10 Delicious and Surprising Watermelon Recipes to Make All Summer Long

Lori Lange

Mon, July 22, 2024 at 2:46 PM UTC

3 min read

Watermelon is a versatile fruit that can be used in a variety of recipes, from sweet desserts to savory salads and cocktails.
To pick a ripe watermelon, look for one that feels heavy for its size, has a creamy yellow spot on the bottom, and produces a deep hollow sound when tapped.
Celebrate National Watermelon Day with 10 delicious recipes featuring watermelon, including watermelon gazpacho, grilled watermelon salsa, spicy watermelon salad, watermelon cupcakes, and watermelon margaritas.

It's about the time of year where everyone is on the hunt for the best, big and juicy watermelon at the market. There is nothing better than cold, refreshing watermelon on a hot day! That why these watermelon recipes range from sweet desserts to savory salsas and salads—enough recipes to ensure you can use up any leftover watermelon while enjoying the best flavors the summer season offers. In honor of National Watermelon Day and the sweetness of summer ,click the slideshow above to view the 10 most de licious recipes to make with watermelon.

Related: How to Cut a Watermelon

How to Tell When A Watermelon is Ripe

When you pick it up, it should feel heavy for its size(that means it has a lot of juice in it!)
Next look for the yellow spot. The spot is where the watermelon has rested on the ground while growing. A creamy yellow spot indicates that the watermelon is ripe.
Lastly, give the watermelon a good tap. A ripe watermelon has a deep hollow sound. Under or over-ripe melons will yield a dull sound when tapped

Related: How To Pick a Watermelon

Best Watermelon Recipes

Watermelon is a surprisingly low-carb treat that even those on a keto can enjoy. The slideshow above contains a range of great recipe ideas both savory and sweet! Try making watermelon salsa or one of the many salad recipes mentioned. Watermelon is great in a salad and it makes a tasty popsicle too ! If you enjoy cocktails , try a watermelon gin fizz, watermelon margaritas , watermelon mojitos, or one of the other fun cocktail recipes.

Let us know if you try any of these recipes, and have a fun summer full of watermelon!

10 Easy Watermelon Recipes

<p>Mark Thomas</p><p>Celebrate the best of the summer season with a cool, refreshing fruit gazpacho. The sweet melon perfectly pairs with the savory flavors garlic and vinegar rounding out this cold gazpacho recipe. </p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href= — Mark Thomas

Celebrate the best of the summer season with a cool, refreshing fruit gazpacho. The sweet melon perfectly pairs with the savory flavors garlic and vinegar rounding out this cold gazpacho recipe.

**Get the recipe: Watermelon Gazpacho**

<p>(MARK BOUGHTON PHOTOGRAPHY/STYLING BY TERESA BLACKBURN)</p><p>A perfect way to make something savory from your leftover watermelon. You'll want to put this incredible grilled watermelon salsa on everything this summer! </p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <span>Grilled Watermelon Salsa</span></strong></p> — (MARK BOUGHTON PHOTOGRAPHY/STYLING BY TERESA BLACKBURN)

A perfect way to make something savory from your leftover watermelon. You'll want to put this incredible grilled watermelon salsa on everything this summer!

**Get the recipe: Grilled Watermelon Salsa**

<p>Johnny Miller</p><p>Add some heat to this sweet treat with a spicy watermelon salad recipe straight from the acclaimed Well+Good cookbook. </p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <span>Spicy Watermelon Salad</span></strong></p> — Johnny Miller

Add some heat to this sweet treat with a spicy watermelon salad recipe straight from the acclaimed Well+Good cookbook.

**Get the recipe: Spicy Watermelon Salad**

<p>Shay Shull</p><p>Using pureed fresh watermelon in both the batter and the frosting, your leftover watermelon will be a surefire hit with these refreshing and rosy-colored watermelon cupcakes.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <span>Watermelon Cupcakes</span></strong></p> — Shay Shull

Using pureed fresh watermelon in both the batter and the frosting, your leftover watermelon will be a surefire hit with these refreshing and rosy-colored watermelon cupcakes.

**Get the recipe: Watermelon Cupcakes**

<p>Sandra Lee</p><p>This summery and refreshing cocktail is the perfect way to cool off. The watermelon margarita features Smirnoff Watermelon Vodka and apricot nectar, adding a fruity flair. </p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <span>Watermelon Margarita Recipe</span></strong></p> — Sandra Lee

This summery and refreshing cocktail is the perfect way to cool off. The watermelon margarita features Smirnoff Watermelon Vodka and apricot nectar, adding a fruity flair.

**Get the recipe: Watermelon Margarita Recipe**

<p>Ronni Lundy</p><p>Filled with colorful seasonal produce and grilled halloumi cheese, this summer salad screams “summer!”</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href= — Ronni Lundy

Filled with colorful seasonal produce and grilled halloumi cheese, this summer salad screams “summer!”

**Get the recipe: Watermelon Salad With Grilled Halloumi**

(Ronni Lundy)

<p>Recipe here: <strong><a href= — Recipe here: **WATERMELON LIMEADE**

<p>FoodieCrush.com</p><p>Plated beautifully and full of flavor thanks to the basil, you'll love this cool watermelon salad recipe.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href= — FoodieCrush&period;com

Plated beautifully and full of flavor thanks to the basil, you'll love this cool watermelon salad recipe.

**Get the recipe: Cucumber, Basil, and Watermelon Salad**

<p>InspiredByCharm.com</p><p>Kick your summer barbecque up a notch with a fun summer drink that will have all of your guests begging for seconds.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href= — InspiredByCharm&period;com

Kick your summer barbecque up a notch with a fun summer drink that will have all of your guests begging for seconds.

**Get the recipe: Watermelon Margaritas**

<p>A drink made for summer days on the beach, you can't beat the flavors in this tequila-based watermelon cocktail recipe.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe here: <a href= — A drink made for summer days on the beach, you can't beat the flavors in this tequila-based watermelon cocktail recipe.

**Get the recipe here: Watermelon Tequila Cocktails**