Watermelon recipes: 10 healthy options for everyday life

Michele

Watermelon is a refreshing and delicious fruit that not only satisfies our summer cravings, but also offers a number of health benefits. Rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, it is an excellent choice to include in your daily diet. What's more, its versatility in cooking is impressive. From salads to smoothies, the options are endless.

Watermelon recipe options to make your day more enjoyable

If you're looking for a way to add a refreshing and delicious touch to your day, look no further: watermelon recipes are here to make everything more delicious. This juicy, vibrant fruit not only satisfies summer cravings, but also offers a multitude of culinary opportunities to explore. 

From refreshing salads to creamy smoothies, from icy desserts to aromatic drinks, watermelon can be the star ingredient that turns any meal into an incredibly tasty and healthy experience.

1. Refreshing Watermelon and Feta Salad

The Refreshing Watermelon and Feta Salad is a classic combination that perfectly balances sweet and salty flavors, resulting in a unique and refreshing culinary experience. This simple yet elegant recipe is a great option to serve at special events, summer barbecues or as a light accompaniment to a main meal.

The contrast between the juicy sweetness of the watermelon and the salty, creamy taste of the feta cheese creates an explosion of flavors in every bite. What's more, the addition of fresh mint leaves provides a note of freshness and aroma that further elevates the dish.

To prepare this salad, start by cutting the watermelon into cubes or small slices, removing the seeds if necessary. Then break up the feta cheese into smaller pieces and distribute them over the watermelon cubes. Finish with chopped fresh mint leaves and a pinch of freshly ground black pepper to enhance the flavors.

2. Fruit Skewers with Watermelon

Fruit Skewers with Watermelon are a refreshing and colorful option that appeals to all palates, perfect for parties, barbecues or simply as a healthy snack. This recipe is a fun way to combine a variety of fresh and juicy fruits, further enhancing their flavor with the unique sweetness of watermelon.

To prepare these skewers, start by cutting the watermelon into cubes or star shapes using cookie cutters to add a decorative touch. Next, choose a selection of fresh fruit, such as strawberries, grapes, kiwi, pineapple and mango, and cut them into pieces of the desired size.

Then assemble the skewers, alternating the watermelon cubes with pieces of other fruit on skewer sticks. You can play around with different color and flavor combinations to create a vibrant and appetizing look.

3. Watermelon and Mint Smoothie

The Watermelon Mint Smoothie is a refreshing and invigorating drink that combines the natural sweetness of watermelon with the aromatic freshness of mint. This recipe is a delicious way to hydrate and replenish the body with essential nutrients, making it perfect for an energizing breakfast, a refreshing snack or even a post-workout drink.

To prepare this smoothie, start by cutting the watermelon into smaller pieces and removing the seeds if necessary. Then place the watermelon cubes in a blender along with some fresh mint leaves and a squeeze of lemon juice for an extra touch of freshness.

After blending all the ingredients to a smooth, homogeneous consistency, serve the smoothie in tall glasses and add a few fresh mint leaves to garnish. If you wish, you can even add ice cubes to make the drink even more refreshing.

4. Cold Watermelon and Cucumber Soup

Cold Watermelon and Cucumber Soup is a refreshing and healthy option for hot summer days. This recipe combines the juicy sweetness of watermelon with the crunchy freshness of cucumber, creating a perfect combination of flavors and textures that will leave you completely satisfied.

To prepare this soup, start by cutting the watermelon into smaller pieces and removing the seeds. Then peel and cut the cucumber into slices or cubes. Place the watermelon and cucumber pieces in a blender, add a little lemon juice and some fresh mint leaves for an extra touch of freshness.

Then blend all the ingredients until you get a smooth, homogeneous consistency. If you prefer a thicker soup, you can add a few ice cubes during the blending process.

5. Watermelon and Basil Salad

The Watermelon and Basil Salad is a simple and elegant combination that brings out the fresh and vibrant flavors of watermelon with the refreshing aroma of basil. This recipe offers an explosion of flavors in every bite and is a perfect option for hot summer days.

To prepare this salad, start by cutting the watermelon into cubes or star shapes, removing the seeds if necessary. Then wash and dry some fresh basil leaves and tear them into smaller pieces.

In a large bowl, mix the watermelon cubes with the fresh basil leaves. Add a pinch of sea salt and drizzle with a little extra virgin olive oil to enhance the flavors.

If you wish, you can also add other ingredients to the salad, such as crumbled feta cheese, diced cucumber or even a little freshly ground black pepper for a spicy touch.

6. Watermelon Sorbet

Watermelon Sorbet is a refreshing and healthy dessert, perfect for hot summer days. This simple and delicious recipe captures all the natural sweetness and vibrant flavor of watermelon in a smooth and creamy texture, without the need for dairy products.

To make this sorbet, start by cutting the watermelon into cubes and removing the seeds. Place the watermelon cubes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and place in the freezer for a few hours, or until frozen solid.

