Summer brings juicy watermelons that often leave us with more than we can eat before they start to lose their freshness. Instead of throwing away those extra chunks or that half melon sitting in your fridge, there are plenty of creative ways to use every bit of this nutritious fruit. These ideas will help you reduce food waste while enjoying delicious treats and useful applications for your leftover watermelon.
1. Watermelon Smoothie
Nothing beats the refreshing taste of a watermelon smoothie on a scorching summer day. The natural sweetness eliminates the need for added sugars, making it a healthier alternative to store-bought drinks.
Simply toss watermelon chunks into a blender with Greek yogurt for creaminess, a frozen banana for thickness, and fresh mint leaves for an invigorating twist. A splash of lime juice brightens the flavors perfectly.
This vitamin-packed beverage provides excellent hydration since watermelon is 92% water. For a protein boost, add a scoop of vanilla protein powder or a tablespoon of chia seeds before blending until smooth.
2. Freeze as Ice Cubes
Transform your leftover watermelon into beautiful ruby-colored ice cubes that add both flavor and visual appeal to any beverage. Unlike regular ice, these fruity cubes enhance your drinks instead of watering them down as they melt.
First, puree the watermelon in a blender until smooth. For an extra flavor dimension, add a squeeze of lime or a few mint leaves before blending. Pour the mixture into ice cube trays and freeze overnight.
These colorful cubes work wonderfully in lemonade, sparkling water, or even prosecco for an elegant touch. They’re also perfect for cooling down spicy foods when added to water during meals.
3. Watermelon Salad
A watermelon salad offers the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors that dance on your taste buds. The juicy chunks provide a refreshing contrast to the salty feta cheese, while mint adds an aromatic brightness that elevates the entire dish.
Combine cubed watermelon with crumbled feta, thinly sliced cucumber, and chopped fresh mint in a large bowl. For the dressing, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, and a touch of honey. Season with a pinch of salt and black pepper.
This vibrant salad works beautifully as a light lunch on hot days or as a side dish for grilled meats. For an extra kick, add some thinly sliced red onion or a sprinkle of chili flakes.
4. Make a Granita
Granita is Sicily’s answer to ice cream – a semi-frozen dessert with a texture like fluffy snow. Making it with watermelon creates a gorgeous ruby-colored treat that’s incredibly simple to prepare but looks impressively sophisticated.
Blend watermelon chunks with fresh lime juice and a touch of honey or sugar. Pour the mixture into a shallow metal pan and place it in the freezer. The magic happens when you scrape the mixture with a fork every 30 minutes as it freezes, creating those signature icy crystals.
Serve this elegant dessert in chilled glasses, garnished with mint leaves or a small watermelon wedge. For an adult version, add a splash of vodka or tequila to the initial blend – just note that it won’t freeze as solidly.
5. Watermelon Popsicles
Homemade watermelon popsicles capture summer’s essence in a convenient, portable treat that both kids and adults adore. Their vibrant color and natural sweetness make them irresistible on scorching days.
Start by pureeing ripe watermelon chunks until smooth. For added dimension, incorporate lime juice, a hint of honey, or even a few fresh basil leaves. Some creative cooks add coconut milk for a creamy layer or fold in tiny chocolate chips to mimic watermelon seeds.
Pour the mixture into popsicle molds, insert sticks, and freeze for at least four hours. These refreshing treats contain vitamins A and C plus lycopene – an antioxidant that gives watermelon its red color. They’re healthier than store-bought versions and contain no artificial colors or preservatives.
6. Watermelon Cocktail or Mocktail
Watermelon makes an exceptional base for sophisticated drinks that impress guests at any gathering. Its natural sweetness means you can reduce added sugars while still creating something utterly delicious.
For a classic watermelon mojito, muddle fresh watermelon chunks with mint leaves and lime in a cocktail shaker. Add white rum, a splash of simple syrup, and ice before shaking vigorously. Strain into a glass filled with ice and top with soda water for effervescence.
