From Salads To Pizza, Five

Watermelon Recipes

To Indulge In The Summer Favourite

Quick Summary

Summer’s favourite red fruit, watermelon, is great whether cut into cubes or sliced, but sometimes there might be too much of the fruit to eat at one go or store without spoiling. Watermelon recipes are one of the best ways to make the most of this summer staple. Watermelon is almost 92% water, contains 30 kcal per 100 grams, and is rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that gives the flesh its red colour. So, stay hydrated with these watermelon recipes, from a salad, drink, to desserts.

Deep Dive

The benefits of watermelon extend beyond hydration. Research shows that consuming foods with lycopene may reduce your risk for heart disease and stroke. The same study published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences in 2022 suggests a link between the fruit and heart disease, as watermelon extract may reduce blood pressure over a sustained period. Studies suggest this sweet, red melon may also boost heart health, reduce muscle soreness, and decrease inflammation.

One often-overlooked nutritional fact: carotenoids like lycopene are fat-soluble. Pairing watermelon with a small amount of fat, such as crumbled feta, pistachios, avocado, olive oil, or yoghurt, enhances its absorption. This is one reason why the watermelon and feta combination found in several of the recipes below is not just delicious but nutritionally smarter than eating the fruit alone.

Watermelon Feta Salad

There is something about the combination of the juicy watermelon, creamy feta, and fresh herbs that feels a little special without any extra effort. It is the kind of dish that looks impeccable on the table, tastes amazing, and disappears fast.

Ingredients:

Dressing: Olive oil, lime juice, garlic, salt

For the salad: Fresh watermelon (cubed), cucumber, red onion, crumbled feta cheese, avocado, fresh mint or basil leaves, fresh pepper (optional), salt

Method: 

• First, mix all the dressing ingredients in a small bowl. 

• Take a large bowl or a shallow and wide dish and arrange all the watermelon pieces, cucumber and red onions on it. Pour half the dressing on it. 

• Then top with the feta, avocado, mint or basil and pepper. Drizzle the remaining dressing and season with salt.

Gazpacho 

Southern Spain’s Andalusia makes cold soup out of raw vegetables; this treatment also extends to certain fruits. The story of gazpacho goes back to the day labourers working in Spain’s vineyards, plantations, fields and groves who used to eat bread turned into a soup with garlic, olive oil, vinegar, water and whatever vegetables were available. Now, this chilled soup comes in a lot of varieties. Gazpacho de Sandía is a modern twist on the traditional soup that incorporates watermelon into the recipe.

Ingredients:

Seedless watermelon, ripe tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, garlic, extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, black pepper, fresh mint or basil, feta or diced cucumber

How to Make:

• Blend the watermelon, tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, and garlic until smooth. Add olive oil and vinegar and mix. Taste and adjust salt. 

• Strain through a fine mesh sieve if you want a smoother consistency. Refrigerate for at least two hours before serving. 

• Pour into bowls or glasses over ice, drizzle with olive oil, and garnish with fresh mint and a few cubes of feta or cucumber.

Watermelon Lemonade 

Watermelon juice on its own is sweet and refreshing, but when combined with fresh lemon, it becomes a hydrating summer drink. The real benefits come from the ingredients themselves: watermelon provides hydration and natural compounds which support heart health and recovery after exercise. Lemon juice adds vitamin C, known for supporting immune health and aiding iron absorption.

Ingredients:

Seedless watermelon, lemon juice, lime juice, sugar or honey, water, ice and fresh mint

How to Make:

• Make the sugar syrup by heating sugar and water until the sugar completely dissolves; bring to a brief boil if needed. Set this aside. 

• Blend the watermelon until smooth and strain into a pitcher. Add the simple syrup, lemon juice, lime juice, and remaining water to the pitcher. Stir well. 

• Chill in the refrigerator until cold, or pour over ice to serve immediately. Garnish with lemon slices, watermelon slices, and mint sprigs.

Grilled Watermelon

Grilling watermelon may sound unusual, but it actually creates a juicy, uniquely savoury-sweet flavour. The heat caramelises the natural sugars and adds a smoky char that makes the fruit taste entirely different from its raw form.

Ingredients:

Seedless watermelon, olive oil, salt, feta cheese, fresh mint, honey, lime juice, balsamic glaze

Method:

• Preheat the grill, making sure it is oiled and greased. 

• Mix olive oil and salt, and brush the olive oil mixture onto both sides of the watermelon slices. 

• Place the oiled watermelon directly on the hot grill, let it char, then flip the watermelon over and top it with crumbled feta cheese. 

• Cover the grill and let it cook for a few more minutes. 

• Remove from the grill and drizzle with honey and lime juice, scatter fresh mint and balsamic glaze.

Watermelon Pizza

Watermelon pizza is exactly what it sounds like: a thick round of watermelon, treated like a pizza base, and topped with fresh or grilled toppings. This watermelon pizza is so easy to make that it's almost unfair to call it a recipe. There are two versions: no-cook and grilled. The no-cook version is better for children and large crowds; the grilled version is better for intimate dinner parties.

Ingredients – No-Cook Version:

Watermelon rounds, feta cheese (block), fresh mint, extra virgin olive oil, flaky sea salt

Ingredients – Grilled Version:

Watermelon rounds, olive oil, feta cheese, arugula (rocket leaves), balsamic glaze, pecans or toasted walnuts

Method (No-cook):

• Place the watermelon rounds on a large rimmed platter. Cut each round into 8 wedges using a pizza cutter or sharp knife. 

• Sprinkle crumbled feta over each slice, then add mint leaves. Season with a pinch of salt and drizzle with olive oil. Serve immediately.

Method (Grilled):

• Prepare the grill for direct grilling over medium-high heat. Coat watermelon discs lightly with olive oil. 

• Place the oiled discs on the hot grates until the bottom is grilled. Flip and top with crumbled feta. 

• Cover the grill and cook for a few more minutes. Remove and top with arugula, pecans, and balsamic glaze. Slice into wedges and serve.

Watermelon Recipes Made Easy

Watermelon has recipes, too, and it extends beyond just watermelon juice, mocktails and cocktails. There’s pizza, soup, and grilled watermelon that can be served to guests or eaten with your pals. All this not only turns the juicy watermelon into a key summer ingredient, but also ensures you keep your health and taste buds rejuvenated.