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Get to Grilling With Watermelon

Lauren Hendrickson — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 14:32:51 PDT

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.

Phytonutrient-Packed Watermelon With Honey-Lime Mint Syrup

Anna Monette Roberts — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 02:46:15 PDT

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!

Take a Bite Out of These Watermelon Recipes

YumSugar — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 01:54:21 PDT

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

4 Savory Ways to Enjoy Watermelon

Katie Sweeney — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 11:52:00 PDT

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:

Salad: Arugula (or some other green, like watercress), feta, and watermelon salad has popped up on so many restaurant menus it could practically be considered a classic salad! Other salad ingredients that pair well with watermelon are jicama, mint, red onion, olives, tomatoes, goat cheese, radishes, basil, cucumber, avocado, and fennel. Try adding watermelon slices to Caprese salad: it tastes wonderful with balls of fresh mozzarella.
Seafood: The brightness of watermelon complements many kinds of seafood from squid to swordfish to crab.
Cocktail: When pureed and strained, watermelon juice is a refreshing ingredient in many cocktails, specifically drinks that have a little spice like this chipotle-rimmed tequila beverage.
Grill it: Earlier this Summer, Mark Bittman, columnist at The New York Times, blew me away with his recommendation for grilled watermelon burgers! If that's a little too adventurous for you, grill watermelon and add it to a salad.

Do you use watermelon in savory dishes? Share your techniques with us below!

Watermelon Feta Skewers Are Easy as 1, 2, 3

Katie Sweeney — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 14:15:13 PDT

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!

5 Reasons to Feast on Watermelon - Recipes Included

FitSugar — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 14:54:23 PDT

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.

A Reader Recipe: Ahi Tuna and Watermelon Ceviche

Fit Community — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 03:06:10 PDT

Now that the weather is finally warming up, doesn't My Fare Foodie's tuna and watermelon ceviche look great? She shared her picture in our Healthy Recipe community group.

This ahi tuna and watermelon ceviche is the perfect refreshing treat for these hot Summer days.

Get the recipe and step-by-step photos on her blog, then be sure to upload your own food images to the FitSugar Healthy Recipe community group.

Yummy Links: From Pizza to Watermelon

YumSugar — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 09:11:21 PDT

The secrets to making perfect pizza. - Eatocracy
Freaky eaters who are addicted to maple syrup. - TLC
Must make: shrimp and grits with arugula. - Serious Eats
How going gluten-free changed the life of one girl.- Gilt Taste
60 awesome images from this weekend's Food & Wine Classic in Aspen. - Skollie Magazine
Things you need to know about the food crisis. - Food Republic
Tips for a budget-friendly destination wedding. - The Daily Meal
Top Chef's Dale Talde has got a new gig. - Grub Street NY
Watermelon! 14 Summer recipes. - Kitchen Daily

Yummy Links: From Rick Bayless to Wolfgang Puck

YumSugar — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 10:33:09 PDT

Rick Bayless shares on the cuisine of Tijuana. - Grub Street SF
How to make the perfect steak sandwich. - Yahoo Shine
The most common ingredients in fast food. - TLC
An inside look at a dinner party hosted by Martha Stewart. - The Martha Blog
Breastaurants growth shows no sign of stopping. - Huffington Post Food
The saddest comic you'll ever read about oysters. - Gilt Taste
If you have a food dehydrator, you can make watermelon prosciutto! - The Kitchn
A brief history of the expensive burger. - Food Republic
Wolfgang Puck has launched his own wine label. - Eater

Sunday BBQ: Grilled Chicken With Watermelon Glaze

YumSugar — Sun, 05 Sep 2010 09:00:57 PDT

This grilled chicken recipe is perfect for Summer's last hurrah this Labor Day weekend, making good use of two warm-weather favorites: barbecue and watermelon.

At an outdoor BBQ it's not unusual to see seasonal fruit alongside the meaty main dish, but how about dressing your poultry with the juicy bounty? This fresh take on barbecued chicken will surprise your fellow BBQ-goers with its sweet and spicy watermelon glaze.

Get the recipe after the jump.