Thank you National Watermelon Promotion Board for sponsoring this post. We are thrilled to share the incredible versatility and refreshing goodness of watermelon!
Beat the Heat: 3 Irresistible Watermelon Recipes for On-the-Go Enjoyment
As the sun blazes and our schedules overflow with summer fun – from family vacations to backyard BBQs and sporting events – finding refreshing, healthy, and easy-to-pack snacks and meals becomes a top priority. Look no further than the mighty watermelon! This vibrant fruit is not just a picnic staple; it’s a nutritional powerhouse and a champion of convenience, making it the perfect companion for wherever life takes you.
Today, we’re celebrating the joy of watermelon with three creative and delicious recipes that are ideal for busy days: a zesty Watermelon Peach Salsa, a fun and customizable Watermelon Pizza, and a revitalizing Watermelon Coconut Smoothie. Get ready to transform your summer snacking!
Why Watermelon Reigns Supreme for Summer and Beyond
Watermelon has always held a special place in our family’s hearts, and our kitchen often features this delightful fruit from the moment it hits store shelves. It’s more than just a sweet treat; it’s an essential part of our healthy lifestyle, especially during the active summer months. Its refreshing taste and hydrating properties make it an unbeatable choice, ensuring we stay cool and energized through all our adventures.
One of the most compelling reasons to embrace watermelon is its incredible value. At just about 17 cents per serving, it offers an economical way to enjoy fresh, delicious fruit. This makes it a smart choice for families who want to provide nutritious options without breaking the bank. My son, in particular, is a dedicated watermelon enthusiast, often reminding me, “Mom, do we need any watermelon?” every time we visit the grocery store. His discerning taste is usually spot on, and the rest of the family certainly isn’t complaining about having plenty of this juicy fruit around!
The Ultimate On-the-Go Snack Solution
Watermelon’s inherent portability and minimal prep requirements (when pre-cut) make it an ideal candidate for on-the-go meals and snacks. Whether you’re heading to the beach, a park picnic, a long car ride, or just need a quick bite between errands, watermelon delivers. It’s naturally packaged, easy to slice, and pairs wonderfully with a variety of flavors, transforming into everything from savory salsas to sweet desserts and refreshing drinks. This summer, with its packed schedule of baseball games, vacation adventures, and lively backyard parties, watermelon has been our go-to ingredient, ensuring we always have something fresh and wholesome within reach.
With an abundance of watermelon always available in our home, I’m constantly inspired to explore new and exciting ways to incorporate it into our daily menu. These three recipes are a testament to watermelon’s versatility and have become summer favorites, perfect for enjoying wherever and whenever hunger strikes.
1. Refreshing Watermelon Peach Salsa: A Burst of Summer Flavor
Imagine a scorching summer day and a cool, vibrant salsa that awakens your palate. Our Watermelon Peach Salsa is exactly that – a delightful blend of sweet, tangy, and subtly spicy notes that’s incredibly refreshing and surprisingly easy to prepare. It’s a perfect example of how watermelon can elevate a simple dish into something extraordinary, making it a staple for any warm-weather gathering.
To create this sensational salsa, we combine finely diced watermelon with juicy peaches, crisp English cucumber, a hint of pungent red onion, and a delicate kick from a seeded jalapeño. Fresh herbs like cilantro and mint add an aromatic brightness and depth of flavor, all beautifully brought together with a generous squeeze of zesty lime juice. The result is a symphony of textures and flavors that’s both healthy and incredibly satisfying, a truly unique take on traditional salsa.
Serving Suggestions & Portability
This versatile salsa is fantastic on its own with classic tortilla chips or, for a sweeter twist, with cinnamon pita chips. But don’t stop there! It’s an absolutely incredible topping for grilled chicken, flaky white fish, or even shrimp tacos, adding a fresh, summery dimension to your main dishes. We’ve taken this vibrant salsa to countless picnics and BBQ parties, where its stunning colors and irresistible taste always make it a crowd-pleaser. Its robust yet delicate texture also makes it ideal for travel – simply pack it in a sealed container, and you have a gourmet snack or accompaniment ready for any adventure.
2. Fun & Creative Watermelon Pizza: A Healthy Treat for All Ages
Perhaps my personal favorite among these three innovative ideas is the Watermelon Pizza. Its sheer simplicity, delicious outcome, and the endless possibilities for customization make it a winner for quick on-the-go meals, healthy snacks, or even a guilt-free dessert. This recipe truly transforms a simple slice of watermelon into a vibrant, edible masterpiece that delights both children and adults.
Crafting Your Watermelon Masterpiece
The beauty of watermelon pizza lies in its foundational element: a thick, round slice of watermelon serving as your naturally sweet and juicy “crust.” On this refreshing base, you’ll spread a generous layer of your favorite yogurt – vanilla Greek yogurt works wonderfully for a creamy, slightly tangy counterpoint. The canvas is then ready for your artistic touch! Pile on an assortment of fresh fruits; strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries offer a colorful and antioxidant-rich medley, but feel free to use whatever seasonal berries or chopped fruits you have on hand, such as kiwi, mango, or even banana slices.
