Yummy Summer Watermelon Recipes to Enjoy

With the temperature rising as we near closer and closer to the summer, our palettes increasingly crave something delicious and refreshing. And watermelon certainly fits the bill! But in addition to your traditional sliced watermelon, why not put a spin on this classic summer fruit with one of the following delicious recipes!

Grilled Watermelon Salad

Who would have ever thought of throwing watermelon on the grill, then tossing it into a salad, no less? In fact, watermelon is the perfect fruit to grill. It’s “beefy,” and can withstand the hot grill. To make this recipe, cut the watermelon into thick steak-like slices, brush them with olive oil, then place them on a grill heated to medium-high. Grill 3 minutes per side, then set aside.

Make your salad however way you like it, with either arugula, radicchio, spinach, romaine, or any other leaf you choose. Add olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Place the watermelon on top, add some crumbled feta cheese, and you’re good to go!

Watermelon Granita

Watermelon is the ideal fruit to create a delicious granita or sorbet. It’s the perfect refreshing treat for a hot summer day!

To make this, mix ¼ cup of sugar and ¾ cup of water in a saucepan. Bring it to a boil and stir to dissolve the sugar. Reduce the temperature to low, and simmer for another 5 minutes. Remove it from the heat and let it cool.

In a food processor, mix 6 cups of watermelon chunks and 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lime juice. Get rid of any seeds by pouring the liquid through a sieve, then whisk in sugar syrup and add ¼ cup of chopped fresh mint leaves. Pour the mixture into a 9” x 13” metal pan and freeze it until ice crystals develop at the edges, approximately 30 minutes. Stir the crystals towards the center, then place it back in the freezer for about 20 minutes, then stir the ice crystals again. Repeat the process until all the liquid is frozen.

Watermelon Salsa

Who said salsa can only be made from tomatoes? Watermelon can just as easily be used to create a delicious salsa that can be used to accompany all your other appetizers for the perfect backyard BBQ meal!

To make watermelon salsa, mix the zest of one lime, ¼ cup of freshly squeezed lime juice, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and black pepper in a large bowl. Add 3 cups of diced watermelon, 1 large peeled and diced cucumber, 2 cups of chopped pineapple, ½ a jalapeño pepper, 1 chopped green pepper, and 8 chopped basil leaves. Place in the fridge until just before serving.

Dip all your favourite chips, crackers, or breads to this yummy watermelon salsa for a delicious treat!

This summer, get creative with your dishes by adding all the wonderful fresh fruits and vegetables that the warm weather and local produce has to offer! And if you yourself are invited over to someone else’s backyard BBQ, be sure to treat them with a delightful summer-inspired gift basket from CanadasGiftBaskets.ca!