10+ Watermelon Recipes for Refreshing Summer Treats

Watermelon’s one of those fruits that just screams summer. It’s sweet, juicy, and you can use it in all sorts of ways.

You can toss it into salads, blend it for drinks, or just eat it straight off the rind. Honestly, it’s hard to go wrong.

You can use watermelon in a variety of recipes to create simple, healthy, and fun dishes.

Maybe you want something to sip on, a crisp salad, or a snack that’s not just another slice of melon. Watermelon recipes can help you get creative.

Most of these ideas are pretty simple, too. You probably have the ingredients already.

1) Watermelon-Feta Mint Salad with Cucumber

This salad is really quick to throw together. Sweet watermelon and cool cucumber just work.

Salty feta adds a creamy punch. Fresh mint makes it taste super bright and herby.

A drizzle of honey-lime dressing ties everything up. It’s honestly perfect when it’s hot out—or when you need a snack that’s not boring.

You don’t need much to make it. It’s light, satisfying, and makes a great side or lunch.

Ingredients

• 4 cups watermelon, cubed
• 1 large cucumber, sliced
• 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon lime juice

Cooking Instructions

1. Toss watermelon, cucumber, and feta in a big bowl.
2. Whisk honey and lime juice for a quick dressing.
3. Pour the dressing over everything and gently mix.
4. Scatter the mint on top right before serving.

2) Watermelon Basil Agua Fresca

If you’re roasting in the sun, this drink is a lifesaver. Watermelon and basil together are kind of magical.

Basil gives it a soft, herbal edge that balances out the melon’s sweetness. You can skip the sugar if your watermelon’s already sweet.

Just blend watermelon, basil, lime, and water. Serve it cold with plenty of ice—trust me.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cubed watermelon
• 1 cup water
• Juice of ½ lime
• 1 teaspoon chopped fresh basil
• Ice cubes

Cooking Instructions

1. Drop watermelon, basil, and lime juice into a blender.
2. Blend it up until smooth.
3. Add water and stir.
4. Pour over ice and sip away.

Check out the full recipe at Cook Nourish Bliss.

3) Frozen Watermelon Daiquiri

A frozen watermelon daiquiri is basically summer in a glass. You just blend frozen watermelon with rum and lime.

It’s icy, fruity, and ridiculously easy. If you want it sweeter, toss in a little simple syrup or agave.

A splash of orange juice adds a pop of brightness. The texture is almost like a grown-up slushie.

You only need a blender and a handful of ingredients. It’s perfect for chilling out or sharing with friends.

Ingredients

• 4 cups frozen watermelon cubes
• ½ cup light rum
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 1-2 tablespoons simple syrup or agave nectar
• 1 cup ice cubes

Cooking Instructions

1. Put watermelon, rum, lime juice, and syrup in your blender.
2. Add ice cubes.
3. Blend until everything’s smooth and frosty.
4. Taste and add more syrup if you want.
5. Pour into glasses and drink right away.

4) Watermelon Gazpacho

If you’re up for something different, try watermelon gazpacho. It’s a cold soup with sweet watermelon and fresh veggies.

You get a light, fresh flavor with olive oil and a splash of vinegar. Cucumber and tomato keep it balanced.

Just blend it up and chill. It’ll stay good in the fridge for a couple of days.

Serve it as a starter or just have a bowl for lunch.

Ingredients

• 3 cups cubed watermelon
• 1/2 cucumber, peeled and diced
• 2 medium tomatoes, chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon sherry vinegar or red wine vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: a pinch of chili or fresh herbs like dill

Cooking Instructions

1. Toss watermelon, cucumber, and tomatoes in a blender.
2. Add olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper.
3. Blend until you get a slightly chunky soup.
4. Chill for at least an hour.
5. Serve cold with herbs if you want.

Find more tips at Love and Lemons.

5) Watermelon and Tomato Salad with Anchovy Bread Crumbs

This one’s a bit of a surprise. Watermelon and tomatoes together? It totally works.

The sweet melon and tangy tomatoes play off each other. Anchovy bread crumbs take it to another level with crunch and umami.

Toast the bread crumbs in a pan with anchovies until golden. Toss them on top for that salty, crispy finish.

Ingredients

• Watermelon, cubed
• Tomatoes, sliced or chopped
• Bread crumbs
• Anchovies
• Olive oil
• Salt

Cooking Instructions

1. Cut up the watermelon and tomatoes.
2. Heat a pan, add anchovies and bread crumbs, and stir until golden.
3. Toss watermelon and tomatoes with olive oil and salt.
4. Top with the warm anchovy bread crumbs.

