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
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