon
- 15 Easy watermelon recipes
- Refreshing watermelon drink
- Fresh watermelon salad
- Frozen watermelon treat
- Easy watermelon snack
- Tips for prepare and store watermelon
- Common watermelon recipe mistakes
- Conclusion
- FAQs
- Related topics you might like
Why watermelon perfect for summer
Watermelon is almost made for warm climate.It has excessive water content a obviously candy flavor and crisp texture that make it in particular exciting when serve bloodless.
Another reason I love using watermelon in summer recipes is how little cooking is involved. You cut it blend it freeze it or mix it with few other ingredient. That means less time standing near hot stove which is definitely good thing when the temperature is already climbing.
Watermelon also work well with both sweet and savory ingredient.You pair it with mint and lime for refreshing flavor combine it with cucumber for extra crunch or add cheese and herbs for simple salad.
Based on my experience the biggest advantage is versatility. One watermelon become several different dish instead of being used for just one snack.
A Simple Summer Favorite
One of my preferred mixtures is chilled watermelon with clean mint and lemon juice.It take handiest few minute but the flavor is enormously vibrant.
I also like cutting watermelon into small dice and keeping them in an hermetic container within the refrigerator.That way each time I need short snack I already have something cold and prepared.
How to choose sweet watermelon
A desirable recipe start with appropriate watermelon. Even the great dish flavor disappointing if the fruit is underripe or bland.
When looking for watermelon look for one that experience heavy for its size.A heavier watermelon often contains plenty of juice. The outside should be fairly firm without major soft spot deep cuts or damage areas.
You also look for the field spot.This is the lighter patch where the watermelon rest on the ground while growing. A creamy yellowish field spot is generally useful sign that the fruit had time to mature.
Avoid watermelon that look badly bruised or have large soft areas.Once you bring one home wash the outside before cutting it even though you will not eat the rind. A clean cutting surface is always good kitchen habit.
After cutting refrigerate leftover watermelon promptly and keep it cover.
15 Easy watermelon recipe for warm days
1. Classic watermelon and mint salad
This is one of the easy watermelon recipe you make.Cut chill watermelon into bite size cube and place them in large bowl.
Add freshly chop mint and small squeeze of lemon juice. Toss the entirety gently so the watermelon does now not end up smooth.
The combination is straightforward but fresh. The sweetness of watermelon paintings beautifully with the cool taste of mint and the sharpness of lime.
For little extra texture you add cucumber slices.If you prefer savory version small amount of crumble cheese also work well.
What you need
- Watermelon cube
- Fresh mint
- Lemon juice
- Cucumber optional
- A small pinch of salt
Chill the salad for approximately 15 to 20 minute earlier than serving for the great texture.
2.Fresh watermelon lemonade
Watermelon lemonade is good while you want something bloodless and fruity.
Blend several cup of seedless watermelon till smooth. Strain it if you prefer lighter drink then combine it with fresh lemon juice and chill water.
Add little sweetener only if needed. Very ripe watermelon can also already be sweet sufficient.
Serve the lemonade over ice with lemon slice and mint.
This recipe is particularly useful for summer time gathering due to the fact you put together huge pitcher ahead of time.
3. Watermelon cucumber salad
For extra crisp summer season salad integrate watermelon cube with slice of cucumber.
Add chop mint lemon juice and small amount of salt.Toss gently and refrigerate before serving.
The watermelon provide sweetness while the cucumber add crunch.This is nice option when you want something light alongside grill food sandwich or wraps.
I recommend add the dressing shortly before serving. If the salad sit for too long the vegetable and watermelon release extra liquid.
4.Watermelon smoothie
A watermelon smoothie is simple breakfast or afternoon drink.
Add chill watermelon chunk to blender with small banana few ice cube and splash of milk or yogurt. Blend till creamy.
You adjust the texture depending on your preference.Add more watermelon for lighter drink or more yogurt for thicker smoothie.
For more flavor try add few mint leave or small squeeze of lime.
This is likewise appropriate manner to apply watermelon piece that are slight too smooth for serving on their personal.
5.Watermelon Lime Slush
When the weather is extremely hot watermelon slush be exactly what you need.
Freeze watermelon cube till firm. Add them to blender with lime juice and little cold water. Blend till the mixture reach thick icy consistency.
If your blender needs help add water gradually rather than pouring in large amount at once.
Serve immediately because the slush will become thinner as it melts.
For fun presentation serve it in chill glasses with small watermelon wedge on the rim.
6.Watermelon fruit skewers
Fruit skewer are colorful easy to prepare and great for summer party.
Cut watermelon into cube or use small cookie cutter to create amusing shape. Add strawberry grapes melon pineapple or other fruit you revel in.
Thread the piece onto wooden skewer and chill till serving.
These are especially convenient for picnic because they are already portion into individual serving.
If kids are ingesting them supervise appropriately due to the fact wooden skewer have sharp ends.
7.Watermelon salsa
Watermelon salsa feel thrill and unique. Watermelon salsa give twist to the ordinary smooth salsa that people usually enjoy. Cut Watermelon salsa into piece. Then mix Watermelon salsa with chop cucumber tomato purple onion coriander and lemon juice. The end result is fine tangy crunchy and glowing.
