Watermelon is as intimidating as it is delicious. It’s the ultimate summer fruit, yet its refreshing charm can be diluted by the sheer obstacle of dealing with one. Lugging it, chopping it, storing it—it’s so daunting.
The hulking melon, like most things in life, is always scarier before you dig in. Quarter it, put your apprehensions aside, and consider your options. These 21 recipes make such quick use of a watermelon, you might even want to buy two.
Water on the Smoke by bluepepper
Watermelon-Habanero Lemonade by Chris Van Houten
Olia Hercules’ Watermelon Rind Jam by Genius Recipes
Watermelon, Arugula, and Pickled Onion Summer Salad by Dee
Grilled Watermelon with Tequila by bill
Kristin Donnelly’s Watermelon Agua Fresca by Genius Recipes
Louisa Shafia’s Watermelon, Mint, and Cider Vinegar Tonic by Genius Recipes
Watermelon Tomato Salad with Cumin and Fennel by Amanda Hesser
Beginner’s Fruit Juice by Sarah Waldman
Braised Pork Belly Tacos with Watermelon, Jicama, and Jalapeño Salsa by a la Alison
Watermelon Pudding (Gelo d’Anguria) by Emiko
Watermelon Paloma by Merrill Stubbs
Watermelon, Tomato, and Four-Herb Salad by EmilyC
Spicy, Savory & Sweet Watermelon Rind Pickles by Nancy Manlove
Watermelon with Preserved Lemon Vinaigrette by EmilyC
Watermelon Gazpacho with Feta and Mint by Heather Morris
Watermelonade by Merrill Stubbs
Grilled Watermelon by Sodium Girl
Watermelon Tomato Salad, for Picnicking by Alexandra Dawson
Watermelon Campari Granita by Alice Medrich
Watermelon and Goat Cheese Salad with a Verbena Infused Vinagrette by loli
This list was originally published in August 2014. We’ve updated it with more melon. Any other watermelon sips and bites we should know about?
(via Food52)