22 Fun & Easy Watermelon Recipes to Try This Summer

These watermelon recipes show the best of what this hydrating, refreshing pink fruit can do! Salad, soup, margaritas, and more.

Watermelon Feta Salad

Watermelon feta salad is the ultimate fresh summer treat! Sweet melon with salty cheese is laid back and perfect for the season.

• Prep: 10 mins
• Servings: 4 – 6

Ingredients

• 8 cups cubed ripe seedless watermelon (5 pounds or 1/2 medium watermelon), chilled
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
• 4 basil or 6 mint leaves, minced
• Lemon zest (optional)
• 1 pinch kosher salt, for garnish
• Fresh ground black pepper (optional)

Instructions

1. Chop the watermelon and arrange it on a platter. Drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle with feta crumbles, basil or mint, and kosher salt. Add lemon zest or black pepper if desired.
2. Serve immediately. If making ahead, refrigerate the cubed watermelon separately: it releases a large amount of water after it is cut. Then assemble the salad right before serving. Leftovers store for up to 2 days.

Watermelon Sorbet

Try this 3 ingredient watermelon sorbet recipe, a refreshingly icy summer dessert! Each bite is an explosion of pure juicy fruit flavor.

• Prep: 30 mins
• Yield: 1 quart (4 cups)

Ingredients

• 6 cups cubed seedless watermelon
• 6 tablespoons sugar
• 3 tablespoons lime juice
• 1 cup ice

Instructions

Note: Make sure the base of the ice cream maker is frozen overnight before making this recipe. 

1. Chop the watermelon. Place the watermelon, sugar, lime juice, and ice in a blender and blend until a smooth juice forms, then add ice and blend again.
2. Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and freeze for 20 to 25 minutes. The texture will be icy and creamy at this point.
3. If desired, place in a container and freeze for 1 hour for a harder texture that forms into scoops. You can freeze up to 2 hours day of (stir before serving). Freezing overnight makes a very icy texture. If you have leftovers the next day, allow them to sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes. To improve the texture, you can pulse in a blender or food processor if desired.

Watermelon Lemonade

This watermelon lemonade recipe is easy to blend up and full of sweet tart flavor! It’s ideal for summer barbecues and picnics.

• Prep: 10 mins
• Yield: 4 drinks

Ingredients

• 4 cups cubed ripe seedless watermelon (about 1/2 8-pound watermelon)
• ¾ cup fresh squeezed lemon juice (3 to 4 large lemons)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 2 cups ice
• Ice and fresh mint, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Chop the watermelon. Place it in a blender and blend until liquid. Strain the liquid with a fine mesh sieve back into the blender.
2. Juice the lemons. Add the lemon juice, sugar and ice and blend again until smooth. Pour into a pitcher. Serve garnished with watermelon and lemon slices, and a few additional ice cubes.

Watermelon Salsa

Watermelon salsa is a fun way to use this juicy melon! Combine it with lime, jalapeño, and cilantro for a zingy dip or sauce.

• Prep: 20 mins
• Yield: 8

Ingredients

• 2 cups finely diced fresh ripe watermelon
• ½ cup diced tomato (optional)
• ¼ cup diced red onion
• 1/2 jalapeño pepper, minced and seeded
• ¼ cup finely chopped cilantro
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• ½ teaspoon granulated sugar (optional or more to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
• Tortilla chips, for serving

Instructions

1. Prepare the watermelon, tomato, onion, jalapeño, and cilantro as listed above.
2. In a bowl, mix all ingredients gently together with the lime juice, sugar and salt. Serve immediately or wait 5 minutes to let the flavors meld. Taste and add more sugar or salt to adjust the flavor as desired.
3. Serve with chips or with grilled fish, shrimp or chicken, using a slotted spoon to drain juices before serving. Tastes best the day it is made, but it stores up to 2 days refrigerated (it will gather liquid during refrigeration so you may need to drain or use a slotted spoon for serving). 

Watermelon Margarita

This watermelon margarita is sweet, tart, and salty! It’s salted in the drink instead of the rim for a uniquely balanced flavor.

• Prep: 15 mins
• Yield: 6

Ingredients

• 6 cups cubed seedless ripe watermelon, chilled, enough for 3 cups juice
• 1/4 + ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ cup lime juice, plus lime slices for garnish (5 limes)
• 1 cup tequila reposado
• ½ cup ice

Instructions

1. Chop the watermelon. Add the watermelon cubes to a blender and blend until a juice forms. Then pour the juice through a fine mesh strainer into a clean container.
2. Measure out 3 cups of the watermelon juice, then add it back to the blender. Add the kosher salt, lime juice, tequila, and ice and blend until fully
3. Serve immediately over ice, or chill for several hours* and serve over ice. Garnish with lime slices.