To add delightful texture and an extra layer of flavor, sprinkle on some crunchy granola and delicate coconut flakes. A generous drizzle of honey ties all the components together with a touch of natural sweetness, making each bite an unforgettable experience. This isn’t just a snack; it’s a fun, interactive way to enjoy fruit! I often prepare several watermelon “pizzas” in meal prep containers for my husband’s lunch at work, for a delightful afternoon snack, or as a nutritious post-baseball practice treat for my son. It’s a guilt-free indulgence that satisfies cravings and provides essential nutrients for a busy day.
3. Hydrating Watermelon Coconut Smoothie: Your 2-Minute Energy Boost
Smoothies are a constant in our household, a testament to their quick preparation and nutritional punch. If there’s one thing we enjoy as much as fresh watermelon, it’s a perfectly blended smoothie. They’re the ultimate grab-and-go drink, transforming simple ingredients into a delicious, energizing concoction in minutes, making them ideal for any time of day.
Simplicity Meets Refreshment for Optimal Hydration
Our Watermelon Coconut Smoothie exemplifies this convenience and health-conscious approach. With just three core ingredients – fresh, juicy watermelon, hydrating coconut water, and a touch of agave syrup or honey for natural sweetness – you can create a sensationally refreshing beverage that tastes like summer in a glass. For those who prefer a slushier consistency, a handful of ice can be added to the blender for an extra chill. Simply combine all ingredients, blend until smooth, and you’re ready to conquer the day with a healthy boost!
This isn’t just a tasty drink; it’s a powerhouse of hydration, brimming with antioxidants, electrolytes, and essential vitamins. It’s the perfect way to rehydrate after a vigorous workout, cool down on a sweltering day, or give your body a quick, healthy boost without any artificial additives. My kids adore its sweet, tropical flavor, and a happy, hydrated child certainly makes this mama happy too!
Which of these 3 delightful ways to enjoy watermelon is your new favorite for summer snacking?
3 Ways to Enjoy Watermelon
Prep
Total
Author Megan | Strawberry Blondie Kitchen
Yield 4 servings
Here are 3 Ways to Enjoy Watermelon which are perfect for on-the-go snacking and meals; Watermelon peach salsa, Watermelon pizza and Watermelon coconut smoothie!
Ingredients
Watermelon Peach Salsa
- 2 cups watermelon, diced
- 2 peaches, pitted and diced (I used a white peach)
- 1 cup English cucumber, chopped
- 1/2 red onion, chopped
- 1 jalapeno, seeded and diced
- 1 tablespoons fresh mint, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoons cilantro, finely chopped
- juice of 1 lime
- Tortilla chips and/or cinnamon pita chips for servings
Watermelon Pizza
- 1 large, round circle of watermelon
- 1/4 cup yogurt (I used Vanilla Greek yogurt)
- A variety of fruits of your choice (I used diced strawberries, blueberries and raspberries)
- 2 tablespoons granola
- 2 tablespoons coconut flakes
- drizzle of honey
Watermelon Coconut Smoothie
- 8 cups watermelon, cubed
- 2 cups coconut water
- 2 tablespoons honey or agave nectar
Instructions
Watermelon Peach Salsa
- Combine all ingredients into a bowl. Store in refrigerator until ready to serve.
Watermelon Pizza
- Cut a large, round circle of watermelon to use as pizza base.
- Spread yogurt onto surface of watermelon.*
- Add fruit, sprinkle with granola, coconut flakes and a drizzle of honey.
Watermelon Coconut Smoothie
- Place all ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth.
*I found cutting the watermelon into slices and then placing on the toppings worked best.
Maximizing Your Watermelon Harvest
These three fantastic recipes showcase just a fraction of watermelon’s potential, but sometimes, nothing beats a simple, chilled slice with dinner. The beauty is that an entire watermelon can yield enough for these creative dishes and still leave plenty for classic enjoyment. In fact, after preparing all three recipes, I often have enough leftover to chop and store for immediate snacking straight from the fridge, demonstrating just how economical and versatile this fruit truly is.
For more innovative ideas, quick cutting tips, and a deeper dive into the health benefits of this incredible fruit, be sure to visit the National Watermelon Promotion Board Page. You’ll discover a wealth of knowledge to inspire your next watermelon creation and fully appreciate its amazing qualities.
Did you know the entire watermelon is edible – the vibrant flesh, the refreshing juice, AND the often-overlooked rind? Embracing a zero-waste approach, I’m eager to explore pickling the rind next, turning a forgotten part into a delicious treat. Have any of you tried this intriguing method? Share your experiences and tips!
If you’re as passionate about watermelon as we are, consider entering your most original watermelon recipe into the Watermelon Board’s recipe contest. It’s a fantastic opportunity to share your culinary creativity and potentially win recognition for your delicious ideas!
How do you typically enjoy watermelon during the summer months? Share your favorite traditions!
Hungry for more culinary inspiration?
Follow us on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram for a daily dose of deliciousness!
Don’t forget to pin this recipe on Pinterest to save it for later!
Subscribe to Our Newsletter: Sign up for easy + delicious recipes delivered weekly—straight to your inbox!
I was selected for this opportunity as a member of CLEVER and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.