One of the best parts of late summer is all the watermelon! I love the light and versatile flavor and textures because they practically scream summer. So, if you find yourself craving some quintessential summer flavors, then look no further!
Recipe 01: Watermelon Ice Cream
Smooth, light, and refreshing, this easy to make ice cream is perfect for any BBQ or block party.
Ingredients:
- 2 c. cubed seedless watermelon
- 2 c. whole milk (or half and half)
- 1/4 tsp. vanilla extract
- 2 Tbsp. sugar
Process:
Start by placing all your ingredients in a good blender (like this one) and blend until completely smooth. When you’ve achieved a perfect texture, pour into a loaf pan (like this one) and freeze for at least three hours. After the mixture has frozen, scoop it out back into the blender and blend one more time. It’s worth it! Last, pour back into the loaf pan and freeze for one more hour before serving.
Recipe 02: Watermelon Fruit Roll-Ups
Perfect for trips to the zoo or afternoons at the park, these fruit roll-ups are way better than the store bought ones.
Ingredients:
- 8 c. cubed watermelon
- 1/2 c. sugar
- 1 lime, juiced
Process:
First, begin by heating your oven up to a balmy 170F and prepping a baking sheet with parchment paper. Next, spray your parchment paper with cooking spray to keep things from sticking. After prepping your baking sheet, place the watermelon into a blender and blend until completely smooth.
Then, using a fine mesh strainer (like this one) lined with cheesecloth (like this), pour your mixture through the strainer. You should end up with about two cups of watermelon solids, and some yummy watermelon juice that you can set aside for another recipe, or a refreshing drink!
Next, mix your watermelon solids, sugar, and lime juice together until well combined. Then spread the mixture over your baking sheet so you have a nice even layer. Last, bake the fruit in your oven until everything is dried out and not sticky. This will take 3-4 hours. To finish, cut the leather into strips, roll up, and store in an airtight container.
Recipe 03: Watermelon Feta Salad
This is a great salad paired with surf or turf! Light, minty, and a good punch of protein.
Ingredients:
- 1/4 c. olive oil
- 2 Tbsp. red wine vinegar
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 3 c. cubed seedless watermelon
- 1 c. medium chopped cucumber
- 1/2 c. finely sliced red onion
- 1/2 c. coarsely chopped mint
Process:
Begin by making the dressing: combine the olive oil, red wine vinegar, and salt together in a bowl with a whisk. Next, in a serving bowl (like this one), combine the watermelon, cucumber, feta, onion, and mint. Then when you’re ready to serve, drizzle the dressing and toss everything together. Last, garnish with more mint if desired, and serve!
Recipe 04: Watermelon Salsa
Perfect with grilled chicken for tacos or served with salty tortilla chips, this salsa also has enough watermelon left over to make the salad in the recipe above!
Ingredients:
- 1/2 seedless watermelon
- 1 large diced mango
- 1/2 diced red onion
- 2 zested and juiced limes
- 1 seeded and diced jalapeno
- salt
- 1/2 c. chopped cilantro
- tortilla chips for serving
Process:
Begin by slicing the watermelon in half lengthwise, then trimming a little off the bottom so that the melon will sit flush on the table. Next, scoop out the watermelon, but make sure that you don’t scoop through the bottom. When you have the watermelon bits out, go ahead and dice them into small pieces.
Next, put the watermelon, mango, onion, jalapeno, lime juice and zest, a pinch of salt, and cilantro into a mixing bowl so that you can combine them. Last, spoon the salsa into the watermelon bowl and pop the whole thing into the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to mix better. Serve and enjoy!
Recipe 05: Watermelon Lemonade
This is a great recipe to go with your leftover fruit. It’s refreshing and great for a hot summer night!
Ingredients:
- 6 c. chilled cubed seedless watermelon
- 4 c. cold water
- 3/4 c. chilled strained lemon juice
- 2/3 c. sugar (more or less per your taste)
- Ice and mint for serving
Process:
Begin by putting that chilled watermelon into a blender and puree well. Then pour through a mesh strainer into a bowl, throw away the bits left in the strainer. Next, take your pitcher (like this one) and whisk together the water, lemon, and sugar until completely dissolved. When the sugar is dissolved, add in the pureed watermelon and stir some more. Taste and adjust sweetness to your preferences.
To serve, pour over ice and mint in individual glasses. If you’re not ready to serve, then chill in the fridge until you’re ready. Don’t add ice until you’re ready to serve or you risk watering down your punch.
Hopefully, these recipes can rescue your hot summer evenings and crazy neighborhood BBQs. Happy Summer!
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