WHAT'S IN SEASON

19 Juicy Watermelon Recipes to Cool You Down This Summer

Sweet, savory, frozen, or grilled—celebrate the Watermelon juicy, refreshing recipes that bring summer’s star fruit to every plate and glass!

By SideChef

August 3, 2025

19 Juicy Watermelon Recipes to Cool You Down This Summer

Love This Recipe?

SideChef

Welcome to SideChef's original recipes. Created from scratch in the SideChef Kitchen, where recipe inspiration and ingredient experimentation is a way of life.

GO TO BLOG

Is it even summer if you’re not eating watermelon straight from the fridge, juice dripping down your chin? We don’t think so—and luckily, there’s a whole day dedicated to celebrating this hydrating hero: Watermelon Day, August 3!

But we’re not just talking about slices and seeds. We’re taking watermelon to new heights with 18 refreshing recipes that show off its sweet, savory, and even spicy side. Think crisp salads, creative mains, frozen treats, and thirst-quenching drinks—all starring summer’s most iconic fruit.

Whether you're planning a backyard BBQ, beach day picnic, or just looking to beat the heat, these watermelon wonders will add a splash of color, flavor, and fun to your table. Ready to get juicy?

1. Watermelon Salsa

Watermelon Salsa

Tina Sawasdee at SideChef

Sweet, spicy, and super fresh—this salsa is your chips’ new BFF.

2. Watermelon Feta Salad

Watermelon Feta Salad

Ful-Filled

Juicy melon meets salty feta and mint in this summer classic.

3. Melon and Pineapple Smoothie

Watermelon, Pineapple and Orange Smoothie

Anncoo Journal

Three fruits, one blender, endless tropical flavor.

4. Juicy Poke Bowl

Watermelon Poke Bowl

SideChef

Plant-based and packed with flavor—this vegan poke bowl is as pretty as it is tasty.

5. Watermelonn Tabouleh

Watermelon And Shaved Fennel Tabbouleh

LG Original Series

A refreshing twist on the classic tabbouleh, starring watermelon and crunchy fennel.

6. Kimchi Watermelon Gazpacho

Kimchi Watermelon Gazpacho

Tina Sawasdee at SideChef

Spicy, tangy, and totally unexpected—this chilled soup is a flavor bomb.

7. Watermelon Wedge Salad

Watermelon Wedge Salad

SEE SALT

A juicy riff on the steakhouse classic, loaded with bold toppings.

8. Watermelon Sour

Watermelon Sour

Seedlip

This cocktail is sweet, tangy, and dangerously sippable—cheers!

9. Watermelon Steak

Pan-Seared Watermelon Steak

Live Eat Learn

Yes, watermelon can sizzle—this bold vegan “steak” proves it.

10. Melon Mozzarella Bites

Melon Mozzarella Bites

Buy This Cook That

Perfect party bites with melon, mozzarella, and basil—simple and sophisticated.

11. Refreshing Salad with Pistachios and Mint

Watermelon, Strawberries, Pistachios, Honey & Mint

Gather & Feast

A fruit-forward stunner topped with crunchy nuts and a drizzle of honey.

12. Watermelon Agua Fresca

Watermelon Mint Agua Fresca

Garlic & Zest

Cool off with this ultra-refreshing, lightly sweetened Mexican-inspired drink.

13. Melon Slaw with Jicama

Melon Cucumber and Jicama Slaw

Garlic & Zest

Crunchy, light, and ultra-refreshing—perfect as a BBQ side.

14. Watermelon Slushy

Pink Watermelon Lemonade Slushies

Half Baked Harvest

Blended to perfection, this pink slushie screams summer in a glass.

15. Grilled Shrimps with Melon

Grilled Shrimp Brochettes on Honey and Rum Macerated Fruits

Chef's Opinion

Tropical vibes meet grill night with juicy shrimp and boozy melon.

16. Melon Basil Iced Tea

Watermelon Basil Lime Iced Tea

Candid Appetite

A herbal twist on iced tea that’s fruity, fragrant, and picnic-ready.

17. Grilled Watermelon Salad

Grilled Watermelon Salad