I love watermelon. It epitomizes summer for me with its water-packed freshness. Not only will you feel hydrated after eating watermelon, your body will also benefit from its many nutrients and vitamins. Watermelon is an excellent source of vitamin C and A. It also contains lycopene, which may protect the body from heart disease. Watermelon has been suggested to reduce muscle soreness in athletes and improve recovery time due to the amino acid, L-citrulline. What’s not to enjoy about this amazing fruit? Here are 17 unique and tasty watermelon recipes to wow you, your guests, and everyone’s’ taste buds this summer season.

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Watermelon Jicama Pico de Gallo
by Shannon Garcia, RDN, founder of Kiss In The Kitchen
(Photo by Shannon)

This is a divine salsa to eat with chips or spread over some grilled chicken or fish. It’s refreshing with just the right amount of spice.

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Watermelon Guacamole
by Ariella Nelson, RDN, founder of Perspective Portions
(Photo by Ariella)

A delicious chunky guacamole dip with some refreshing watermelon that is also very low in calories and chockfull of vitamins A and C. Enjoy as a dip or a spread on a sandwich or wrap.

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Watermelon & Lemon Mint Ricotta Stacks
by Jessica Fishman Levinson, MS, RDN, CDN, founder of Nutritioulicious
(Photo by Jessica)

Creamy and zesty lemon mint ricotta is sandwiched between stacks of watermelon flowers for a festive, nutritious, and delicious summer appetizer. So beautiful!

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Watermelon with Honey-Lime Ricotta and Pistachios
by Sara Haas, RDN, founder of Sara Haas: Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and Chef
(Photo by Sara)

You can use this recipe as an appetizer or a dessert. It is versatile and savory sweet from the cheese, pistachios, watermelon, and honey.

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Pink Fresh Fruit Spring Rolls
by Emily Kyle, MS, RDN, founder of Emily Kyle Nutrition
(Photo by Emily)

Looking for that perfect finger food appetizer? This fresh fruit and vegetable spring roll is not only delicious but it’s pretty, too.

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Summer Fruit Bruschetta with Watermelon and Kiwis
by Natalie Rizzo, MS, RDN, founder of Nutrition A La Natalie
(Photo by Natalie)

There are actually two fabulous bruschetta recipes in this post and they are both guaranteed to be refreshing while keeping you hydrated since both watermelon and kiwis are high in water content. Enjoy your antioxidants.

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Low Calorie Tomato & Watermelon Gazpacho
by Abbey Sharp, RD, founder of Abbey’s Kitchen
(Photo by Abbey)

For a unique twist on the classic gazpacho recipe, this chilled soup is a tasty, refreshing meal including a little bit of spice from the jalapeno combined with the sweet from the watermelon.

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Summer Panzanella Salad
by Jamie Vespa, MS, RDN, founder of Dishing Out Health
(Photo by Jamie)

Enjoy this summer salad by using a lot of seasonal ingredients including watermelon, golden beets, and crispy arugula. My tongue is tingling with excitement to eat this.

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Watermelon Feta Salad
by Meme Inge, RDN, founder of Living Well Kitchen
(Photo by Meme)

This is a perfect summer salad with spicy arugula, sweet watermelon, and salty feta cheese. A fabulous combination.

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Watermelon Lychee and Jicama Salad
by Kelly Sloan, current dietetic intern, founder of Kelly’s Knack for Cooking
(Photo by Kelly)

Get ready for a very hydrating salad that’s perfect for the next summer BBQ party. It’s a go-to summer refresher.

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Grilled Watermelon and Avocado Salad with Lime & Feta
by Abbey Sharp, RD, founder of Abbey’s Kitchen
(Photo by Abbey)

Time to get your grill on with this savory and sweet salad. Adding a heart-healthy fat from the avocado just completes the satiety factor in this salad.

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Mediterranean-Style Watermelon, Pistachio-Mint Couscous
by Vicki Shanta Retelny, RDN, founder of The Lifestyle Nutritionist
(Photo by Vicki)

For a sweet and savory Mediterranean-inspired side dish, this couscous recipe will wow you. There’s salty crunch from the pistachios and sweetness from the watermelon. Cheers to tasty bites.

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Tempeh Quesadillas with Radicchio Watermelon Slaw
by Kylie Mitchell, MPH, RDN, as featured on Healthy Aperture with Regan Miller Jones, RD
(Photo by Kylie)

I’m all over a scrumptious quesadilla topped with a savory/sweet slaw. This is a perfectly well-balanced meal with protein, a little carbs, fruits, and veggies. Delish.

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Red, White, and Blue Vegan Watermelon Cake
by Abbey Sharp, RD, founder of Abbey’s Kitchen
(Photo by Abbey)

Not only is this cake vegan and gluten-free, it’s made out of watermelon! Yes, you heard that right, watermelon, a few other fruits for décor, coconut yogurt, and nuts. Talk about an incredible, gourmet dessert that is super simple to make.

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Summer Fresh Berry Watermelon Coconut Pops
by Kim Melton, RDN, founder of Nutrition Pro Consulting
(Photo by Kim)

My thirst and sweet tooth are already quenched just thinking about this chilly summer dessert. For a healthy treat, this recipe is a must-try.

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Watermelon Basil Granita
by Kaleigh McMordie, soon-to-be RDN, founder of Lively Table
(Photo by Kaleigh)

For a light and refreshing Italian dessert, the granita is a go. It’s a mixture between a sorbet and a snow cone and it’s absolutely divine.

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Raspberry Watermelon Slushies
by Marie Dittmer, RDN, founder of Healthy Ideas Place
(Photo by Marie)

For a super easy and simple summer dessert recipe with only five ingredients, the slushy is for you. Enjoy another extremely refreshing taste of summer.

Stay refreshed and revived this summer with all these amazing recipes.

Sarah Koszyk, MA, RDN