Summer Recipes: 5 Refreshing Ideas for Cooking Watermelon in Season 🍉
Summer season Hydration & freshness Low budget No-cook recipes
Why cook watermelon in summer?
It's impossible to resist watermelon when the heat sets in: this watery fruit, with its sweet and lively flesh, is a delight for breakfasts, picnics, and aperitifs with friends. But between the classic plain slice and fruit salad, you can explore so much more! Watermelon can be cooked both savory and sweet, in a glass, on a skewer, or even on the barbecue: enough to surprise your guests all summer long 🥗🔥.
Rich in vitamins (especially A and C), low in calories, and ultra-hydrating, watermelon is the star of the season. Want to make it look its best? Discover five original and fresh ideas for preparing it easily, from breakfast to appetizers!
Five delicious and fresh ideas
Watermelon-feta mint salad
Forget the simple fruit salad: cut your watermelon into cubes, add crumbled feta, a few fresh mint leaves, a drizzle of olive oil, and a pinch of fleur de sel. This revisited Greek classic is amazing: sweet, crunchy, and fresh on the palate. Perfect for starting a summer barbecue ( check out our barbecue selection to accompany it).
Express watermelon granita
Dice the flesh, remove the seeds if necessary, then blend it in a high-powered blender with a squeeze of lime. Pour everything into a large dish, place in the freezer, and scrape it regularly with a fork. In less than two hours, you'll have an ultra-refreshing dessert with no added sugar!
Watermelon pizzas for an aperitif
Cut a nice round slice two centimeters thick, then top it pizza-style: mozzarella balls, cherry tomatoes, olives, basil, and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar. Cut into slices and serve as an aperitif for a fun and vitamin-packed starter. A guaranteed hit with kids and friends!
Barbecued Bites
Have you ever tried warm watermelon? Cut them into thick cubes, lightly oil them, and grill them for a minute on each side on a hot barbecue (see our air fryer vs. barbecue comparison ). The flesh caramelizes, becomes tender, and takes on a unique smoky note. Perfect as an accompaniment to a chicken or tofu skewer.
Watermelon-lemon-basil mocktail
Blend the flesh with lemon juice, a few basil leaves, and ice cubes. Pour into a tall glass and top with sparkling water. A fresh and thirst-quenching mocktail, which you can customize with red berries or a hint of ginger.
Preparation & storage tips
- How to choose a ripe watermelon? Choose a watermelon that's heavy for its size, with a distinct yellow spot on the skin (this is the side that has been lying on the ground). It should make a dull sound when you tap it.
- Optimal storage: Whole, it will keep for about a week at room temperature. Once cut, wrap the flesh well in a cool place and consume within three days to preserve its crispness and flavor.
- Avoid waste: Leftover watermelon can be added to a smoothie, salad, or even blended to make homemade ice cream in a smoothie blender .
- Bonus idea: The seeds are edible: dry-roast them in a pan, sprinkle with salt and enjoy them as an aperitif!
Budget, accessories & smart purchases
Watermelon remains very affordable in peak season: expect to pay between one and three euros per kilo for a nice piece. To prepare it easily, equip yourself with a good knife (or even a watermelon slicer if you cook often), a stable board, and a blender for quick drinks or desserts.
Budget tip: Buy your watermelon whole rather than in prepared segments; the price per kilo is much more attractive and you have better control over freshness. To vary your pleasures, don't hesitate to check out this week's recipe selection on Neary : you'll find everything from original salads to ideas for frozen desserts!
And for a truly festive summer, explore the barbecue and summer accessories range on Neary, to mix with your watermelon recipes.
Watermelon FAQ
Can I freeze watermelon?
Yes, but the texture changes: ideal in cubes for smoothies or granitas, less so for eating plain because it becomes more watery after defrosting.
Is watermelon healthy?
Absolutely! It hydrates, provides vitamins A/C, minerals, and lycopene (an antioxidant). Low in calories, it's suitable for all ages.
How to prevent a watermelon from going bland?
Choose it when it's ripe (yellow spot, dull sound, weight). Eat it quickly after cutting, and add it to a salad with lemon, fresh herbs or cheese.
Can you eat watermelon skin?
The white part of the skin can be cooked as pickles or jam: wash it well, cut it into small pieces and marinate it to obtain an original condiment.
What to do with very large watermelons?
After slicing, turn the surplus into juice, cold soup, or keep it cut in the fridge: ideal for preparing several recipes in advance.
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