12 Refreshing Ways to Make the Most of Watermelon Season

Refreshing Watermelon Salad

"DELICIOUS blend of flavors, texture," raves Joyce. "The sweet watermelon w/ the cucumber crunch & sharp feta & onions is wonderful!"

Strawberry-Melon Summer Salad

Watermelon, cantaloupe, and berries are glazed with a refreshing yogurt, honey and lemon juice dressing. Serve in a hollowed out watermelon half for a stunning summer party presentation.

Watermelon Salad with Grapes and Citrus

"What a bright and refreshing salad," says lutzflcat. Used green grapes instead of red (think that gives the salad a little more eye appeal), and I did add just a little squeeze of both the lemon and lime which only heightened the citrus flavor. Very good combination of ingredients, each one complementing the other."

• See all of our watermelon salad recipes.

Watermelon Caprese Appetizer

"This recipe is amazing, first thing to go at any summer get together. We love basil so we use bigger basil leaves and fold them in half, set between the mozzarella and watermelon. You gotta try this!" — mtbailey1

Chef John's Watermelon Agua Fresca

"This is my all-time favorite summertime drink," says Chef John. "When it's hot and humid and you're totally parched, there's nothing as refreshing, as revitalizing, and as restorative as ice-cold watermelon agua fresca. It's one of life's great drinkable pleasures."

Jewel's Watermelon Margaritas

"DELICIOUS!!! Thanks to others' suggestions, I froze the watermelon and used no ice (great idea!). Also added Triple Sec. My guests and I all thought they were the best margaritas we have ever had!" –Sharon Snowbird

• Get more recipes for thirst-busting watermelon drinks.

Watermelon Fire and Ice Salsa

"WOW!!! You have got to try this stuff! The juices of lime and watermelon mix together so well, the jalapeños make it spicy, and the watermelon adds a burst of sweetness."

Watermelon and Pineapple Salsa

Allrecipes homecook bd.weld says, "I would have never thought that hot sauce would taste so good on watermelon and pineapple. Keep extra hot sauce on the side. This is a keeper."

• See our whole collection of watermelon salsa recipes.

Watermelon Pie

"Absolutely deliciously decadent! What a perfect dessert for the hottest days of the year - so cool and refreshing. Make sure you have extra recipes handy when you bring it, Because you will be asked. And be ready for it to disappear in about 30 seconds during potlucks and picnics." — Mesa Mom

Simple Watermelon Sorbet

Three ingredients (and your ice cream maker) is all it takes to make this easy, dairy-free frozen dessert. No ice cream maker? No problem! Just follow the directions for making granita, and you'll be fine.

French Watermelon

Juicy watermelon and fresh mint get soaked in vodka and sugar to make this grown-ups only refresher. "Refreshing, fun summer party recipe!" says abapplez. "We really enjoyed this and all agreed that the alcohol/sugar/mint ratio is perfect. Be careful though, you can not taste the vodka :)"

Julia's Watermelon Gazpacho

"Had very ripe watermelon and several other ingredients in this recipe that needed to be used up. This was a great way to avoid throwing them away, and a pleasant surprise because we REALLY enjoyed this gazpacho." — lutzflcat

More Watermelon Recipes & Inspiration

• Don't throw it away! Here's what to do with a mealy watermelon.
• Here's the trick to picking out a perfectly ripe watermelon.
• Watermelon Appetizers Perfect for Summertime