You serve watermelon salsa with bake tortilla chips or spoon it over grill chicken or fish.
The important thing is to keep the pieces fairly small and similar in size. That make every bite more balance.
Quick Ingredient List
- Diced watermelon
- Cucumber
- Tomato
- Red onion
- Fresh cilantro
- Lemon juice
- Small pinch of salt
Prepare it short before serve for the fresh texture.
8.Frozen watermelon pops
Frozen watermelon pop are easy summer time treat.
Cut watermelon into thick triangular slice or small rectangular piece.Insert popsicle stick into the piece and freeze them on line tray.
After several hours they will become firm and icy.
For slightly different version dip the frozen watermelon piece in melt dark or milk chocolate and return them to the freezer briefly.
You also sprinkle chop nut or coconut over the chocolate before it set.
The sweet and savory aggregate of watermelon and feta has grow to be popular summer favored for precise reason.
These treat are smooth to personalize and require very little coaching.
9.Watermelon Feta Salad
Combine chill watermelon cube with crumble feta and fresh mint.Add little lime juice or lemon juice if desire.
The creamy salty cheese assessment well with the candy watermelon.
You add cucumber or leafy green to make the salad more extensive.
One tip from my own kitchen: do not overmix it. Watermelon is delicate and aggressive tossing turn the whole bowl watery.
10.Watermelon Chia Drink
If you enjoy chia drink watermelon makes refreshing base.
Blend watermelon till smooth and pour it into glass.Stir in small amount of chia seed and permit the drink to take a seat for numerous minute so the seeds absorb some liquid.
Add lime juice for brighter taste.
This drink is excellent served cold.Stir again earlier than ingesting because chia seeds naturally settle closer to the bottom.
You prepare individual glasses or make small pitcher for the refrigerator.
11.Watermelon Yogurt Bowl
For smooth breakfast add chill watermelon cube to bowl of undeniable or vanilla yogurt.
Top it with berry sliced banana chop nuts seeds or small drizzle of honey.
The result is creamy juicy crunchy and sweet without requiring any cooking.
This is especially useful on morning when you want breakfast quickly.
If you are prepare it ahead keep the watermelon separate from the yogurt till serving.The extra moisture from the fruit thin the yogurt if it sits too long.
12.Watermelon caprese salad
For summer season encourage version of caprese salad replace a number of the same old tomato with watermelon.
Layer or combine watermelon cubes with fresh mozzarella basil depart and mild drizzle of balsamic glaze.
The taste mixture is notably desirable. Watermelon deliver sweetness mozzarella upload creaminess and basil offers the dish clean natural study.
Serve it cold as an appetizer facet dish or light lunch.
This recipe is also excellent desire while visitor are coming over because it appearance attractive without requiring complicated cooking.
13.Watermelon gazpacho
If you need something little extra creative strive sit back watermelon gazpacho.
Blend watermelon with cucumber tomato bell pepper lime juice and little sparkling herb of your preference.
Chill the mixture thorough before serve.
The soup need to taste clean and balance as opposed to overly candy. Adjust the lime juice and seasoning steadily until you want the taste.
Serve it in small bowl or glass as starter.
Unlike hot soup this chill version require no stove time making it especially appealing during very warm weather.
14.Watermelon and berry dessert cups
I layer watermelon dice into small dessert glass. I then layer watermelon dice again add strawberry and blueberry and pour yogurt over everything. For extra flavor add mint leave or small drizzle of honey.
You prepare these cups for summer gathering and refrigerate them till serving.
Keep the fruit well chill and assemble the cups relatively close to serving time.
The bright color make this dessert look much more complicated than it actually is. That is always a win in my kitchen.
15.Watermelon Ice Cubes
This final idea is extremely simple but useful.
Cut watermelon into small cube and freeze them on tray. Once solid transfer the pieces into freezer safe container.
Use the frozen watermelon cube in smoothies or cold fruit drink.
You can also place few cubes directly into a glass of sparkling water. As they slowly melt they add gentle watermelon flavor.
This is one of those little summer trick that help reduce waste while giving ordinary drinks fun upgrade.
Refreshing watermelon drinks for summer
Watermelon drink are useful during hot weather because they are easy to prepare and be served very cold.
When making watermelon juice you usually do not need much added sugar.Taste the blend fruit first.If it is naturally sweet simply add citrus juice and cold water.
For parties make a large batch and keep it refrigerated until serving.
Some easy combination include:
- watermelon and lime
- watermelon and lemon
- watermelon and mint
- watermelon and cucumber
- watermelon and strawberry
- watermelon and pineapple
A beneficial tips is to relax the fruit before blending.This reduce the amount of ice you want and help preserve the fresh watermelon flavor.
Fresh watermelon salads that actually feel satisfying
Watermelon salad more interesting than simply putting fruit into bowl.
The trick is to balance different texture and flavor.Sweet watermelon pair particularly well with crunchy vegetables fresh herb salty cheese and acidic dressing.
