12 Cool and Refreshing Watermelon Ideas

Nothing's Better Than Watermelon on a Hot Summer Day

By
Cathy Jacobs
Cathy Jacobs
Cathy Jacobs
A freelance journalist and avid home cook, Cathy Jacobs has more than 10 years of food writing experience, with a focus on curating approachable menus and recipe collections.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Updated on 04/19/20
Watermelon Popsicles

Emily Hawkes/The Spruce Eats

Few things remind us more of summer than a sweet, juicy bite of fresh watermelon. These days, we're finding ourselves putting watermelon in salads, mixing it into barbecue marinades, turning it into pickles, drinking it in cocktails, enjoying its sweetness in desserts, and even deep-frying it (yes, really!). We've rounded up the most creative summer recipes that are easy to make and allow you to savor every last bit of this delicious fruit, including ways to prepare the rind and seeds.

  • 01 of 12

    Watermelon Fruit Basket

    watermelon fruit basket filled with berries and pineapple

      Leah Maroney

    Create a gorgeous watermelon fruit bowl for cookouts, pool parties, and other backyard gatherings this summer with easy step-by-step instructions. Fill it with your choice of juicy, fresh fruits in season, for a healthy dessert option that looks gorgeous on the table.

  • 02 of 12

    Whole Vodka-Spiked Watermelon

    How to Make a Vodka-Spiked Watermelon

    S&C Design Studios

    Instead of supplying six packs, why not create a vodka-infused "drunken watermelon" for adult cookout guests this summer? This crafty cocktail project is fun for parties and takes less than a day to create. Just be sure to let visitors know that the fruit is spiked before serving.

  • 03 of 12

    Watermelon Cosmopolitan

    Jennifer Levy

    Cosmos, anyone? The Cosmopolitan—popularized by Sex in the City—gets a summer makeover in a delicious drink that proves you don’t need to be a bartender to serve fancy cocktails right from your home kitchen. 

  • 04 of 12

    Watermelon Gazpacho Soup

    A delicious and refreshing watermelon gazpacho, ready to serve
    Steven Krug / Getty Images

    Spanish-style watermelon gazpacho is a healthy, no-cook soup that's ideal for enjoying on hot days when you don't want to turn on your stove. Cubes of seedless watermelon float in a delicious puree infused with fresh lime juice and zest for added zing.

    Continue to 5 of 12 below.
  • 05 of 12

    Healthy Watermelon Popsicles

    Watermelon Popsicles

    Emily Hawkes/The Spruce Eats

    Watermelon popsicles could not be easier to make and are a wonderful summertime treat. Watermelon chunks are pureed in the blender, then poured into popsicle molds or ice cube trays and frozen, with or without the optional added flavorings as suggested in the recipe.

  • 06 of 12

    Deep-Fried Watermelon

    Deep-Fried Watermelon

    Charlene Collins/Getty Images

    If you've never tasted fried watermelon, it's time to give it a try! You can prepare watermelon triangles for frying much like you would many other foods. It's first dipped in a simple batter, then placed in hot oil until it turns golden. Enjoy warm with a dusting of powdered sugar as a fun appetizer or dessert.

  • 07 of 12

    Roasted Watermelon Seeds

    Roasted Watermelon Seeds

    DigiPub/Getty Images

    Did you know that watermelon seeds can be roasted to turn them into a tasty snack, much like sunflower or pumpkin seeds? These often-tossed fruit seeds take on a yummy flavor that is reminiscent of caramel when toasted in a pan, then boiled with salt. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one month.

  • 08 of 12

    Old-Fashioned Watermelon Rind Pickles

    Watermelon rind pickles recipe

    The Spruce Eats / Julia Hartbeck

    Wondering what to do with watermelon rinds leftover from preparing fruit plates, smoothies, and salads? This Southern-style recipe pickles them in a nicely spiced brining liquid for a treat that makes a delicious alternative to fruit cups on hot summer days.

    Continue to 9 of 12 below.
  • 09 of 12

    Watermelon Sorbet

    Sara Rosso

    Use your ice cream maker to whip up a light watermelon sorbet this summer. It makes a lovely dessert after summer dinners or a refreshing palate cleanser between cookout courses. You only need three ingredients, including watermelon, sugar, and a lime.

  • 10 of 12

    Frozen Watermelon Smoothie

    Watermelon Smoothie

    The Spruce

    This foolproof summer recipe for a watermelon smoothie gets extra sweetness maple syrup and creaminess from a milk and yogurt base.

  • 11 of 12

    Frozen Watermelon Coconut Mojitos

    The Spruce

    Get the pool party started this summer with a grown-up slushy that puts a tropical twist on the classic mojito. Frozen watermelon chunks and creamy coconut milk are blended with coconut rum, lime juice, and fresh mint leaves. Garnish with more fruit, mint, and optional shredded coconut for a cute presentation.

  • 12 of 12

    Frozen Watermelon Margarita

    Malcolm P Chapman

    Fruit-flavored margaritas are a classic summer party cocktail. These frozen watermelon drinks put a sweet twist on the traditional marg that will be welcome at all of your outdoor parties.