Fresh recipes: 5 easy ideas with watermelon, the star of summer 2024 🍉
Ultra refreshing Quick recipes Low budget Low calories Ideal for barbecue and brunch
Why choose watermelon this summer?
Watermelon is the undisputed star of the warm season ! Packed with water, it hydrates and provides immediate freshness, even on the hottest days. Easy to find on stalls in July and August, it seduces with its bright color, sweetness, and thirst-quenching crunch. In 2024, it's impossible to imagine a picnic or barbecue without a nice slice of watermelon to share 🥗.
Rich in vitamins (A, C), low in calories, and a source of lycopene, watermelon fits into a balanced diet without breaking the grocery budget. You can enjoy it plain, in a salad, as a drink, or even incorporate it into surprising savory dishes! There are a thousand ways to enhance it, and you'll see that it works wonders even with very few ingredients.
Five fresh recipes you absolutely must try
Watermelon, feta & mint salad 🥗
Cut the watermelon into cubes and toss with crumbled feta cheese, chopped mint leaves, a drizzle of olive oil, and a twist of the pepper mill. Add a few pumpkin or sunflower seeds for crunch. This salad is perfect as a side dish for grilled food, especially at a summer barbecue with friends!
Express Watermelon Gazpacho
Blend watermelon with half a cucumber, a few cherry tomatoes, a dash of balsamic vinegar, and a little salt and pepper. Serve chilled in tall glasses. For an ultra-smooth texture, use a blender : a guaranteed time-saver!
Sweet and savory appetizer skewers
On small skewers, alternate cubes of watermelon, mozzarella balls, and basil leaves. Drizzle with a squeeze of lime. These skewers are always a hit as an appetizer and pair perfectly with air-fryer or barbecue dishes.
Watermelon-lime granita
Blend the watermelon flesh with the juice of one lime and a little sugar if necessary. Pour everything into a dish, place in the freezer and scrape with a fork every half hour to obtain a granita-like texture. Guaranteed freshness! 🔥
Watermelon & Basil Infused Water
In a pitcher of very cold water, add watermelon cubes, a few basil leaves, and ice cubes. Let it steep for at least 30 minutes. This is a natural, ultra-thirst-quenching drink, perfect for sipping all afternoon.
Anti-waste tips & practical advice
How to choose the right watermelon?
Choose a heavy, firm fruit, with a yellow spot on the skin (a sign of ripeness). A hollow sound when you tap lightly indicates that it's juicy inside. To avoid unpleasant surprises, choose locally sourced or seasonal organic produce.
Optimal conservation 🥗
Whole, it can be kept for up to a week at room temperature. Once opened, wrap it up and place it in the refrigerator (less than three days), ideally away from strong-smelling foods. Want to extend its shelf life? Cut it into small cubes and freeze them for your homemade smoothies or granitas.
What to do with the skin?
Don't throw away the peels! Save the white part to make pickles, or grate it into a crunchy salad. It's zero waste and full of surprises for your taste buds.
Quick dessert tip
For a quick dessert, drizzle with lime juice and sprinkle with freshly chopped mint. You can also drizzle with honey or sprinkle with chia seeds for maximum indulgence... without the guilt!
Budget, purchases & smart equipment
Watermelon is one of the most economical fruits of the summer: expect to pay around one to two euros per kilo at the market, or even less if you buy at the end of the day. Take advantage of sales to prepare large quantities of cubes, to slip into salads or serve on skewers during your summer brunches.
To easily slice a large watermelon, equip yourself with a sharp knife and a stable cutting board. A powerful blender opens the door to all kinds of fresh drinks and vitamin-packed smoothies!
Looking to mix things up on the barbecue? Take a look at our selection of barbecue accessories to spice up your outdoor meals, or explore our weekly recipe page for even more fresh inspiration.
FAQ
Can you freeze watermelon?
Yes, you can freeze it into cubes. Then use them in smoothies, slushies, or to refresh a drink. The texture changes a little after thawing, but the taste remains great!
How to prevent watermelon from going bland?
Choose a very ripe watermelon (yellow spots, hollow sound, heavy). To boost the flavor, add a squeeze of lime or a little salt when eating, it's magical!
Is watermelon healthy?
Yes! It hydrates, provides vitamins and antioxidants, while being very low in calories. It's the perfect ally for healthy summer snacks.
Can you eat the seeds?
Yes, they are edible, although we often prefer to remove them for convenience. You can also grill them for a few minutes in a pan and use them as a topping.
Any ideas for using a large watermelon?
Cut it into cubes for salads, blend it into juice, prepare kebabs, or make infused water for the whole family. Anything goes, especially when it's hot!
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