Then transfer the frozen watermelon cubes to a food processor or powerful blender. Add a little lemon juice and, if desired, a little honey or agave syrup to sweeten, depending on the sweetness of the watermelon.

Blend the ingredients until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides of the food processor as necessary. If you prefer a firmer texture, you can transfer the sorbet to an airtight container and put it back in the freezer for a few more hours before serving.

7. Watermelon and Coconut Smoothie Bowl

The Watermelon and Coconut Smoothie Bowl is a delicious and nutritious way to start the day with energy and freshness. This recipe combines the juicy sweetness of watermelon with the tropical creaminess of coconut, creating an irresistible combination of flavors and textures in every spoonful.

To prepare this smoothie bowl, start by cutting the watermelon into smaller pieces and removing the seeds. Then place the watermelon chunks in a blender along with coconut milk or coconut water to obtain a creamy, refreshing base.

Add a ripe banana to give the smoothie consistency and sweetness. You can also include a handful of fresh spinach to add extra nutrients without altering the taste too much.

Blend all the ingredients until smooth and homogeneous. Pour the smoothie into a deep bowl and top with your favorite toppings.

For the topping, try adding thin slices of watermelon, shredded coconut, homemade granola, chia seeds or pieces of fresh fruit such as strawberries, kiwi or mango.

8. Grilled Watermelon Skewers

Grilled Watermelon Skewers are an innovative and delicious way to make the most of watermelon's unique flavor during a barbecue or outdoor meal. This surprising recipe transforms watermelon into an even juicier delicacy by lightly caramelizing its natural sugars on the grill, creating a blend of sweetness and smokiness that is truly irresistible.

To prepare these skewers, start by cutting the watermelon into thick slices, about 2 to 3 centimeters thick. Then cut the slices into squares or star shapes, depending on your preference, and stick them onto wooden or metal skewer sticks.

Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and lightly grease it with coconut oil or olive oil to prevent the skewers from sticking. Place the watermelon skewers on the grill and grill for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side, or until they are lightly caramelized and marked by the grill.

When you grill the watermelon, the fruit's natural sugars caramelize, creating a delicious golden crust on the outside, while the inside remains juicy and soft. This combination of flavors is simply divine and will surprise even the most demanding palates.

9. Fruit salad with watermelon

Fruit Salad with Watermelon is a classic and refreshing option that combines the juiciness of watermelon with a variety of fresh fruits, creating an explosion of colors, flavors and nutrients in every bite. This recipe is perfect for all occasions, from a healthy breakfast to a refreshing snack on a hot summer's day.

To prepare this salad, start by cutting the watermelon into cubes or star shapes, removing the seeds if necessary. Next, choose a selection of fresh seasonal fruit, such as strawberries, grapes, kiwi, mango, pineapple and any other fruit you like, and cut them into pieces of the desired size.

Combine the watermelon cubes with the other fruits in a large bowl and mix gently to evenly distribute the flavors. If desired, add a dash of fresh lemon juice to enhance the flavors and keep the fruit fresh for longer.

This Fruit Salad with Watermelon is not only delicious, but also incredibly nutritious. Fruits are naturally rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that are essential for the health of the body, while watermelon adds an extra dose of hydration, as it is mainly composed of water.

10. Watermelon and Basil Aromatized Water

Watermelon and Basil Flavored Water is a refreshing and healthy alternative to sugary drinks, perfect for staying hydrated during the hot summer days. This simple recipe adds a touch of natural flavor to water, turning it into a refreshing drink full of taste.

To prepare this flavored water, start by cutting the watermelon into small cubes and removing the seeds. Then wash and dry some fresh basil leaves.

Place the watermelon cubes and basil leaves in a large jar. Crush the basil lightly with your hands or a pestle to release its aroma and flavor.

Then fill the jar with filtered water or coconut water and stir gently to combine the ingredients. Cover the jar and refrigerate for a few hours to allow the flavors of the watermelon and basil to infuse into the water.

When you're ready to serve, fill glasses with ice and pour in the flavored water, ensuring that a few watermelon cubes and basil leaves are also added to each glass.

How to serve the recipes?

Use beautiful, colorful plates to serve all the recipes, ensuring an attractive presentation. You can also opt for transparent glass bowls or platters to bring out the vibrant colors of the fruit and ingredients.

Add a touch of freshness and color to the presentation with a few fresh mint leaves or sprigs of basil on each plate or bowl. Sprinkle some shredded coconut on top of the watermelon and coconut smoothie bowl to add a crunchy texture and extra flavor.

Arrange all the recipes on a buffet table or food station, allowing guests to choose their favorites. Offer a choice of utensils, such as forks, spoons or wooden skewers, so that guests can enjoy the recipes with ease.

Try these delicious watermelon recipes to add a touch of freshness and nutrients to your daily diet. With so many creative options, you'll never look at watermelon the same way again!

See also: 10 simple recipes to make in the microwave

April 2nd, 2024