When it comes to margaritas, why be plain Jane when you can knock 'em dead with a mix of sugar and spice? Start with the fundamentals — tequila, triple sec — then make things even more refreshing with the addition of watermelon cubes, freshly blended watermelon juice, lime, and jalapeño (seeds optional). Rim a few festive glasses with sugar to tame the heat, and you're ready to toast to your best Cinco de Mayo yet.
It's a common occurrence to get overly ambitious and buy more than guests can possibly eat, usually when it comes to the last of Summer barbecues. If you find yourself in a similar boat, especially with that big watermelon that no one got around to after the chips and dip, here are five ways to use up the leftovers of this crisp, juicy fruit.
I'm always seeking special ways to switch up my pup's treats with some healthy human alternatives. He already loves frozen carrot bits and canned pumpkin but his latest love affair is with watermelon.
Offering up a tiny bit of seedless watermelon is a safe snack and I chop the fruit into squares and serve it ice cold for the steamy season. Not only is this fruit a great low-calorie treat, but its high water content gets fluids into the bodies of pets who turn noses up and away at the sight of an ordinary bowl.
Flickr User: redjar
When initially describing this salad to my dining partner tous les jours, his face wrinkled up in disgust, "fish sauce in a fruit salad? Ew!" Stubborn as I am, I ignored his skepticism, and carried on with the peeling, chopping, and slicing.
Shortly thereafter, I offered up a juicy bite of the finished product to the aforementioned naysayer, and watched on with slightly smug satisfaction. It was well worth the (minimal) effort. Salty and sweet, with a punch of heat, subtle umami qualities, and ample textural contrast, this salad will keep you guessing from bite to bite.
Every once in a while, I come across a recipe and wonder, why didn't I think of this?! Since most fruit tastes delicious on a Summer night with a couple of grill marks, watermelon, naturally, would be the same way. This light and refreshing grilled watermelon salad is an essential to the season.
Prep is easy and only requires a little olive oil brushed on the watermelon to ensure it doesn’t stick to the grill. Don't forget to let the melon cool before chopping it up for the salad. The dressing, a mixture of orange juice, lemon juice, and olive oil, adds a touch of tang and a hint of sweetness to the dish. You could also barbecue a few other fruits, like pineapple or peaches, and make a grilled fruit salad. Keep reading for the simple recipe.
It's common knowledge to eat macronutrients like protein, fat, and carbohydrates, but many people skimp out on micronutrients, especially those that come from plants. Phytonutrients, or "plant-based" nutrients, consist of fruits and vegetables that make up the colors of the rainbow. By eating a variety of colors, you are providing your body with antioxidants and other nutrients that protect your body from disease and degeneration.
Lycopene, the phytonutrient that gives fruits and vegetables a red pigment, is part of the carotenoid family. You can easily obtain a high dosage of lycopene by eating watermelon. Lycopene acts as an antioxidant, and daily consumption may reduce risks of heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. Boost the flavor of the watermelon by tossing it in a honey-lime mint sauce.
See the watermelon recipe after the break!
On those days when even a glass of water doesn't seem to quench your thirst, turn to nature's juiciest Summer fruit, the watermelon. Slice it into simple wedges, and save those seeds for a spitting contest, or serve it like we do, by carving seedless watermelon into bite-sized cubes, then housing them in the icebox, at the ready to remedy any parched moment. Want to make more of your melon? We suggest giving these recipes a try; from sweet desserts to savory salads, watermelon makes everything better!
 Watermelon skewers |
 In-Sandíary |
 Watermelon feta salad |
 Grilled watermelon |
 Blueberry melon pops |
 Watermelon sangria |
The simplest preparation of ripe watermelon, fresh from the fridge and sliced into wedges, is arguably the best way to eat it. But I'm going to play devil's advocate and recommend that you do something unexpectedly delicious with watermelon. Fresh popsicles or another sweet treat are awesome uses of watermelon, but they are a little too common. To really blow your friends and family away, incorporate the juicy pink flesh of watermelon into a savory dish. Here are four to try:
Do you use watermelon in savory dishes? Share your techniques with us below!
Why do so many impromptu parties happen in the Summer? It seems like every weekend I'm running around trying to quickly throw together a refreshing pitcher drink or frozen dessert or fast appetizer. My latest creation when it comes to easy entertaining are these fruity and salty skewers. They're super simple to make, fun to eat, and taste delicious!
I used watermelon, feta cheese, and Kalamata olives, but if you don't like olives, the combination of watermelon and feta is a classic crowd-pleaser. These skewers were drizzled with basil oil, but any herb you have on hand (mint, cilantro, parsley, etc.) would pair with the watermelon. Read more to check out the recipe that's so uncomplicated it almost shouldn't be called a recipe!
July means the Summer heat reaches its peak, and big, juicy watermelons pile high outside grocery stores. You'll want to stock up on this powerful melon after you're briefed on its abundant nutrients and have viewed these five inspired watermelon recipes. Prepare to feast succulently.