Want more ideas? Here’s an easy tomato-watermelon salad recipe.

6) Watermelon Ice Cream

Watermelon ice cream is a cool treat and honestly, it’s so easy. You don’t even need an ice cream maker if you use frozen melon.

It’s creamy and bright, with a pop of lime. If you want it richer, add some condensed milk or cream.

You can whip this up in about 10 minutes. It’s a fun twist if you’re tired of plain old watermelon.

Ingredients

• 4 cups frozen watermelon cubes
• 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
• 1 teaspoon fresh lime juice
• Optional: pinch of salt

Cooking Instructions

1. Put frozen watermelon in a blender or food processor.
2. Blend until it’s smooth.
3. Add condensed milk, lime juice, and salt if you like.
4. Blend again until it comes together.
5. Serve right away or freeze for a couple hours if you want it firmer.

Check out this watermelon ice cream recipe for more details.

7) Watermelon-Basil Sweet Tea

Watermelon-basil sweet tea is just the thing for a hot afternoon. It’s got watermelon syrup and basil for a fresh, herbal twist.

Brew your favorite tea and let it cool. Add basil and watermelon syrup—don’t overthink it.

Serve it over ice. It really does taste like summer.

Ingredients

• Tea bags (black or green)
• Fresh basil leaves
• Watermelon simple syrup
• Water
• Baking soda (a pinch)

Cooking Instructions

1. Brew tea in 2 cups of hot water and steep.
2. Stir in a pinch of baking soda.
3. Add 1 1/2 cups cold water and watermelon syrup.
4. Toss in basil leaves.
5. Mix and chill.
6. Serve over ice.

Find more about this recipe if you want to tweak it.

8) Grilled Watermelon Steaks

Grilled watermelon steaks are a wild card, but don’t knock them till you try them. Slice the watermelon thick and pat it dry.

Brush with oil and sprinkle on salt, lime zest, or red pepper flakes. Grill each side for a few minutes until you get those sweet grill marks.

The texture is juicy—some folks even say it’s a bit like fish. Eat them plain or top with herbs or lemon juice.

Ingredients

• 1 medium watermelon
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp lime zest
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Cut the watermelon into thick planks (about 1 inch).
2. Pat dry with a towel.
3. Brush with olive oil.
4. Sprinkle with salt, lime zest, and red pepper.
5. Heat the grill to medium-high.
6. Grill for 3-4 minutes per side until you see grill marks.
7. Serve warm, add toppings if you want.

Curious? Read more at Savory Experiments.

9) Watermelon Salsa with Jalapeño

Watermelon salsa really livens up summer dishes. The sweet watermelon and spicy jalapeño just work, you know?

I love it for dipping chips, but it’s also awesome on grilled meats. You’ll want to dice the watermelon and jalapeño pretty small.

Red onion and cilantro bring in some crunch and brightness. Lime juice? It’s a must—makes everything pop.

Mix things gently so the watermelon stays in shape. Give it a bit of chill time; the flavors come together better that way.

Ingredients

• 4 cups diced seedless watermelon
• 1 cup diced red onion
• 1 small jalapeño, diced
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Dice the watermelon, red onion, and jalapeño.
2. Chop the cilantro finely.
3. Toss everything in a bowl.
4. Add lime juice and salt, then stir gently.
5. Let it chill for 20-30 minutes before serving.

For details, see this jalapeño watermelon salsa recipe.

10) Watermelon and Avocado Salad with Citrus Dressing

This watermelon and avocado salad feels like summer in a bowl. Sweet watermelon, creamy avocado, and crisp cucumber—what’s not to like?

The citrus dressing gives it some real zing. Fresh herbs and a little red onion pull it all together.

It’s great for lunch or next to anything off the grill. The dressing skips the oil, so it stays light and sharp.

Ingredients

• 3 cups watermelon, cubed
• 2 ripe avocados, diced
• 1 medium cucumber, sliced
• ¼ red onion, thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
• 1 tbsp orange juice
• 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
• Salt to taste
• Fresh ground pepper

Cooking Instructions

1. Grab a large bowl and toss in the watermelon, avocado, cucumber, and red onion.

2. Take a smaller bowl and whisk together the lime juice, orange juice, cilantro, salt, and pepper.

3. Pour that zesty dressing over your salad, then give it a gentle toss.

4. Serve it chilled, or hey, room temperature works too.