I love watermelon. It epitomizes summer for me with its water-packed freshness. Not only will you feel hydrated after eating watermelon, your body will also benefit from its many nutrients and vitamins. Watermelon is an excellent source of vitamin C and A. It also contains lycopene, which may protect the body from heart disease. Watermelon has been suggested to reduce muscle soreness in athletes and improve recovery time due to the amino acid, L-citrulline. What’s not to enjoy about this amazing fruit? Here are 17 unique and tasty watermelon recipes to wow you, your guests, and everyone’s’ taste buds this summer season.

Watermelon Salsa by Jessica Fishman Levinson, MS, RDN, CDN, founder of Nutritioulicious
(Photo by Jessica)

This is a divine salsa to eat with chips or spread over some grilled chicken or fish. It’s refreshing with just the right amount of spice.

Watermelon Guacamole by Ariella Nelson, RDN, founder of Perspective Portions
(Photo by Ariella)

A delicious chunky guacamole dip with some refreshing watermelon that is also very low in calories and chockfull of vitamins A and C. Enjoy as a dip or a spread on a sandwich or wrap.

Watermelon & Lemon Mint Ricotta Stacks by Jessica Fishman Levinson, MS, RDN, CDN, founder of Nutritioulicious
(Photo by Jessica)

Creamy and zesty lemon mint ricotta is sandwiched between stacks of watermelon flowers for a festive, nutritious, and delicious summer appetizer. So beautiful!

Watermelon Chia Ginger Smoothie Bowl by Sharon Palmer, RDN, the Plant-Powered Dietitian, author of Plant-Powered for Life
(Photo by Sharon)

You can use this recipe as a snack or dessert. The watermelon and banana are naturally sweet and the chia and hemp seeds are a great source of plant-based protein and fiber.

No Bake Citrus Watermelon Pie by Chrissy Carroll, MPH, RDN, founder of Snacking in Sneakers
(Photo by Chrissy)

Looking for that perfect healthy dessert? This no bake citrus watermelon pie is not only delicious but it’s pretty, too.

Summer Fruit Bruschetta with Watermelon and Kiwis by Natalie Rizzo, MS, RDN, founder of Nutrition A La Natalie
(Photo by Natalie)

There are actually two fabulous bruschetta recipes in this post and they are both guaranteed to be refreshing while keeping you hydrated since both watermelon and kiwis are high in water content. Enjoy your antioxidants.

Low Calorie Tomato & Watermelon Gazpacho by Abbey Sharp, RD, founder of Abbey’s Kitchen
(Photo by Abbey)

For a unique twist on the classic gazpacho recipe, this chilled soup is a tasty, refreshing meal including a little bit of spice from the jalapeno combined with the sweet from the watermelon.

Summer Panzanella Salad by Jamie Vespa, MS, RDN, founder of Dishing Out Health
(Photo by Jamie)

Enjoy this summer salad by using a lot of seasonal ingredients including watermelon, golden beets, and crispy arugula. My tongue is tingling with excitement to eat this.

Watermelon Feta Salad by Meme Inge, RDN, founder of Living Well Kitchen
(Photo by Meme)

This is a perfect summer salad with spicy arugula, sweet watermelon, and salty feta cheese. A fabulous combination.

Grilled Watermelon and Avocado Salad with Lime & Feta by Abbey Sharp, RD, founder of Abbey’s Kitchen
(Photo by Abbey)

Time to get your grill on with this savory and sweet salad. Adding a heart-healthy fat from the avocado just completes the satiety factor in this salad.

Mediterranean-Style Watermelon, Pistachio-Mint Couscous by Vicki Shanta Retelny, RDN, founder of The Lifestyle Nutritionist
(Photo by Vicki)

For a sweet and savory Mediterranean-inspired side dish, this couscous recipe will wow you. There’s salty crunch from the pistachios and sweetness from the watermelon. Cheers to tasty bites.

Nepali Watermelon Rind Pickle by Dixya Bhattarai, RDN, from Food, Pleasure, and Health
(Photo by Dixya)

Have you ever wondered if there was a way to use watermelon rind? A delicious blend of tartness and spices, watermelon rind pickle can be enjoyed as a condiment or as a dish on its own. 

Red, White, and Blue Vegan Watermelon Cake by Abbey Sharp, RD, founder of Abbey’s Kitchen
(Photo by Abbey)

Not only is this cake vegan and gluten-free, it’s made out of watermelon! Yes, you heard that right, watermelon, a few other fruits for décor, coconut yogurt, and nuts. Talk about an incredible, gourmet dessert that is super simple to make.

Coconut Watermelon Muffins by Chrissy Carroll, MPH, RDN, founder of Snacking in Sneakers
(Photo by Chrissy)

Use the whole watermelon, rind and all, in these versatile muffins. Have one with breakfast, grab one for a snack, or enjoy as a light dessert.

Watermelon Ice Pops by Katie Morford, MS, RDN, founder of Mom’s Kitchen Handbook
(Photo by Katie)

My thirst and sweet tooth are already quenched just thinking about this chilly summer dessert. For a healthy treat, this recipe is a must-try.

Easy Watermelon Sorbet by Min Jung, MS, RDN, founder of MJ and Hungryman
(Photo by Min)

For a light and refreshing summer treat, this sorbet is a go. You can add a twist by blending in coconut milk, herbs, or other fruits, or let the watermelon shine on its own. 

Raspberry Watermelon Slushies by Marie Dittmer, RDN, founder of Healthy Ideas Place
(Photo by Marie)

For a super easy and simple summer dessert recipe with only five ingredients, the slushy is for you. Enjoy another extremely refreshing taste of summer.

Stay refreshed and revived this summer with these 17 Unique And Tasty Watermelon Recipes.

For more creative summertime inspired fruit recipes, check out:
Healthy Dessert Alternatives – Easy Fruit Whips
Best Fruit and Vegetable Grilling Tips
No Cook Strawberry Coconut Soup
Simple Summer Smoothie Bowl

Sarah Koszyk, MA, RDN