All the Ways to Eat Watermelon Before Summer Ends

By Brenna Mazur

There’s little better than biting into a wedge of watermelon on a hot summer day — but we think these recipes improve on your watermelon experience even more. Turn the summer fruit into a salad, skewers, salsa and even a keg (!), and you’ll have plenty to keep your tastebuds satisfied and entertained until Labor Day.

Watermelon Punch Keg
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Bored with your go-to selection wine and beer at summer parties? Next time, turn a ripe watermelon into show-stopping drink (and its dispenser!) instead. Your guests will love this easy rosé- and vodka-spiked beverage — plus, you get to whip out a power drill to make it.

If you’re looking for a new favorite summer salad, the flavors Ina Garten’s refreshing recipe will win you over. Juicy watermelon, peppery arugula and creamy feta cheese combine with a citrus vinaigrette for a mix that’s surprising and bright, but perfectly balanced. 

Stack watermelon cubes, cherry tomatoes and basil on skewers and drizzle with balsamic glaze to make Giada De Laurentiis’s easy (but elegant) appetizers. Kids and adults alike will love ‘em.

Watermelon may sound like an unusual taco topping, but it actually provides a refreshing bite alongside ingredients like zesty jalapeno. Just ask one of our fans, who left a review that says this dish is “the best thing” they’ve ever made.

Layered Watermelon Ice Pops
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Don’t let another minute of summer melt away without making this beautiful dessert. To create layers resembling a watermelon rind, avocado is sweetened and pureed, and then gets topped with coconut milk before freezing. Go ahead and have one (or two, or three …) of these perfect poolside treats.

In just 15 minutes, Trisha Yearwood’s pretty watermelon salsa can be all yours. Sweet, tart and spicy, it just might replace regular ol’ tomato salsa as your favorite tortilla chip accompaniment.

Photo by: Alice Gao ©2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Alice Gao, 2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Are you craving frozen treat, but don’t have an ice cream maker? Try this granita instead. You can make the slushy treat with only a food processor, freezer and fork.

WATERMELON-­STRAWBERRY SANGRIA, Bobby Flay, Barbecue Addiction: Bobbyâ  s
Basics/Bobbyâ  s Basics: Simply Skewers, Food Network, Watermelon, Strawberries, Rose
Wine, Vodka, Orange Juice, Orange Liqueur, Orange, Lime

WATERMELON-­STRAWBERRY SANGRIA, Bobby Flay, Barbecue Addiction: Bobby’sBasics/Bobby’s Basics: Simply Skewers, Food Network, Watermelon, Strawberries, RoseWine, Vodka, Orange Juice, Orange Liqueur, Orange, Lime,WATERMELON-­STRAWBERRY SANGRIA, Bobby Flay, Barbecue Addiction: Bobby’s Basics/Bobby’s Basics: Simply Skewers, Food Network, Watermelon, Strawberries, Rose Wine, Vodka, Orange Juice, Orange Liqueur, Orange, Lime

Photo by: Matt Armendariz ©2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Matt Armendariz, 2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Stop and smell the rosé! Bobby Flay combines the wine with vodka and orange liqueur as the base for this sangria with watermelon and strawberries. Garnish with sliced orange and lime, and you’ve got the perfect drink for your next summer soirée.

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