10 Healthy Watermelon Recipes for a Juicy Taste of Summer Anytime

Italian Fruit Salad
Photo: Kritsada Panichgul

Little is more refreshing on a warm day than juicy watermelon wedges. Well, except for maybe a mint-topped watermelon salad, a cool and healthy watermelon smoothie, or a cone of healthy watermelon ice cream! Beyond its fantastic flavor, at fewer than 50 calories per cup and with plenty of nutrients (such as potassium and vitamin A), watermelon is one of the best menu additions for the season. Enjoy a juicy taste of summer with these healthy watermelon recipes.

01 of 10

Mini Gyro Burgers with Watermelon-Feta Salad

Mini Gyro Burgers Watermelon-Feta Salad
Blaine Moats

Here's proof that not all watermelon recipes are sweet. The natural sugars in the fruit are balanced beautifully by salty feta and savory burgers (made with either lamb or beef, you pick your favorite!). Tuck it all inside a warm, fluffy pita and enjoy on a patio, if possible.

02 of 10

Watermelon-Berry Sorbet

Watermelon-Berry Sorbet in metal pan
Andy Lyons

Scoop up a frozen taste of summer with an icy dessert that's under 100 calories. This simple sorbet gets refreshing flavor from juicy watermelon, berries, and an infusion of lemon herb. (Think of this as a dairy-free dessert swap for ice cream.)

Test Kitchen Tip: Feeling fancy? Scoop this sorbet into tall glasses and top with sparkling wine for a fruity float.

03 of 10

Pink Power Smoothies

Pink Power Smoothies
Jason Donnelly

You can probably guess that this sip showcases watermelon. Surprise: The healthy watermelon smoothie also sneaks in vitamin all-stars, including cauliflower and strawberries, plus protein-rich Greek yogurt. Enjoy this easy 87-calorie recipe with breakfast or as a mid-afternoon snack.

Buy It: KitchenAid Blender, $100, KitchenAid

04 of 10

Watermelon-Mint Salad

Watermelon-Mint Salad in small glass jars
Blaine Moats

Rather than serving it in a big bowl and asking everyone around the picnic table to reach over each other for another scoop, make it easy to devour this healthy watermelon salad by offering it in individual cups. This way, you can ensure everyone gets their fill of feta and mint, which work together to amplify the sweetness of the melon.

05 of 10

Cucumber-Watermelon Sangria

Cucumber-Watermelon Sangria in short clear glass
howsweeteats.com

Give red wine the night off and pour this cool, fizzy punch instead. (By the way, doesn't this watermelon recipe look like something you'd order at a fancy cocktail bar?!) Cucumber slices will practically make you feel like you stepped foot inside of a spa, while the Sauvignon Blanc and carbonated water confirm you've officially entered happy hour.

06 of 10

Spicy Watermelon Salad

Spicy Watermelon Salad
John Kernick

Fan of sweet and heat? Here's your watermelon salad recipe! Fiery serrano chiles team with refreshing watermelon and briny feta for a big burst of flavor in each bite. Plate it up in layers for a beautiful presentation at a dinner party, or shortcut the assembly by tossing it all together.

07 of 10

Watermelon-Berry Limeade

Watermelon-Berry Limeade in clear glass
Andy Lyons Cameraworks, LTD

Summer calls for fruity sippers, and this healthy watermelon drink, with only 72 calories and no added sugar, is a cinch! Toss four ingredients into a blender and pour over ice. You'll want to make this in bulk so refills are at the ready.

08 of 10

Watermelon-Kiwi Pops

Watermelon-Kiwi Pops
Karla Conrad

Stick it to added sugars and artificial colors. Instead of sugar-laden store-bought ice pops, try this 70-calorie-per-serving fresh watermelon recipe. A layer of melon offers a pleasant amount of sweetness, while the kiwifruit layer lends a tantalizing tang for a fun flavor combo on a stick.

09 of 10

Watermelon and Strawberry Lemonade

Watermelon and Strawberry Lemonade in clear glass pitcher
Blaine Moats

Cheers! Club soda adds calorie-free sparkle to this summer lemonade recipe while allowing the delicious flavors of strawberries and watermelon to shine through. It's incredible as-is in its mocktail form, but if you're feeling spirited, spike this healthy watermelon drink recipe with vodka or rum.

10 of 10

Tomatillo-Watermelon Salad

Tomatillo-Watermelon Salad on white plate
Jason Donnelly

Dig into a flavor fiesta! This Mexican-inspired salad is exploding with flavor (and vitamin A, thanks to the abundance of watermelon) from a fresh herb dressing. Top the healthy watermelon salad with cooked steak or chicken, or serve it alongside tacos, enchiladas, or other south-of-the-border suppers.

Was this page helpful?
Related Articles