Creating the mocktail version is just as simple – omit the alcohol and perhaps add a bit more lime juice or a splash of coconut water for complexity. Garnish either version with a watermelon wedge and mint sprig for an Instagram-worthy presentation that tastes even better than it looks.
7. Fresh Watermelon Juice
Sometimes the simplest ideas are the most refreshing! Watermelon juice requires minimal effort yet delivers maximum hydration and flavor. Unlike commercially bottled juices, homemade watermelon juice contains no added sugars or preservatives.
Simply blend chunks of watermelon until smooth, then strain through a fine mesh sieve to remove pulp if you prefer a smoother texture. Some juice enthusiasts enhance the flavor with a squeeze of lime or lemon juice, which brightens the natural sweetness and helps preserve the vibrant color.
This ruby-red elixir makes a perfect post-workout drink, as it replaces electrolytes naturally. For an elegant presentation, serve in chilled glasses with a sprig of mint or basil. You can also freeze some in ice cube trays to add to future batches, keeping them cold without dilution.
8. Watermelon Gazpacho
Watermelon gazpacho reimagines the classic Spanish cold soup with a sweet twist that’s perfect for sweltering summer days. This unexpected combination surprises dinner guests while providing a cooling first course that requires no cooking whatsoever.
Blend ripe watermelon chunks with cucumber, red bell pepper, garlic, and a splash of sherry vinegar until smooth. Some chefs add a slice of bread for body, while others keep it light and purely vegetable-based. Season with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of good olive oil.
The soup develops deeper flavors after chilling for a few hours, allowing the ingredients to meld together. Serve in chilled bowls garnished with diced cucumber, tiny watermelon cubes, crumbled feta, and fresh herbs like mint or basil for a stunning presentation that tastes as refreshing as it looks.
9. Watermelon Jam or Jelly
Few people realize watermelon can transform into a delicate, rose-colored jam that captures summer’s essence in a jar. This unexpected preserve makes wonderful gifts and brings sunshine to winter breakfast tables.
Cook down pureed watermelon with sugar, pectin, and lemon juice until it reaches the gel stage. The process concentrates watermelon’s subtle flavor into something magical. Some jam makers add complementary notes like ginger, vanilla bean, or even a hint of black pepper for complexity.
Beyond toast, this versatile preserve works beautifully as a glaze for grilled meats, particularly pork or chicken. It also pairs wonderfully with cheese plates, especially alongside creamy goat cheese or brie. For an elevated dessert, spoon it over vanilla ice cream or use as filling between cake layers.
10. Infused Water
Watermelon-infused water offers a gentle flavor boost that makes staying hydrated a pleasure rather than a chore. This zero-calorie refreshment provides subtle sweetness without any added sugars or artificial ingredients.
Fill a large pitcher with filtered water and add watermelon cubes along with complementary ingredients like cucumber slices, fresh herbs (mint, basil, or rosemary work beautifully), or citrus wheels. For maximum flavor extraction, gently muddle some of the watermelon before adding water.
Allow your creation to infuse in the refrigerator for at least two hours – overnight yields the most flavorful results. The vibrant pink-tinted water not only looks beautiful on your table but also provides a hint of watermelon’s beneficial nutrients like lycopene and vitamins A and C. Keep refilling with water for up to two days before replacing the fruit.
11. Dehydrate into Fruit Leather
Watermelon fruit leather transforms summer’s bounty into portable, shelf-stable treats that capture intense flavor in a chewy, nostalgic form. Unlike store-bought fruit snacks, homemade versions contain no artificial ingredients or added sugars.
Puree seedless watermelon chunks, then simmer the liquid to reduce and concentrate the flavor. Some cooks add honey or lemon juice to enhance the natural sweetness and help preservation. Spread the thickened puree thinly on parchment-lined dehydrator trays or baking sheets.
Dehydrate at a low temperature (around 135°F) until the surface is no longer sticky to touch – typically 8-12 hours depending on thickness and moisture content. Once cooled, cut into strips and roll in parchment paper for grab-and-go snacks that kids love. These ruby-red treats store well for weeks in airtight containers, making them perfect for lunchboxes or hiking adventures.