Notes

*We preferred the chilled version, so make this a few hours in advance if possible. 

Watermelon Gazpacho

You won’t believe the flavor in this watermelon gazpacho! Pairing the sweet fruit with tomatoes and cucumber makes for the most refreshing summer soup.

• Prep: 2 hrs 10 mins
• Yield: 4 – 6

Ingredients

• 8 cups seedless watermelon, cubed (ours was half of one 16-pound watermelon)
• 1 medium cucumber
• 1 medium tomato
• 2 medium shallots or 1/2 small red onion
• ¼ cup loosely packed basil leaves
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
• A few dashes hot sauce

Instructions

1. Chop the watermelon into rough cubes. Place it in a blender and blend (the blended amount should fill a 1 ½ quart blender). Pour into a bowl or container, and set aside.
2. Cut the cucumber in half; remove the seeds by scooping them out with a spoon. Peel the cucumber halves, then roughly chop them into a few smaller pieces. Roughly chop the tomato into quarters. Cut off the ends of the shallots and peel them; cut them into quarters (or peel the onion and cut into quarters).
3. Place the cucumber, tomato, shallots, and basil leaves into the pitcher of the blender. Blend until smooth. Pour the mixture into the container with the watermelon mixture and mix them with a spoon until fully combined.
4. Stir in the red wine vinegar, kosher salt, and a few dashes hot sauce. Place in the refrigerator and chill for about 2 to 3 hours, until cold.  If desired, serve garnished with a few drops of olive oil.

Watermelon Slushie

The watermelon slushie is an ultra refreshing summer drink! Made with just three ingredients, it’s a frosty flavor-popping treat that’s ready in minutes.

• Prep: 5 mins
• Yield: 4 small or 2 large

Ingredients

• 4 cups cubed seedless watermelon
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 3 cups ice

Instructions

1. Chop the watermelon into cubes. Blend the melon, sugar and lime juice until it becomes liquid.
2. Add the ice and blend until a slushie consistency forms (resist the urge over-blend). Split between 4 small or 2 large glasses. If desired, garnish with fresh mint and a watermelon wedge. Enjoy immediately: it does not save well. 

Watermelon Basil Salad

Watermelon basil salad hits the spot in summer! The blend of melon, feta cheese and herbs is simple and refreshing.

• Prep: 15 mins
• Yield: 6

Ingredients

• 8 cups cubed ripe seedless watermelon, chilled
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice 
• 3 ounces crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 to 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil

Instructions

1. Combine all ingredients in a bowl. Serve immediately.
2. If making ahead, refrigerate the cubed watermelon separately: it releases a large amount of water after it is cut. Then assemble the salad right before serving. Leftovers store for up to 2 days.

Strawberry Watermelon Smoothie

This strawberry watermelon smoothie is full of juicy flavor! This 3-ingredient recipe is a deliciously healthy treat.

• Prep: 5 mins
• Yield: 3 small or 2 medium smoothies

Ingredients

• 3 cups frozen strawberries
• 3 cups cubed watermelon
• 1 banana (room temperature)

Instructions

1. Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth and creamy. Serve immediately.

Tequila Watermelon Skewers

Watermelon tequila skewers are insanely fun and refreshing! The zing of the alcohol watermelon combo will impress everyone.

• Prep: 5 mins
• Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

• 4 cups cubed ripe seedless watermelon (about 2 1/2 pounds or 1/4 medium melon)
• 2 ounces (¼ cup) tequila*
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint, plus more leaves for garnish

Instructions

1. Place the watermelon in a large bowl and sprinkle with the lime juice, tequila and chopped mint. Toss until well coated.
2. Place in a covered container and refrigerate until chilled, at least 1 hour and up to 1 day (it’s best when it’s freshest).
3. To serve, place watermelon chunks on cocktail picks or short skewers. If you’d like, use a cocktail shaker to strain the remaining juice from the bottom of the container into shot glasses, to be enjoyed along with the watermelon!

Notes

*You can also make these Watermelon Skewers without the tequila or do half without the tequila, as a non-alcoholic option for kids!

Watermelon Smash

The watermelon smash is a refreshing summer drink that pairs melon with lime, rum and vodka. Serve over crushed ice!

• Prep: 5 mins
• Yield: 1 drink

Ingredients

• ½ cup chopped watermelon (or ¼ cup watermelon juice)
• 4 large mint leaves, plus more for garnish
• 1 ounce* vodka
• 1 ounce white rum (or use all vodka)
• 2 teaspoons lime juice
• 2 teaspoons simple syrup
• Crushed ice, for serving

Instructions

1. Make the crushed ice.
2. Add the mint to a cocktail shaker and muddle it gently. Add the watermelon cubes and use the muddler to release all of the juice. (If you’re using watermelon juice, simply muddle the mint first then add the juice in Step 2.)
3. Add the vodka, rum, lime juice and simple syrup. Fill with ice and shake until cold.
4. Fill a lowball glass with the crushed ice, then strain in the drink. Garnish with additional watermelon slices and mint.

