There’s nothing like sinking your teeth into a juicy wedge of perfectly ripe watermelon. And while it’s delicious on its own, there are actually tons of watermelon recipes that use the fruit in surprising ways: with the right preparation, watermelon can play the starring role in both sweet And savory dishes.
To enhance the sweetness of the fruit, combine it with acidic additions (like balsamic or lime juice), fresh herbs (mint or basil, for example), soft cheese (like feta or mozzarella), spicy mixes (like jalapeños) or other types of seasonal produce (like heirloom tomatoes or avocado), Celine Beitchman, MSdirector of nutrition at Culinary Education Institute, says SELF. To give it a salty, smoky taste and a caramelized texture, sear it on a grill.
When it comes to additional flavors, you can look to the fruit’s cousins for inspiration. Watermelons are in the same family as squash, cucumbers and pumpkins, so consider seasoning them the same way, Beitchman says. Think: cinnamon, nutmeg or Za’atar to spice it up.
You can also, of course, keep it simple and let its simple freshness shine through. Cut the melon into cubes and serve it in salads or eat it on its own. Because watermelon is 92% water, it’s a super hydrating option, making it the perfect refresher for hot days, Beitchman says.
There are tons of ways to accompany this versatile fruit: delicious fruit, grain or green salads, frozen treats, salsas, cold soups, drinks and artful dishes that cook with melon as if it was a protein. Take a look at the options below; you will be delighted with what watermelon can do.
