When it’s hot outside, cool foods and drinks can save the day. Just think about it - who wants to heat up the house by turning on the oven? No one. But wait! There is a silver lining to these dog days of summer. Watermelon is in season!
Watermelon is just as nutritious as it is delicious. Comprised of 92 percent water, watermelon is a hydrating food. It is also a low-calorie fruit because it contains only 46 calories per cup. Lastly, it is rich in the free-radical fighting antioxidants vitamin C and lycopene.
So, today I am dropping three of my favorite and fabulous ways to use watermelon to your advantage. These recipes promise to be quick and easy because I want you to get back to enjoying this beautiful warm weather (and not be cooped up in the kitchen).
Melon, Mint, and Basil Salad
Ingredients
- 2 cups mixed greens
- ½ cup finely chopped basil
- ½ cup finely chopped mint
- 2 cups of cubed watermelon (seeds removed)
- 1 cup cubed cantaloupe
- ¼ teaspoon Kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Directions
- Mix the greens and melon in a large bowl. Sprinkle with Kosher salt.
- In a small bowl mix the chopped mint and basil, lime zest, lemon juice, and black pepper.
- Top the salad with the mixture.
- Finish with the grated parmesan.
READ: 5 Amazing Facts About Watermelon: Nature's Most Powerful Food
Adapted from andreascooktales.com
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Summer Melon Sangria
Ingredients
- ½ cup cantaloupe
- 1 cup watermelon
- ½ cup honeydew melon
- ½ cup fresh mint leaves
- 1 750 mL bottle of dry white wine (Pinot Grigio)
- 1 liter cold diet ginger ale
Directions
- Use a melon baller to scoop out the cantaloupe, honeydew, and watermelon
- Add the melon balls and mint to a large glass pitcher
- Add the wine and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the fruit infuse the wine
- Add the ginger ale before serving
Adapted from www.marthastewart.com
Grilled Watermelon Salad
Ingredients
- 1 small watermelon
- 1 bottle balsamic vinaigrette dressing
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons thinly sliced fresh basil
- ¼ teaspoon Kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Juice of ½ lime
Directions
- Cut the watermelon into 1-inch pieces (rind attached)
- Heat a grill pan on medium-high heat coated with olive oil.
- Add the watermelon pieces to the grill pan and cook for 2 minutes on each side.
- Remove from the heat and remove the rind and cut the grilled watermelon into chunks.
- Add watermelon basil, lime juice, salt, and pepper to a large bowl.
- Top with feta cheese.
- Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette dressing.
Adapted from www.foodnetwork.com
Dr. Jamie J. Hardy PharmD, BCPS, MS (Dr. Jamie) –is an experienced and well respected board-certified pharmacist, who is also known as “The Lifestyle Pharmacist.” As a highly sought-after speaker, best-selling author, and health correspondent she helps young women who are busy juggling careers, businesses, and relationships to be fit, fabulous and fulfilled without prescribed pills. Through her videos, books, and programs she equips them with the tools necessary to detox, find balance, eat healthier, and effectively manage stress. Dr. Jamie is the Founder and Chief Lifestyle Curator of Innovative Wellness LLC, a lifestyle company that coaches women to make these lasting changes in their lifestyle. She educates her followers, The FabSquad, to design the life of their dreams. Learn more about Dr. Jamie by connecting with her on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @DrJamieHardy and via her website. Download a FREE copy of my new audiobook to learn how to eat your way to fabulous health here.