Notes

*To convert to tablespoons, 1 ounce = 2 tablespoons

Easy Fruit Dip

This fruit dip recipe is so easy with just 3 ingredients! It takes just 2 minutes to mix up and tastes like a dream. Your new go-to!

• Prep: 2 mins
• Yield: 4 – 6

Ingredients

• 1 cup Greek yogurt (full fat or whole milk)
• 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup or honey
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract*

Instructions

1. Mix all ingredients in a bowl. Serve immediately with fruit for dipping, or refrigerate up to 10 days.

Notes

*Variation: If you like, add ¼ to ½ teaspoon cinnamon for a spiced dip. 

Watermelon Sangria

Watermelon sangria has the best sweet flavor! A big pitcher made with this juicy fruit is perfect for summer entertaining.

• Prep: 90 mins
• Yield: 6

Ingredients

• 8 cups cubed seedless watermelon, divided
• 1 green apple
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 bottle dry white wine, chilled
• ½ cup brandy or Grand Marnier
• 1 handful mint leaves
• 1/2 lime, sliced into rounds

Instructions

1. Chop the watermelon and cut the apple into bite-sized pieces. Add the chopped apples and 2 cups of the watermelon to the bottom of a large pitcher. Sprinkle them with sugar and stir gently. Let them stand for 20 minutes at room temperature.
2. After 20 minutes, add the remaining 6 cups of watermelon to a blender and blend until juiced. Pour through a strainer into the pitcher. Add the the white wine and brandy, fresh mint and thinly sliced lime rounds. Stir and refrigerate for 1 hour, or as long as 4 hours. (Don’t go beyond 4 hours or the fruit texture starts to degrade.)
3. Pour the watermelon sangria into ice-filled glasses. Add fruit to each glass, preferably on long skewers for easy snacking.

Watermelon Water

Watermelon water is seriously refreshing, with a taste of pure melon! Similar to an agua fresca, it’s a simple blend of water and fruit.

• Prep: 5 mins
• Yield: 4 cups

Ingredients

• 4 cups cubed seedless watermelon
• 1 to 2 tablespoons sugar (to taste, or maple syrup or honey)
• ½ tablespoon lime juice
• 2 cups ice

Instructions

1. Chop the watermelon. Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth. Taste and adjust sugar if desired (2 tablespoons is medium sweet). Serve over ice.

Pickled Watermelon Rind

This pickled watermelon rind recipe is perfect for summer! The pickles come out deliciously zingy, a great way to use up this seasonal fruit.

• Prep: 10 mins
• Yield: 2 cups

Ingredients

• 2 cups watermelon rind (from about 1/2 small watermelon)
• ¾ cup white vinegar
• ½ cup water
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon black peppercorns
• 1 whole clove
• 1 tablespoon coriander seeds

Instructions

1. Wash a wide-mouth pint mason jar and and its lid in hot soapy water. Then rinse and allow it to air dry.
2. Use a vegetable peeler to remove the green skin from the watermelon. Cut it into slices, then cut out the watermelon flesh, leaving just a bit attached to the rind for color. Cut the rind into bite size pieces until you have 2 cups.
3. In a small saucepan, combine the vinegar, water, sugar, kosher salt, peppercorns, clove and coriander seeds. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar and salt (this will take only a few minutes).
4. Add the watermelon rind to the brine and simmer for 5 to 10 minutes until it is tender when pierced with a fork. Use a slotted spoon to pack the mason jar with the rinds, then cover them with the hot brine.
5. Screw on the lid tightly and allow to cool to room temperature (about 1 hour). Refrigerate until serving. Stores for up to 1 month refrigerated.

Watermelon Mojito

The watermelon mojito recipe is perfect for summer! This fruity spin on the classic makes the most of the juicy flavor of this melon.

Ingredients

• 6 mint leaves, plus additional for garnish
• ½ cup chopped watermelon, plus more for garnish
• 2 ounces* white rum
• 1 ounce lime juice
• 1 ounce simple syrup or maple syrup
• 2 ounces soda water
• Ice, for serving (try clear ice)

Instructions

1. Chop the watermelon. In a cocktail shaker, muddle the mint leaves. Add the watermelon cubes and muddle again until they are turned into juice.
2. Add the rum, lime juice and simple syrup and fill the cocktail shaker with ice. Shake until cold.
3. Add ice to a glass, and strain in the drink. Top off the glass with soda water. Garnish with additional mint leaves and watermelon wedges.
4. Pitcher variation (8 servings): Muddle 4 cups watermelon into a juice (or use 2 cups watermelon juice). Add to this Mojito Pitcher recipe, and garnish with additional watermelon slices.

