Cool Off With Watermelon

Nothing says summer like ripe, juicy watermelon! Enjoy its refreshing sweetness in everything from light soups and salads to cool beverages.

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Published June 30, 2018
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Watermelon Salad with Cotija
Elise Bauer

This post is brought to you in partnership with Fresh From Florida.

What could be more refreshing on a hot, summer day than a thick slice of ripe, red watermelon? It's about as good as it gets.

We've rounded up five recipes that put summer's favorite treat front and center. The sweetness of watermelon complements so many flavors, it's fun to incorporate it into a variety of summer dishes. Whether it's a light soup or salad at your patio table or a cool beverage by the pool, let's celebrate watermelon in all of its juicy glory.

Featured Video

  • Watermelon Salad with Feta and Mint

    Watermelon Salad with Feta and Mint
    Elise Bauer

    Those of us who enjoy a sprinkle of salt on our watermelon know just how irresistible that sweet and salty combination can be. Salty feta complements watermelon equally well and, with mint added to the mix, makes a refreshing summer salad.

  • Watermelon Gazpacho

    Watermelon Gazpacho
    Elise Bauer

    Swap out much of the tomato for watermelon and your traditional tomato gazpacho becomes a sweet and zesty watermelon gazpacho. This cold summer soup is a perfect light meal on a hot day!

  • Watermelon Pitcher Margaritas

    Watermelon margaritas for a crowd
    Leela Cyd Ross

    It's margaritas for a crowd! Relax poolside with a pitcher of this fruitier watermelon version of the classic margarita. Be sure to rim your glasses with salt to balance the sweetness.

  • Strawberry Watermelon Agua Fresca

    watermelon drink recipe watermelon agua fresca
    Elise Bauer

    You can make agua fresca, a cooling, refreshing drink, from almost any juicy fruit, but we happen to think this combination of strawberries and watermelon is especially delicious. You'll want to enjoy this agua fresca, which literally translates to "fresh water" all summer long.

    Continue to 5 of 5 below.

  • Watermelon Salad with Cotija, Jicama, and Lime

    Watermelon Salad with Cotija
    Elise Bauer

    Here's a southwestern spin on the classic watermelon salad with feta and mint mentioned above, but with cotija instead of feta, and cilantro in place of the mint. With crunchy jicama and spicy minced serrano chile, this salad is a true fiesta for your taste buds!