12. Grilled Watermelon
Grilling watermelon creates a fascinating flavor transformation that surprises and delights the palate. The heat caramelizes the fruit’s natural sugars while simultaneously removing moisture, resulting in a more concentrated, complex taste with a hint of smokiness.
Cut seedless watermelon into thick triangles or rectangular steaks, pat them dry, and brush lightly with olive oil. Grill over medium-high heat for just 2-3 minutes per side until grill marks appear but before the fruit becomes mushy.
The warm, slightly charred watermelon works beautifully in both sweet and savory applications. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and top with crumbled feta and mint for an elegant appetizer. Alternatively, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a unique dessert that balances hot and cold, sweet and smoky in each bite.
13. Bake into Muffins or Cupcakes
Watermelon in baked goods might sound unusual, but it adds remarkable moisture and subtle sweetness to muffins and cupcakes. The fruit’s high water content creates an exceptionally tender crumb that stays fresh longer than traditional recipes.
Reduce pureed watermelon by simmering until it’s concentrated to about half its original volume. This intensifies the flavor while removing excess moisture that could make baked goods soggy. Incorporate this reduction into your favorite muffin or cupcake batter, perhaps with complementary flavors like lemon zest, coconut, or even chocolate chips.
The resulting treats have a delicate pink hue and subtly fruity profile that’s perfect for summer brunches or afternoon tea. For cupcakes, top with cream cheese frosting tinted pink with a touch of watermelon reduction and garnish with tiny watermelon balls for an adorable finishing touch.
14. Use in Salsas
Watermelon salsa brings vibrant color and unexpected sweetness to your table, creating a conversation starter that tastes as good as it looks. The juicy fruit provides the perfect counterpoint to spicy and savory elements.
Dice watermelon into small, uniform cubes and combine with finely chopped red onion, jalapeño (seeds removed for less heat), fresh cilantro, and mint. Dress simply with lime juice, a touch of olive oil, and salt to taste. Some cooks add diced cucumber for extra crunch or avocado for creaminess.
This versatile condiment complements grilled fish tacos, serves as a topping for grilled chicken or pork, and makes a stunning appetizer with tortilla chips. The salsa tastes best when freshly made but will keep refrigerated for about a day – though the watermelon will continue releasing juice, making it progressively more liquid.
15. Make Watermelon Rice Pudding
Watermelon rice pudding offers a playful twist on the classic comfort dessert, incorporating subtle fruity notes and a gorgeous pink hue that delights both children and adults. This unexpected variation feels simultaneously familiar and fresh.
Cook arborio or other short-grain rice in a mixture of milk and watermelon puree until creamy and tender. The natural sweetness of reduced watermelon juice means you can use less sugar than traditional recipes call for. A touch of vanilla and cinnamon provides warmth that balances the fruit’s brightness.
Serve this blush-colored pudding either warm or chilled, perhaps with a dollop of whipped cream and fresh watermelon balls as garnish. For special occasions, layer it parfait-style with watermelon granita for a sophisticated dessert that showcases the fruit in multiple textures and intensities.
16. Dog-Friendly Frozen Treats
Your canine companion deserves to cool down with healthy treats during hot weather too! Watermelon provides hydration and nutrients that benefit dogs, though moderation is key since too much can cause digestive upset.
Remove all seeds and rinds (which can cause intestinal blockage) before pureeing watermelon chunks. For extra appeal, mix with a spoonful of plain, unsweetened yogurt which adds probiotics and creates a creamy texture many dogs love. Pour the mixture into silicone molds or ice cube trays and freeze until solid.
These frosty treats provide welcome relief during summer walks or backyard play sessions. The high water content helps prevent dehydration while giving your furry friend something enjoyable to lick. Always supervise your pet with frozen treats and consult your veterinarian if your dog has diabetes or other health concerns before offering fruit.
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