Watermelon Recipes - Cooking Light

Photo: Iain Bagwell

The Wonders of Watermelon

There's nothing better than biting into a juicy piece of fresh watermelon on a hot, summer day. We've incorporated the sweet flavors of this luscious melon into a variety of drinks, salsas, salads, and more that are perfect for any warm-weather gathering.

First up is Summer Pea, Watermelon, and Farro Salad. This unusual combination brings the delicious fresh flavors of sweet watermelon and peas to farro and pecorino cheese. Try it as your next grain salad standout at the neighborhood cookout. If you don’t think it’s unusual enough, try it with a sweet yellow watermelon to turn a few heads.

View Recipe: Summer Pea, Watermelon, and Farro Salad

Read More: Guide to Melons

Photo: Randy Mayor

Watermelon Margaritas

Because of the sweetness of the watermelon this margarita doesn't need much sugar, so one glass has only 105 calories. A little bit of fresh lime juice brightens the drink and adds a welcome tanginess. For a special touch, rim your glasses with sugar and garnish with lime wedges and watermelon balls.

View Recipe: Watermelon Margaritas

Photo: Oxmoor House

Heirloom Tomato, Watermelon, and Peach Salad

This summer salad features seasonal tomatoes, watermelon, and peaches to create a sensationally delicious side dish that's appropriate for any occasion.

View Recipe: Heirloom Tomato, Watermelon, and Peach Salad

Photo: Anna Williams

Watermelon-Jalapeño Ice Pops

Sweet meets heat in this summer-ready popsicle recipe. A bit of pectin helps keep all the ingredients incorporated evenly in this treat; without it, they tend to separate.

View Recipe: Watermelon-Jalapeño Ice Pops

Photo: John Autry

Grilled Pork Chops with Two-Melon Salsa

Cover this quick and easy grilled pork recipe with a tasty salsa that uses summer's freshest fruits and flavors to round out the meal.

View Recipe: Grilled Pork Chops with Two-Melon Salsa

Photo: John Autry

Grilled Scallop Salad

Grill scallops and cucumber halves for tasty toppings on this fresh and flavorful salad. You'll love how the sweet watermelon and mint flavors play off one another.

View Recipe: Grilled Scallop Salad

Photo: Anna Williams

Minted Lemon-Lime Watermelon Agua Fresca

Sweet, tangy, and absolutely thirst-quenching, this beverage is one the whole family can enjoy.

View Recipe: Minted Lemon-Lime Watermelon Agua Fresca

Photo: Douglas Mirriam

Watermelon Salad

Instead of offering watermelon wedges at your next cookout, branch out with this sweet and savory watermelon salad featuring cubed watermelon, red onion, kalamata olives, mint, and feta cheese. Even with all the added flavorful ingredients, it still weighs in at only 46 calories per serving.

View Recipe: Watermelon Salad

Flank Steak with Grilled Mango and Watermelon Chutney

Pair watermelon and mango with lean flank steak for a high-protein main dish that's packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Like watermelon, mangoes are full of powerful antioxidants that can help fight heart disease and some forms of cancer

View Recipe: Flank Steak with Grilled Mango and Watermelon Chutney

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Basil-Infused Watermelon Lemonade

Summer's favorite beverage meets one of summer's best fruits and gets an added burst of flavor from fresh basil. Because watermelon is naturally sweet, not much sugar is needed to make this lemonade.

View Recipe: Basil-Infused Watermelon Lemonade

Photo: Johnny Miller

Watermelon with Tangy Granita

Juicy-crisp watermelon chunks turn extra-refreshing with a cold topping of slushy cucumber-lime granita. If you have access to both, use red and yellow watermelon.

View Recipe: Watermelon with Tangy Granita