Watermelon: It’s a refreshing summertime staple, boasting a sweet, juicy core that always hits the spot, especially on those particularly hot and humid July afternoons. And while many of us (myself included) prefer to eat the nutrient-rich, hydrating, in-season fruit as-is, watermelon is a fantastic addition to — or star of! — many recipes. Just ask chefs such as Ina Garten, Martha Stewart, Giada De Laurentiis, and more who are big fans of showcasing the fruit during summer months.
Ahead, we’ve gathered some of our favorite mouthwatering recipes that star none other than our favorite summertime fruit, watermelon — from Garten’s refreshing Watermelon Mojito to De Laurentiis’ sweet-meets-savory Watermelon Caprese Salad.
Flay’s Watermelon Tequila Punch
Having friends over? Not sure what cocktail to make? Make a batch cocktail a la Flay, who taught us all how to make his Watermelon Tequila Punch last summer. And it’s so delicious, it deserves a round two this summer!
“I think [punch bowls are] such a great way to make cocktails,” Flay says in a video posted to Misfits Market’s Instagram. “It’s basically the ultimate in batch cocktails.”
Get the recipe at Misfits Market’s blog.
Stewart’s Watermelon Punch
Speaking of punch, Stewart also has a refreshing watermelon punch recipe where nothing goes to waste. And by that we mean, even the watermelon rind is used.
“Toast to July 4th with a refreshing watermelon punch! Here, we got creative with a hollowed watermelon, which becomes a rustic serving bowl ensuring that nothing goes to waste,” Stewart writes on Instagram.
Get the recipe at Stewart’s website.
De Laurentiis’ Watermelon Caprese Salad
For a light, fresh, and vibrant meal, look no farther than De Laurentiis’ Watermelon Caprese Salad. It beautifully combines sweet watermelon with savory elements, including tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil — all drizzled with a reduced balsamic and sprinkled with toasted hazelnuts.
Get the recipe at Giadzy.
Garten’s Watermelon Mojito
Garten’s go-to summer cocktail requires five simple ingredients: lime juice, rum, fresh mint, simple syrup, and — you guessed it — watermelon.
“Ice cold watermelon, freshly squeezed lime juice, rum, and lots of fresh mint. They’re so refreshing on a hot summer night. Of course you can make them without the rum, but why??” Garten writes on Instagram.
Get the recipe at Barefoot Contessa.
Jamie Oliver’s Prawn & Watermelon Salad
Leave it to Oliver to introduce an irresistible Prawn & Watermelon Salad dish into our lives. This dish combines grilled prawns and salty bacon with juicy watermelon and fresh feta and cucumbers.
“These are an absolute joy to eat,” Oliver writes on Instagram. “Watermelon is just so refreshing in summer, and the hum of onion, crunch of cucumber and sprinkling of tangy feta make this salad the perfect accompaniment.”
Get the recipe at Oliver’s website.
Ree Drummond’s Watermelon Pico de Gallo
Sorry, tomatoes; this summer, we’re opting for watermelon in our pico de gallo. More specifically, we’re making the Pioneer Woman’s recipe, which combines diced seedless watermelon with jalapeños; limes,; fresh cilantro; green, red, and yellow bell peppers; red onion; and a dash of salt.
Enjoy with tortilla chips; or, as Drummond suggests, on top of grilled chicken or fish.
Get the recipe at Food Network.
Stewart’s Watermelon Salad with Feta & Basil
This summer calls for not one but two Stewart watermelon recipes. The second one we’ve chosen is her famous Watermelon Salad with Feta and Basil.
Taking just 15 minutes to make, this salad mixes more than three pounds of cubed watermelon with a couple tablespoons of fresh lime juice, fresh basil leaves cut into thins trips, 4 ounces of feta cheese, and a dash of salt and pepper. It’s truly heaven in a bowl.
“I love watermelon salad, caprese salad, and Greek salad for the summer,” Stewart tells us.
Get the recipe at Stewart’s website.
Rachael Ray’s Watermelon Sorbet Sandwiches
For a super-sweet frozen treat, Rachel Ray’s Watermelon Sorbet Sandwiches are sure to be a hit — especially with the kids.
The two-ingredient dessert calls for one seedless watermelon and one pint of sorbet. Simply cut the watermelon into wedges (as if slicing a pizza), use a paring knife to cut out the center, freeze for about an hour or two, then stuff the sorbet flavor of your choice into each watermelon slice. (It helps to watch the video to understand what to do and how to cut!)
Get the recipe at Ray’s website.
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