17 Watermelon Recipes Sure to Sweeten Your Summer Menu

Beat the heat—and stay hydrated—by pairing melons and cucumber in a light salad. Yuzu juice adds a bright and sunny flavor, but lemon or lime juice work just as well. Enjoy this cooling dish with toothpicks or serve it with protein, like grilled shrimp or chicken.  

This vibrant salad might sound fancy, but it's so easy to make. Marinate peach wedges and melon chunks with the French aperitif wine Lillet Rosé and lime juice, then garnish with fresh basil from the garden. The result is a colorful, juicy salad that tastes as good as it looks.

If you're looking for an excuse to fire up the grill, this is it. The jalapeño chile offers a spicy kick, while the watermelon-cucumber salad lends a cool sweetness. Try this combo with chicken, salmon, or shrimp if you don't eat pork.

Sometimes, the best ideas are the simplest. Case in point: Soak watermelon cubes in a boozy syrup, then chill them in the refrigerator overnight. By the next day, you'll have a succulent alcohol-infused treat that can be served with toothpicks or in bowls.

Long gone are the days of chasing after the ice cream truck. Make homemade ice pops by blending condensed milk with cantaloupe, honeydew, and watermelon in separate batches. Once layered and frozen into popsicle molds, the ice pops will create a natural tie-dye look. Food coloring who?

For a seasonal riff on the classic Arnold Palmer, try this watermelon and lemon iced tea combo. Create a fun, crowd-pleasing visual by adding frozen melon balls instead of ice cubes. Turn it into a cocktail by adding vodka or rum, or keep it booze-free for the kids.

Impress your guests with this mouthwatering seafood recipe. Ready in just 25 minutes, this dish features grilled skinless swordfish steak on a bed of watermelon and lettuce. The lime ginger dressing adds a bright dash of tanginess, ultimately rounding out the meal.

Perfectly creamy and sweet, this watermelon smoothie will hit the spot on a hot summer day. Make it dairy-free by using almond, cashew, or coconut milk—whatever suits your fancy. For a portable version, freeze the smoothie into ice pop molds for a delightful frozen treat.

Who needs a punch bowl when you have a melon? With a few clever cuts, you can turn a watermelon into an attractive zero-waste bowl. Purée the flesh in a blender, then mix it with seltzer for a fizzy punch. Serve it as is or add lemon juice and sugar for extra flavor.

Between the salty feta cheese and sweet watermelon, this salad will make your taste buds sing. Use French feta, Greek feta, or your favorite kind—any type of feta is fair game for this recipe. Add thinly sliced onions for a kick, or skip them if raw onions aren't your thing. Serve the salad with grilled meat or as part of a cheese board.

If you have an ice cream maker, you'll want to add this homemade sorbet to your to-do list. It calls for nothing more than mint simple syrup, watermelon purée, and lime juice. Enjoy a scoop (or three) after lunch or whenever you're craving a frozen treat.

For a sweet take on the standard mignonette, blend frozen watermelon purée with pepper and lemon juice. Spoon the granita on top of oysters or serve it alongside other sauces for a crowd-pleasing DIY oyster bar.

Give dinner a summery twist with this watermelon tabbouleh. Bulgur meets cubed watermelon and parsley, then mingles with scallions and goat cheese. Serve it in lettuce wraps or with grilled meat of your choice.

Equal parts sweet and savory, this chicken and watermelon recipe boasts a medley of delicious flavors. The yogurt marinade makes the chicken extra moist, offering a texture that complements the crispy watermelon so well. The best part? It takes just 30 minutes to make.

For another savory option, toss watermelon cubes with a robust basil-infused olive oil. Make the most of summer produce by adding cucumber and tomatoes, plus more basil for good measure. Chunks of goat cheese adds a tangy touch, but you can also use crumbled feta or dollops of ricotta.

Creamy coconut sorbet is the perfect partner for crunchy, juicy watermelon cubes. Layer the ingredients in clear glasses, then top off with toasted coconut flakes and lime zest. The red and white layers will create a beautiful visual that screams summer.

This summer, cool down with a batch of watermelon mint mojitos. Purée watermelon in a blender, then mix it with lime juice, fresh mint, and sugar. Maple syrup and honey also work well. To make it kid-friendly, skip the rum and add seltzer or club soda instead.