Wednesday, August 13, 2014

Great Ways to Eat Watermelon


I'm kinda obsessed with Watermelon.  I love how refreshing it is especially on the hot, humid summer days.  It's the perfect summer fruit to treat yourself with.  I want to share with you some of my favorite recipes and tips!  If you have a favorite way of enjoying it, share it in the comments section below!

How to pick the perfect Watermelon! Watermelons come in shades of red, pink, yellow, and orange. There’s usually a bushel of them at the market to choose from, but how can you know if the one you select will be sweet and juicy? Ripe watermelons should have dark green rinds and be without any soft spots or major blemishes (scratches are ok), and they feel heavy for their size. In the interest of time, I like to choose three similar-sized melons and compare their weights. The heaviest melon will be the juiciest. Turn your watermelon over to look for a buttery yellow spot. This means that it was ripened in the sun on the farm (that’s what you want). A white or light green spot indicates that the melon was harvested too early, which diminishes sweetness, texture, and juiciness. If you have perfect pitch, you might be able to select a watermelon by thumping it like a drum. Supposedly, when tapped lightly, a perfectly ripe watermelon makes the sound of a B-flat note.


Now for the Recipes! 





Watermelon & Mint Salad!
Supremely simple fruit salad that's the ultimate refresher on a hot day!  For the adult version, add a splash of Rum!

8 cups seedless watermelon chunks or balls
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
1/2 cup mint leaves, torn
Salt to taste

In a large bowl, toss the Watermelon with the lime juice.  Fold in the mint leaves, season with salt & serve.  This salad can be refrigerated overnight.  Fold in the torn mint leaves just before serving!




Watermelon and Heirloom Tomato Salad!
Watermelon is suited for summer salads like this one. Sweet watermelon and savory heirloom tomatoes make a great pair, and nicely complement the peppery arugula, salty feta, and sharp red onion in this dish. Choose tomatoes of several different colors for dramatic appeal.

3 Tbsp. red wine vinegar
2 Tbsp. finely chopped basil (or mint, chives, or parsley)
¼ tsp. sea salt
¼ tsp. ground black pepper
1 cup arugula (also known as rocket)
½ medium seedless watermelon, rind removed, cut into 2-inch triangles
3 medium heirloom tomatoes, sliced into wedges
½ cup yellow cherry tomatoes, cut in half
¼ medium red onion, sliced thin
2 Tbsp. crumbled feta cheese (about ½ oz.)
1 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil

Combine oil, vinegar, basil, salt, and pepper in small bowl; whisk to blend. Set aside.  Arrange arugula, watermelon, heirloom tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, and onion on a large serving platter. Drizzle evenly with dressing. Top evenly with cheese.


Watermelon Smoothie!
Have leftover watermelon? Drink it using this super simple smoothie recipe! Blend cubed watermelon with banana and add in some Greek yogurt for a protein boost.

½ cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt
1 cup cubed watermelon
¼ medium banana, cut into chunks
1 cup ice½ cup water
Place water, yogurt, watermelon, banana, and ice in blender; cover. Blend until smooth. Serve immediately.


Grilled Watermelon Wedges!
The next time you fire up the BBQ, throw some wedges of watermelon on the grill! Cooking it this way enhances its sweetness and adds a touch of smoky flavor.

1 tsp. sea salt
2 tsp. olive oil
¼ medium watermelon, rind washed, cut into 1¼-inch thick wedges

Place cookie or baking rack over baking pan. Season watermelon with salt. Place on prepared rack. Let watermelon drain for 30 minutes. Rinse and pat dry. Preheat grill or broiler on high.  Lightly brush watermelon with oil.  Grill or broil for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side, or until grill marks appear and watermelon softens slightly.


Watermelon, Feta, and Kalamata Olive Salad!
Here is a new take on the popular watermelon and feta salad. Our recipe adds salty kalamata olives and fresh herbs for a surprisingly delicious Mediterranean twist.

3 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
¼ tsp. sea salt
¼ tsp. ground black pepper
4 cups cubed watermelon
¼ cup crumbled (or shaved) feta cheese (about 1 oz.)
2 Tbsp. kalamata olives, pitted
2 Tbsp. chopped fresh parsley (or microgreens)
2 tsp. extra-virgin olive oil

Combine oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl; whisk to blend. Set aside.  Combine watermelon, cheese, olives, and parsley in a large serving bowl.  Drizzle with dressing; toss gently to blend.


  1. Watermelon, Cucumber, Lime, and Chili Salad!
    Spicy & refreshing all in one bite!

    3 Tbsp. fresh lime juice
    2 Tbsp. finely chopped fresh mint
    ¼ tsp. sea salt
    ½ tsp. chili powder
    4 cups cubed watermelon
    ½ medium cucumber, peeled, sliced
    ⅓ cup crumbled (or shaved) feta cheese (about 1½ oz.)
    1 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil


    Combine oil, lime juice, mint, salt, and chili powder in small bowl; whisk to blend. Set aside.  Place watermelon, cucumber, and cheese in a medium serving bowl.  Drizzle salad evenly with dressing; toss gently to blend.  Serve immediately.

  2. Strawberry Watermelon Surprise Shakeology!
    This smoothie tastes like summer! It’s a great way to use up extra watermelon and start your day right.

    ½ cup diced watermelon
    1 scoop Strawberry Shakeology
    2 Tbsp. chopped fresh mint
    1 cup ice½ cup water

    Place water, watermelon, Shakeology, mint, and ice in blender; cover. Blend until smooth.

    Enjoy the rest of your summer days with a side of Watermelon!

    Your Friend in Fitness,
    Brittany






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