Amazing Ways To Use Up A Watermelon

Watermelons are such great summer fruits. They're hydrating, light, and delicious. But they're also huge. If you've ever lugged a gigantic watermelon home and wondered how you would ever eat it all, here are some great ideas for you.

I love putting fruit on my pizza. But have you ever thought of making a fruit into a pizza? If so, watermelon works wonderfully.

You can top it with delicious ricotta cheese and berries, or go the more savory route by sprinkling it with feta and kalamata olives. The possibilities are endless. You can serve it up as an appetizer or use it as a healthy dessert after a summer meal.

Looking for something to put into your new watermelon keg? How about a tasty margarita? Just take the watermelon you scooped out of your keg and blend it. Then add tequila and lime juice, and shake it together. If you want to get really fancy, serve it with a slice of lime on the glass.

A watermelon slushie is a great non-alcoholic alternative to the margarita. Just leave out the tequila and add a bit of sugar instead. Or you can get really fancy and mix in some honey and mint with your watermelon.

Want a more subtle way of using your watermelon? Or do you want to challenge yourself by using watermelon in the main course instead of just the appetizers?

Mix it into marinade and cook up some tasty watermelon marinated chicken. You can combine it with soy sauce and vinegar for a more savory flavor, or add chipotle peppers and ketchup for a spicier one.

Do you love soup and miss it in the summer? If so, you probably love gazpacho, the Spanish cold soup made out of tomatoes. And guess what? You can also make it out of watermelon!

Mix watermelon with pepper, vinegar, cucumber, basil, and mint, then blend it together. Let it sit up to one day in the fridge, then serve it up. You can also use the typical tomato base and put chunks of watermelon on top. To make this into a party appetizer, pour the gazpacho into shot glasses and garnish them with lime slices to make shooters.

How about some watermelon ice cubes to go into your water on hot summer days? They're the easiest ice cubes you'll ever make.

You don't even need an ice tray. All you do is cut up your watermelon and then put the chunks into the freezer. The next day, you have delicious watermelon ice cubes to add the perfect amount of sweetness to your water.

What could be better than watermelon ice cubes? Watermelon ice pops, of course! They do take a few extra steps to make, but they're well worth the extra time.

All you do is cut up some strawberries and watermelon and pop them into the blender. Then pour the puree into ice pop molds and put them into the freezer to set. These are perfect for summer barbecues.

Sometimes you just want something light and refreshing for breakfast, especially when it's hot outside. If you're craving an alternative to your cereal or eggs, consider making a watermelon parfait.

Like most of the other recipes, this one has very few ingredients. All you need is watermelon, salt, honey, and Greek yogurt. Bonus points if you put it in a mason jar. Alternatively, you can put a layer of blueberries at the bottom for a Fourth of July red white and blue parfait.

There are so many different ways to make a watermelon salad, and they're all refreshing and delicious. You can make a Greek variation of the salad with feta and kalamata olives. How about adding some beautiful heirloom tomatoes to the mix? Or you can make it more of a leafy salad by adding arugula, mint, and onions.

Watermelon salsa combines the sweet tanginess of watermelon with the spicy flavor of jalapenos. It's perfect for eating with chips or on your burritos and tacos. For watermelon pico de gallo, finely chop your watermelon, and then add chopped onions, peppers and/or cucumbers, and a bit of diced jalapenos for spiciness. If you want to get really creative, you can throw in some mango, too.  

I am a huge fan of roasted pumpkin seeds. It's one of my favorite things to make in the fall. Thanks to watermelons, you and I can also eat roasted seeds in the summer! Roasted watermelon seeds also have health benefits as they contain copper, magnesium, and iron.

To make roasted watermelon seeds, take the black seeds from a watermelon, dry them out, and then roast them with salt over the stove or in your oven. Then use them as an alternative to sunflower seeds and peanuts.

Chunks of watermelon make easy, healthy, and delectable party appetizers. Get some toothpicks and then layer your watermelon with havarti cheese and mint or feta cheese and balsamic vinegar.

If you'd rather eat watermelon bites for dessert, dip chunks of watermelon in chocolate, sprinkle some sea salt over them, and then freeze.

Start your summer dinner with a watermelon grilled side dish. There's no better way to begin a meal than with a savory and sweet appetizer.

Cut your watermelon into wedges rather than steaks, and then sprinkle it with a special watermelon rub of lime juice, red chile flakes, and salt. You only need to grill it for two to three minutes on each side before you serve it up to your hungry guests.

You can take your watermelon grilling a step further by making it into colorful kebabs. Grill it with slices of peach or throw in some cucumber, jicama, and pineapple if you want to get really fancy.

If you're looking for a less G-rated use for a watermelon, consider making it into a keg. Afterward, you can fill it with mojitos or any other summery drink you have in mind.

All you have to do is cut off the top, scoop out all the watermelon, drill a hole for the spigot, and then screw it in. Don't forget to save the watermelon fruit to use for a side dish or for a tasty beverage to serve in your keg! Pro tip: Choose a watermelon with a stable base so it won't roll around while you transform it into a keg.