Nothing beats a cool slice of North Carolina watermelon on a hot summer day. Tasty all on its own, watermelon also makes a refreshing addition to all kinds of dishes, from salads and entrees to drinks and desserts. Celebrate the season with these refreshing watermelon recipes highlighting the favorite juicy fruit in creative and delicious ways.
1. Watermelon Mint Lemonade
Fresh mint and lemon juice enhance the watermelon flavor in this Watermelon Mint Lemonade.
2. Triple Melon Summer Salad
Watermelon, cantaloupe, and honeydew melons combine in a flavorful Triple Melon Summer Salad with mixed greens and a zesty lemon and mint dressing. Sprinkle crumbled goat cheese and chopped pistachios over the top for the perfect finish.
3. Watermelon Feta Salad with Mint
Sweet seasonal watermelon and tangy feta cheese make the perfect pair in a Watermelon Feta Salad with Mint. The addition of fresh mint makes this summer salad even more refreshing.
Ask a Farmer
How to Pick the Best Watermelon
North Carolina watermelon farmer shares his tips for how to pick the best watermelon at the grocery store or farm stand.
4. Blueberry Watermelon Ice Pops
Fruity and refreshing Blueberry Watermelon Ice Pops are the sweetest way to beat the summer heat. This six-ingredient recipe comes together all in one blender. Then simply pour into ice pop molds, freeze, and enjoy.
5. Quinoa Salad with Watermelon, Cucumber, Feta and Citrus Vinaigrette
Thanks to the protein-packed quinoa, this colorful salad is filling enough to enjoy as a flavorful entree for lunch or dinner.
6. Baby Back Ribs with Watermelon Barbecue Sauce
Enjoy all the best flavors of a cookout without standing over a hot grill with oven-roasted Baby Back Ribs with Watermelon Barbecue Sauce. Sweet watermelon makes a surprisingly delicious addition to homemade barbecue sauce in this easy recipe for fall-off-the-bone ribs.
7. Melon Cakes with Rosemary Lavender Syrup
Sweet, juicy Melon Cakes are a fun way to use seasonal watermelon, cantaloupe and honeydew.
Crops & Forestry
North Carolina Watermelon Farmers Are Growing Seedless Watermelons
With more than 1,200 watermelon varieties in 96 countries worldwide, the vast majority of North Carolina watermelons are seedless varieties.
8. Watermelon Whip
Made with just five simple ingredients, creamy Watermelon Whip is the best way to cool off on a hot summer day.
9. Coconut Watermelon Icy
Ice-cold watermelon is sure to hit the spot on a hot day with this easy Coconut Watermelon Icy recipe.
10. Cucumber, Melon and Mint Sangria
Light and refreshing, this Cucumber, Melon and Mint Sangria is perfect for an outdoor summer gathering.