Notes

*To convert to tablespoons, 1 ounce = 2 tablespoons

Watermelon Smoothie

This 3-ingredient watermelon smoothie is juicy and lightly sweet, with frozen strawberries and banana. It’s a unique smoothie idea that’s ultra refreshing!

• Prep: 5 mins
• Yield: 2

Ingredients

• 3 cups cubed watermelon
• 10 ounces (2 heaping cups) frozen strawberries
• 1 banana, either frozen in slices or at room temp

Instructions

1. Chop the watermelon. Place all ingredients in a blender, and blend until smooth and creamy. Serve immediately.

Watermelon Martini

The watermelon martini tastes like summer! This festive vodka cocktail is easy to make and full of refreshing sweet flavor.

• Prep: 5 mins
• Yield: 1 drink

Ingredients

• ½ cup chopped watermelon (or ¼ cup watermelon juice)
• 2 large mint leaves
• 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) vodka
• ½ ounce (1 tablespoon) Cointreau
• ½ ounce (1 tablespoon) lime juice
• 1 teaspoon simple syrup
• For the garnish: small watermelon wedge

Instructions

1. Chop the watermelon. Add the melon and mint to a cocktail shaker. Muddle (gently mash) them with a cocktail muddler or wooden spoon to release the juices. (If you’re using watermelon juice, simply muddle the mint first.)
2. Add the vodka, Cointreau, lime juice and simple syrup. Fill with ice and shake until cold.
3. Strain the drink into a cocktail glass. Garnish with a small watermelon wedge, if desired.

Easy Watermelon Juice

Here’s how to make watermelon juice in a blender! It’s hydrating, full nutrients, and easy to make at home…no juicer required.

• Prep: 5 mins
• Yield: 2 cups

Ingredients

• 4 cups cubed seedless watermelon, chilled, plus more for small watermelon wedge garnishes
• 1 lime, optional

Instructions

1. Cut the watermelon. Add the melon cubes to a blender and blend until a juice forms.
2. Pour the juice through a fine mesh strainer into a clean container.
3. Pour into glasses. If desired, add a squeeze of lime juice to taste (optional). Garnish with watermelon wedges.

Watermelon Cocktail with Gin

This watermelon cocktail is vibrant and refreshing! It’s the perfect combination of sweet melon, zingy lime, and gin.

• Prep: 5 mins
• Yield: 6 drinks

Ingredients

• 2 cups cubed seedless watermelon
• 8 ounces gin
• 2 ounces lime juice
• 1 tablespoon simple syrup or maple syrup
• 1 cup ice

Instructions

1. Chop the watermelon. Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth. Pour into 6 glasses: the foam will rise to the top. Garnish with a lime wedge if desired. 

Watermelon Popsicles

We love to make these 2-ingredient watermelon popsicles all summer long! The perfect treat for a hot day, they’re icy, fruity, and refreshing. Vegan and gluten-free.

• Prep: 10 mins
• Freeze: 4 hrs
• Yield: 8

Ingredients

• 6 cups cubed watermelon
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

Instructions

1. In a blender, place the watermelon and lime juice. Blend until completely smooth, then pour into popsicle molds, leaving ½ inch at the top for expansion.
2. Cover and add popsicle sticks if necessary. Freeze until set, 4 hours or overnight.

Notes

Makes about 8 popsicles, depending on the size of your molds

Watermelon Agua Fresca

This watermelon agua fresca or agua de sandia is a refreshing and delicious treat the whole family will love! Made with ripe, sweet and juicy watermelon it’s a great way to keep hydrated all summer long. Hurry and make my authentic watermelon agua fresca recipe for your next gathering.

• Prep: 15 mins
• Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

• 2 lbs. of seedless watermelon pieces, the weight is just the fruit
• 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice, optional but gives a yummy twist
• 1/4 cup muscovado sugar (add up to 1/2 cup sugar if desired, or agave to taste)
• 1 pinch sea salt, optional for extra flavor
• 4 cups cold water
• plenty of ice cubes

INSTRUCTIONS 

1. Prepare the watermelon pieces and weigh without the peel. Place the watermelon cubes, lime juice, sugar, and salt in a blender cup – depending on the size of the blender cup, this may need to be done in batches. Add the pinch of salt, if using.
2. Blend until smooth, if needed add a little bit of water to help blend the ingredients.
3. Place some ice cubes inside a large pitcher then pour the watermelon mixture into it. If you’d like to strain it simple put a fine mesh sieve over the pitcher and strain, discard any leftover pulp.
4. Pour in the water and give a very good stir. Taste and if necessary adjust either the sugar or water.
5. Serve right away or store in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Serve in glass with plenty of ice cubes and enjoy!