The best fresh recipes with seasonal melons and watermelons 🍉 – Our anti-waste tips for summer
Summer fruits Anti-waste Quick recipes Freshness guaranteed
Why melon and watermelon are the kings of summer
In summer, it's impossible to miss melon and watermelon. These star fruits refresh young and old with every bite. Their sweet, juicy flesh and bright color instantly brighten up your salads, starters, or desserts. Charentais melon, firm watermelon, and yellow watermelon are as rich in water as they are sweet—perfect for hydrating and enjoying at picnics, barbecues, or patio drinks.
To make the most of their season, nothing beats simple, quick, and fresh recipes. And if you want to go further, we've compiled our best anti-waste ideas for savoring every morsel, even when you have a lonely half left in the fridge 🥲.
Delicious and unexpected ideas 🥗
Fresh starter: melon, feta and mint
Cut your melon into balls or cubes, add crumbled feta, a few mint leaves, a squeeze of lime, and a drizzle of olive oil. This salad is a hit at every barbecue! Want to change things up? Replace the feta with cured ham or mozzarella balls.
Grilled Watermelon on the BBQ 🔥
Yes, you read that right! Cut the watermelon into thick slices and grill them for a few dozen seconds on a hot grill. The flavor becomes more intense and slightly caramelized. A great accompaniment to summer kebabs. Discover more barbecue tips in our barbecue & grill selection .
Chilled Melon-Watermelon Soup
Blend equal parts melon and watermelon, add a few basil leaves, a dash of lemon juice, and a pinch of Espelette pepper. Serve very cold; ideal for appetizers or as an appetizer. You can use a smoothie blender for an ultra-smooth texture.
Express anti-heatwave granita
Cut up chunks of watermelon or melon, place them in the freezer, and blend them with a little agave syrup and lemon. In just a few seconds, you'll have homemade ice cream without an ice cream maker!
Vitamin-packed summer fruit salad
A blend of melon, watermelon, nectarines, strawberries, and a few basil or mint leaves. A colorful dessert or snack, ready in a flash.
Thirst-quenching smoothie
Blend watermelon flesh, a little melon, ice cubes, and a squeeze of lime. Want to boost your smoothie? Add a handful of fresh spinach: you'll be amazed by the sweetness and color.
And if you're a fan of time-saving tips, take a look at our Air Fryer comparisons to complete your summer meals.
Anti-waste tips to enjoy without throwing away
Use everything… even the skin!
Watermelon rinds can be cooked: candied, pickled (with vinegar and spices), or even grated into a crunchy salad. Nothing goes to waste, everything is transformed!
Freeze surpluses
If you have too much melon or watermelon, dice them and store them in the freezer: they will be perfect for smoothies, granitas or even in ultra-refreshing infused water.
Homemade juice in a minute
Blend leftover fruit with a little lemon and a few mint leaves. Strain everything through a sieve if you want an extra-fine juice. It's a must-have for busy mornings!
Fruity skewers for an aperitif
Assemble cubes of melon, watermelon, mozzarella, and cherry tomatoes on skewers. A colorful appetizer that everyone loves… and allows you to use up any leftovers in the fridge!
Sweet and salty chutney
Transform overripe pieces into chutney with onion, vinegar, spices, and a little sugar. Perfect with cheese or grilled meats.
Dried bark for infusions
Dry the watermelon skins (preferably organic), then use them in an infusion or to flavor rice cooking water. Surprise effect guaranteed!
Buy well, store well (and optimize your budget)
To enjoy seasonal melon and watermelon without breaking the bank, here are some simple tips:
- Choose local : Choose fruit grown near you; the freshness is unparalleled, and you're supporting local producers. Markets often offer fragrant melons or watermelons picked that morning.
- Check for ripeness : A ripe melon smells good and its stem comes off easily. For watermelon, look for a creamy-yellow spot on the skin and a "full" sound when you tap it.
- Take advantage of the sales : in peak season, prices drop, so it's time to stock up! Don't hesitate to prepare salads, granitas, and homemade juices in advance.
- Storage : A whole fruit stays fresh for several days at room temperature; once opened, wrap it up and keep it in the refrigerator (up to three days). If you have some leftover, consider freezing it to avoid waste.
- For more creative ideas, explore our seasonal recipes each week and mix things up with family or friends!
And to accompany your salads and drinks, a good smoothie blender or an air fryer to prepare healthy snacks will perfectly complete your summer cooking 🥗🔥.
Special Melon & Watermelon FAQ
How to choose a melon or watermelon?
For melon, choose a fragrant fruit with soft skin near the stem. For watermelon, choose a creamy-yellow spot on the skin and a full sound when you tap it. Heavy watermelons are often juicier!
What should I do if my melon or watermelon has no flavor?
Don't throw them away! Use them in smoothies with sweeter fruits (peach, banana), in granita with a little syrup, or in salads with feta and mint to enhance the flavor.
Can you freeze melon or watermelon?
Yes, cut them into cubes or balls, place them in a freezer bag. You can then blend them for smoothies or use them as fruity ice cubes in a cold drink.
What original recipes are there with watermelon rinds?
The peels can be cooked candied, pickled, or even grated into a salad. They add crunch and a mild flavor, perfect for zero-waste preparations.
What appliances will I need to make my melon and watermelon recipes a success?
A smoothie blender for drinks, a good knife, and for side dishes, discover our Air Fryer selected for quick and healthy cooking.
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