Watermelon Season Recipes: Grilled Watermelon & Tomato Gazpacho

It’s Watermelon Season!

Nothing says summer quite like a ripe, juicy watermelon. Beyond being refreshing on a hot day, watermelon is naturally hydrating; it’s about 90% water and provides vitamin C, vitamin A, and the antioxidant lycopene.

While watermelon is relatively low in calories (about 46 calories per cup), it is naturally higher in carbohydrates than many other fruits. Enjoying it in whole-fruit form and pairing it with protein or healthy fats can help create a more balanced snack. Try serving watermelon with plain Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, feta cheese, or a handful of nuts to help slow carbohydrate absorption and keep you feeling satisfied.

Below are two of our favorite ways to enjoy this summertime favorite.

Grilled Watermelon with Hot Honey, Lime & Feta

Grilling caramelizes the natural sugars in watermelon while adding a subtle smoky flavor. Finished with hot honey, fresh lime, mint, and feta, this easy side dish is perfect for cookouts and summer entertaining.

Ingredients

• 1 small seedless watermelon, cut into slices and quartered
• Juice and zest of 2 limes
• 2 tablespoons hot honey (we like Mike’s Hot Honey)
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• Fresh mint leaves, sliced
• Crumbled feta cheese

Directions

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, lime zest, hot honey, and salt.
3. Brush one side of each watermelon slice with the glaze.
4. Grill for about 2 minutes per side, until light grill marks develop.
5. Transfer to a serving platter and garnish with fresh mint and crumbled feta.

Serving Tip: Grilled watermelon is also delicious chopped into salads or used as a garnish for gazpacho.

Tomato-Watermelon Gazpacho with Avocado

Peak-summer tomatoes and sweet watermelon come together in this refreshing, chilled soup. It’s an easy no-cook recipe that’s perfect for warm afternoons or as a light appetizer.

Ingredients

• 2 large ripe tomatoes, cored and chopped
• 1 cup seedless watermelon, diced (reserve 1/2 cup for garnish)
• 1 Kirby cucumber, chopped
• 2 tablespoons chopped red onion
• 1 garlic clove
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher or Himalayan salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1 ice cube
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1/4 avocado, diced

Directions

1. Combine tomatoes, 1/2 cup watermelon, cucumber, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, and ice cube in a blender.
2. Blend until smooth.
3. With the blender running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until fully incorporated.
4. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes until thoroughly chilled.
5. Serve topped with the reserved watermelon, diced avocado, and, if desired, a dollop of plain Greek yogurt.

Why We Love These Watermelon Recipes

• Naturally hydrating and perfect for hot summer days
• Rich in antioxidants like lycopene and vitamin C
• Easy recipes for cookouts and seasonal entertaining
• Fresh, colorful, and packed with summer produce
• Simple ways to enjoy watermelon beyond dessert