For example watermelon cucumber mint and lime create very fresh combination. Watermelon feta and basil provide more contrast.
If you want more filling salad add leafy green chickpea grill chicken or another protein that fit your meal.
Do not drown watermelon salads in dressing.A small amount is usually enough because the fruit already contain plenty of moisture.
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Frozen watermelon treat for hot afternoon
Frozen watermelon is great alternative when you want cold dessert without complicated baking.
The easy method is to cut the watermelon into piece and freeze them in single layer.Once frozen they stored together in a container.
For smoother treat frozen watermelon blended into simple sorbet style dessert. You add lime juice for more flavor.
One challenge is texture. Frozen watermelon becomes quite firm so allow larger pieces to soften slightly before eating.
If you are blending frozen fruit use blender suitable for processing frozen ingredient and add liquid gradually if necessary.
Easy watermelon snacks for busy days
Sometime the best summer recipe is the one you make in five minute.
Keep cut watermelon in the refrigerator in cover container. Then you quickly combine it with other ingredient whenever hunger strikes.
Here are few simple snack ideas:
- Watermelon cube with mint and lime an cool bite.
- Watermelon, with plain yogurt, simple and creamy.
- Watermelon and berries sweet mix.
- Frozen watermelon pieces chilled and fun.
- Watermelon cucumber cups cool combo.
- Watermelon fruit skewer tasty stick.
I especially like preparing smaller portion rather than cutting up an enormous amount at once. The fruit stay easy to manage and you prepare fresh batch when need.
For out of doors snack use an insulated cooler with ice p.C. And keep away from leaving reduce fruit sitting at room temperature for make bigger length.
Practical Tips for preparing watermelon
A few small preparation habit make these recipes much easier.
First wash the whole watermelon before cutting it.The knife passes through the rind so keeping the outside clean is sensible food safety practice.
Second use stable cutting board and sharp knife. A large watermelon awkward to handle so cut it into manageable sections first.
Third remove seed when necessary. Seedless varieties are convenient for salad drink and smoothies although you may till find small soft seeds.
Finally store cut watermelon in clean cover container in the refrigerator.
Common mistake to avoid
One common mistake is add too much sugar.Taste the watermelon first.Very ripe fruit naturally sweet.
Another mistake is preparing salads too far ahead. Watermelon releases juice as it sit which make other ingredient soggy.
Over mixing is another issue.Gently fold ingredient together instead of stirring aggressively.
Finally do not ignore temperature.Most watermelon recipes taste much better when served properly chilled.
Why watermelon recipes are great for summer gatherings
Watermelon recipes are particularly useful when you have guest because many prepare ahead.
For simple summer table you could serve watermelon lemonade watermelon cucumber salad fruit skewer and frozen watermelon treat.
The recipes also give you nice mixture of drink snack sides and dessert without requiring complicated cooking.
For larger gathering prepare ingredient separately and assemble salad shortly before serving. This keep the texture fresh.
A little presentation also goes long way. Use clear glasses for drink colorful serving bowl for salad and small cups for fruit dessert.
Final Thoughts
Watermelon does not need complex component to turn out to be top notch summer season recipe. Its natural sweetness and clean texture already do most of the work.
After trying different combination I have found that the simplest recipes are often the ones I make repeatedly. A watermelon and mint salad cold lemonade or few frozen watermelon piece just as satisfying as complicate dessert.
If you’ve got watermelon sitting to your kitchen right now try one recipe from this listing as opposed to truly cutting it and serving it the same old manner. You might discover new summer favorite.
Keep things cold use fresh ingredient and do not be afraid to experiment with flavors. Summer cooking should be easy colorful and enjoyable.
FAQs
1.What can I make with quite a few watermelon?
There are many way to use large watermelon. You make watermelon lemonade smoothies salad frozen treat fruit skewer salsa yogurt bowl or chilled soup. Cut some watermelon into cube and freezing it is also useful way to preserve it for future smoothies and cold drink.
2.How do you make watermelon taste better?
Fresh watermelon is typically delicious on its personal but simple element make the flavor stand out.Lime or lemon juice add acidity mint adds freshness and small pinch of salt can enhance sweetness.You also integrate watermelon with cucumber berry feta yogurt or different sparkling aspect.
3.Can watermelon be frozen?
Yes watermelon may be frozen. Cut it into cube or slice arrange the pieces in single layer on tray and freeze till firm. Transfer the frozen piece to freezer safe container. Frozen watermelon work particularly well in smoothie slush and cold summer dessert.
4.How long does reduce watermelon remaining in the fridge?
Cut watermelon have to be store cover and refrigerate. For the best quality use it within few day. Always check its appearance smell and texture before eating. If it develop an unusual odor slimy texture or other sign of spoilage it should be discard.
5.What end result pass nicely with watermelon?
Watermelon pair properly with many summer season fruit inclusive of strawberry blueberry pineapple grapes peach and cantaloupe.Citrus fruit which includes lemon and lime additionally work superbly. For easy fruit salad integrate watermelon with or three complementary fruit instead of including too many distinct flavor.
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