Watermelon Madness
Summer is here and its time to drink our meals and bring out the watermelons to keep cool during the hot days. There are so many ways to eat this besides the ol’ fashion way, so grab your watermelons and get juicy with these summer recipes. Kid and Mom approved. Dads (maybe.)
Watermelon Gazpacho
Ingredients:
4 cups cubed watermelon
1 cucumber, peeled and chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1/2 red onion, chopped
2 tomatoes, chopped
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 clove garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil or mint for garnish
Instructions:
Blend: In a blender, combine watermelon, cucumber, bell pepper, onion, tomatoes, olive oil, vinegar, and garlic. Blend until smooth. HERE is our go-to blender always, you’ll use this for EVERYTHING.
Chill: Season with salt and pepper. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
Serve: Garnish with fresh basil or mint before serving.
Watermelon Honey Smoothie
Ingredients:
2 cups cubed watermelon
1/2 cup strawberries, hulled
1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
1/2 cup coconut water
1 tablespoon honey (optional)
Ice cubes
Instructions:
Blend: Combine watermelon, strawberries, Greek yogurt, coconut water, and honey in a blender. Add a handful of ice cubes.
Mix: Blend until smooth.
Serve: Pour into glasses and enjoy immediately.
Spicy Watermelon Margarita
Ingredients:
4 cups seedless watermelon cubes
1/2 cup tequila
1/4 cup lime juice
1/4 cup triple sec
1 tablespoon honey or simple syrup (optional)
1 jalapeño, sliced (optional)
Ice
Lime wedges and salt for rimming glasses (optional)
Instructions:
Blend: Puree the watermelon in a blender until smooth.
Mix: Add tequila, lime juice, triple sec, honey/simple syrup, and jalapeño slices. Blend until combined.
Serve: Rim glasses with lime and salt if desired. Fill with ice and pour margarita mixture over. Garnish with lime wedges.
Watermelon Feta Salad
Ingredients:
4 cups cubed watermelon
1 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon balsamic glaze (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Combine: In a large bowl, mix the watermelon, feta cheese, mint leaves, and red onion.
Dress: Drizzle with olive oil and toss gently to combine.
Season: Add salt and pepper to taste.
Serve: Drizzle with balsamic glaze if desired and serve immediately.
Watermelon Popsicles with a Twist
Ingredients:
4 cups seedless watermelon cubes
1/4 cup lime juice
2 tablespoons honey or agave syrup (optional)
1/4 cup chopped mint leaves (optional)
1/2 cup coconut milk or Greek yogurt (for a creamy twist)
Pinch of chili powder (for a spicy kick, optional)
Instructions:
Blend: Puree the watermelon, lime juice, honey/agave syrup, coconut milk/Greek yogurt, and chili powder in a blender until smooth. Stir in mint leaves if desired.
Pour: Pour the mixture into popsicle molds.
Freeze: Insert sticks and freeze for at least 4 hours or until completely solid.
Serve: Remove from molds and enjoy your unique and refreshing popsicles!
Watermelon Cheesecake
Ingredients:
Crust:
1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup melted butter
Filling:
2 cups watermelon puree (seedless)
16 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 eggs
1/2 cup heavy cream
Topping:
Fresh watermelon slices
Mint leaves for garnish
Instructions:
Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
Prepare Crust: Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press into the bottom of a springform pan.
Bake Crust: Bake for 10 minutes, then let it cool.
Make Filling: In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract and heavy cream. Fold in watermelon puree until well combined.
Bake Cheesecake: Pour the filling over the crust and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the center is set. Allow to cool, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
Serve: Top with fresh watermelon slices and garnish with mint leaves.