Who doesn't like watermelon?

I know just two people who don't.

But most people do and so do I.

It's my favorite summer

fruit and I just can't wait to buy it! There all those "how to pick the best melon" tips like shape and color and size. The "field spot" or where it rested on the ground when it was growing is supposed to be yellow or ivory, a darker yellow spot meaning it was on the ground longer and is full of flavor. A ripe sweet melon will have a dull, dark skin and the green and yellow stripes should be vivid in color. A melon heavier than it looks should have more water content and therefore be sweeter and a symmetrical shaped melon, whether its oval or round, means a good melon. And then of course there is the "sound" test, which is when you tap on it, does it sound hollow and deep or dull. Hollow and deep are supposed to mean a sweet melon. To be honest. this test never works for me because I can't really tell the difference. Maybe it's my hearing or the test just doesn't work for me. But there is one test that works and it's when you cut it open and say, "It's as sweet as sugar"!

Now what to do with that melon? Obviously slice it and enjoy. But there are a couple of other things I do with it. A watermelon salad is refreshing and so easy for a hot summer day.

It's a great addition to your smoothies as the one I did a post on. Need an appetizer to your next potluck? Try watermelon caprese skewers. How about a watermelon sorbet for a dessert? Or try a refreshing Watermelon Slushie on a hot summer day. Or a watermelon martini or watermelon vodka sorbet for the adults in the room. In any event, there are lots of ways to "slice the melon" so get yourself a ripe, juicy one, cut off a piece or try one of these recipes and enjoy!

Classic Watermelon Salad (serves 4)

Dressing

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil      

3 tablespoons fresh lime juice

½ garlic clove, minced

¼ teaspoon sea salt

For the salad

5 cups cubed watermelon

Heaping 1 cup diced English cucumber

¼ cup thinly sliced red onion

⅓ cup crumbled feta cheese

1 avocado, cubed

⅓ cup torn fresh mint or basil leaves

Sea salt

Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, garlic and salt.

In a good size bowl, add and toss the watermelon, cucumber, and red onions. Drizzle with half the dressing. Add the feta, avocado, and mint. (If you are adding some arugula and blueberries add them here.) Add the remaining dressing and season with a salt to taste. Toss gently again and serve.

Watermelon Caprese Skewers

Ingredients

A bunch of fresh Basil

1 10 ounces package Cherry tomatoes

1/4 watermelon cubed 1" pieces

Balsamic vinegar glaze

8 oz small Mozzarella balls

wood skewers

Alternate watermelon, basil, mozzarella balls, and cherry tomatoes on skewers. Drizzle with the balsamic glaze before serving.

(If you want to make your own balsamic glaze, take one cup of balsamic vinegar and 1/4 cup of honey and heat together in a medium saucepan over medium heat, whisking constantly to prevent scorching. Bring to a boil and then turn the heat down to low. Simmer on low, whisking time to time until the liquid is reduced by half and has the consistency of maple syrup. This usually take between 15 to 20 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool. The glaze will thicken as it cools. Can be stored in the refrigerator if not using right away.)

Watermelon Slush

5 cups diced seedless watermelon

2 tablespoons sugar

Juice of 1 lime

High speed blender

Combine watermelon, sugar, lime juice and 1 cup ice in blender until smooth.

Serve immediately. (For an "adult version" add a little vodka, rum or ever tequila!)

Watermelon Sorbet

  3 ½ cups fresh seedless watermelon chunks, (about ½ medium watermelon)

2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lime juice

¼ cup warm water, as only if needed, a little bit at a time

raw honey (optional), to taste (if watermelon isn't very sweet)

high speed blender

Freeze watermelon chunks overnight. I put the chunks on a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Place the frozen watermelon chunks in food processor or heavy-duty blender,

along with lime juice. Allow to sit for a few minutes to slightly thaw for easy blending.

Blend until smooth. (You may need to add a little warm water to help blending)

Eat immediately for a softer texture, or transfer into a freezer-safe container and freeze for 3-4 hours or until firm.

Easy Watermelon Martini

1 cup watermelon seedless

2 ounces vodka

1-ounce triple sec

1 ounce lime juice

½ ounce simple syrup*

fresh watermelon/fresh lime garnish

1 cup ice

Cocktail shaker

Add the watermelon to your blender, and blend to juice.

To your cocktail shaker ice, watermelon juice, vodka, triple sec lime juice and simple syrup.

Shake and combine to chill. Strain and pour into your martini glass and garnish.

*Simple syrup is easy to make. Put a cup of water and a cup of sugar in a saucepan. Heat over medium heat, bring to a boil and heat until sugar dissolves. Let cool. Store in refrigerator.

Watermelon Strawberry Smoothie

3 cups 1-inch diced frozen watermelon cubes

1 cup frozen strawberries

½ cup vanilla or plain nonfat Greek yogurt

½ tablespoon honey or more to individual taste)

½ cup water (as needed to blend)

high powered blender

¼ cup packed fresh mint leaves

Place all of the ingredients in a high-powered blender: watermelon, strawberries, yogurt, honey, water, and mint.

Blend until smooth, adding more water as needed if the smoothie is too thick. Be careful not to over blend.

Taste and add additional honey if desired.

Enjoy immediately, with an additional spring of mint for garnish.

There's never only one way to do anything and that, as you can see, also applies to enjoying watermelon!

Happy Eating!

Liz❤️

(Any links in this post are affiliate links which I may be given compensation for if they are purchased through the link