There is nothing more refreshing on a hot summer day than cold juicy watermelon. It is so fresh, sweet and hydrating…bonus! My kiddos and family absolutely love it. Watermelon also reminds me of my childhood, my mom and grandma would cut giant round slices that would take up your whole plate. We would gobble it up with a spoon!
I recently ordered a watermelon from Walmart Grocery Pickup. I’m pretty sure it was a least 10 lbs! So it got the ole wheels turning. I had to find a way to use the beast of a watermelon. And here’s what I came up with!
SWEET PINEAPPLE WATERMELON POPSICLES
So for several days I kept finding popsicle molds everywhere. My kids filled them with water and put in the fridge. I found some just laying around. I don’t know if it was subliminal advertising but it worked!! These definitely took a couple rounds to get the right flavor and sweetness. My taste testers did not mind one bit.
To start, slice your watermelon into chunks. You can use a blender or a food processor. Blend it up until you have a smooth puree. My first round I used a food processor and it left small chunks so I left them in when I added the mixture into the molds. So on a few of the pops you would get a nice bite.
Then add in your pineapple juice, lime juice ans sugar. Give it a good blend. Pour into your popsicle molds, pop in freezer overnight and then enjoy! So sweet, cold and refreshing.
Not into popsicles? This sweet pineapple watermelon mixture sure makes one yummy drink! Serve as a mocktail or punch. Keep a pitcher in the fridge for a refreshing afternoon treat.
WATERMELON CUCUMBER FETA SALAD
This salad screams take me to a outdoor BBQ please! All the flavors compliment each other so well. My only complaint it that the balsamic vinegar darkens the vibrant red watermelon. But honestly after a few bites no one cares! 😉
This watermelon cucumber feta salad is so easy, and has crazy simple ingredients. And yet the flavors are so bold and tangy! I served this salad with some grilled chicken and smash potatoes. Perfection!
I cut my watermelon into medium size pieces and my cucumber in smaller pieces. I like the way it looks plus you can get both on your fork at the same time. 🙂 Set both aside. Moving on to the dressing portion. Add your balsamic vinegar, honey, and olive oil to a small bowl. Also, I added my salt and pepper at this time. This is to taste. I prefer a bit more salt. So just taste your dressing as you whisk to get it just right.
Then in a large bowl add your watermelon, feta and cucumbers. I mix this up before adding in the dressing. Just to make sure everything is even. Pour your yummy dressing on and mix again. Add a sprig of mint for color and freshness. Bam! A perfect summer salad in less than 10 minutes!
WATERMELON VODKA COOLER
Last but not least. I mean you can’t have a 10 lb watermelon and not make a least one cocktail! I immediately thought of a margarita, which yes it’s delicious but I feel like that is always my go to. Trying to expand my cocktail territory. 😉 So I decided to use Deep Ellum Vodka. I love that it’s local and tastes great!
My husband was the taste tester this time. Again no complaints!! This one also took a couple tries. It’s tricky to get that sweet level just right. I tried agave nectar and simple syrup as my additional sweetner. The agave was the winner this time!
Using a blender add your watermelon and mix until pureed. I highly recommend using cold watermelon. Once that is blended add in your vodka, pineapple juice, lime juice and agave nectar or simple syrup. Give it a good couple pulses. Fill your cup with ice, pour watermelon mixture in and garnish with a lime and watermelon slice. You could also add a sugar rim to your glass or a sprig mint muddled in. Not only is this watermelon vodka cooler YUMMMM and refreshing but she’s oh so pretty!!
I hope you try some of these refreshing watermelon recipes with your family and friends this summer.
For more sweet treat options, check out my Strawberry Surprise.
Happy Watermelon Sugar High!
XOXO, Ivy
Sweet Pineapple Watermelon Popsicles
Ingredients
- 2 cups Chopped Watermelon
- 1 cup Pineapple Juice
- 1 tsp Lime Juice
- 1 tsp Sugar
Instructions
- Add your chopped watermelon into blender. Blend until pureed.
- Then add pineapple juice, lime juice and sugar.
- Blend for a few seconds to incorporate everything.
- Pour into your mold. Put in freezer overnight. Enjoy the next day!
Watermelon Cucumber Feta Salad
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup Diced Cucumber (seedless works best)
- 1/3 cup Feta Cheese
- 1/4 cup Balsamic Vinegar
- 2 tbsp Honey
- 3 cups Cubed Watermelon (chilled preferably)
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
- Salt and Pepper to taste
- Handful of mint for garnish
Instructions
- Chop up your cucumber and watermelon and set aside.
- Add your balsalmic vinegar, olive oil, honey, salt and pepper in a small bowl. Whisk until incorporated.
- In a large bowl mix your watermelon, cucumber and feta cheese together. Add in your dressing and mix until well coated.
- A sprig of mint and serve.
Watermelon Vodka Cooler
Ingredients
- 1 cup Watermelon
- 1/2 cup Pineapple Juice
- 1 tbsp Lime Juice
- 1 tsp Agave Nectar
- 2 oz Deep Ellum Vodka (or your favorite)
Instructions
- Cut your watermelon into cubes and place in blender. Blend until pureed.
- Add your vodka, pineapple juice, lime juice and agave nectar. Blend for just a few seconds until everything is incorporated.
- Add ice to your cup. Pour your cocktail mixture in. Garnish with a watermelon slice and lime. Enjoy!
