These easy, refreshing watermelon recipes are the perfect way to put summer’s best fruit to good use! Plus, I share my secret for how to cut watermelon without the sticky mess.
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Summer is an easy, breezy time of year—until it’s time to cut the giant watermelon that’s been sitting on your counter all week.
If, by the time you’re done slicing and dicing, you’ve got watermelon juice dripping from your countertop, down the cabinets, onto the floor, and you’re nursing a wicked cut on one (or more) finger(s), I have to tell you: you’re doing it wrong.
The BEST Way to Cut Watermelon
So before we dive into the watermelon recipes—yes, they’re coming soon!—let me tell you about the game-changing way I’ve learned to cut watermelon when I want to remove the rind for recipes and for snacking.
- Slice the WHOLE watermelon in half. You’re going to do this right down the middle, not through the stem.
- Cut off the stem end and blossom end.
- Set one half on a cutting board with the cut side down.
- Slice off the rind, holding the knife at a slight angle to cut away all the white parts.
- Cut the now de-rinded (is that a word?) watermelon into slices, then cut these slices as desired.
If you’re a visual person, jump on over to the full tutorial, with additional pictures: HOW TO CUT A WATERMELON.
Master this technique, then try it in one of these watermelon recipes.
My Favorite Easy Watermelon Recipes
Watermelon Margarita
Cool off with a sweet, tangy, and ultra-refreshing watermelon margarita. This one’s a stunner for any summer get-together, but there’s no reason you can’t make them for Taco Tuesday with Carne Asada Tacos!
Watermelon Caprese
This one’s so easy, it doesn’t even need a recipe.
- Layer watermelon slices with sliced fresh mozzarella and basil leaves, Caprese-salad style.
- Drizzle with a good fruity olive oil, followed by a syrupy balsamic glaze.
- Give it a sprinkle-sprankle of flaky sea salt. (If you’re really feeling adventurous, add some kalamata olives too.)
As an alternative, you can use a melon baller to scoop the watermelon into balls and then use fresh mozzarella balls, a la this Caprese Salad Wreath. Or use burrata like this Salad with Burrata recipe.
Watermelon Smoothie
Never tried watermelon in a smoothie? It’s time to change that!
This hydrating smoothie recipe is a quick breakfast or post-workout boost, and it’s also great for pouring into popsicle molds for a frozen dessert.
Watermelon Salsa
Another no-recipe recipe, this watermelon salsa is best enjoyed immediately because the watermelon is going to watermelon and release a lot of liquid as it sits. But I love mixing this up as an afternoon snack—or it can be eaten as a side salad too!
- Toss diced watermelon, English cucumber, and red onion with lime juice, fresh cilantro, and minced jalapeño. You can add some crumbled cotija too if you’d like.
- Season with salt to taste, keeping in mind that if you’re dipping tortilla chips into it, that will make it taste saltier. (I always test my salsas with a chip rather than a spoon for this reason).
Watermelon Salad with Feta
This savory and sweet salad is a total crowd-pleaser, combining juicy watermelon with creamy feta, sharp red onion, and edamame for a little protein boost. I could (and have) make a meal out of this one!