Ten totally genius ways to use a whole watermelon
So you bought a whole watermelon … now what? It’s a bit of a dilemma really because let’s be honest there are only so many slices and cubes of watermelon you can eat. Don’t panic and definitely don’t have buyer’s regret because we have got some wonderful watermelon ideas for you.
- Slice it
Ok this one is obvious but worth mentioning because there’s nothing quite as good as eating it plain with the juices running down your chin. We like nice thick wedges.
- Grill it
Take some of those wedges you sliced, brush with a little olive oil, season with salt and pepper, place on a hot grill or barbecue and cook for about 1 minute each side or until grill marks appear. Then serve with crushed chilli and a drizzle of lime juice and honey.
- Turn it into a fruit basket
This is the perfect way to use a whole watermelon and get bonus points for the “wow” factor. Using a permanent marker, trace the shape of a basket and handle onto the watermelon. Using a sharp knife, carve it following the lines you have drawn. Scoop out the flesh, cut it up and add strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and any other fruit you fancy and serve inside your basket.
- Make a salsa
Chop watermelon into a fine dice and add diced onion, red capsicum, coriander, jalapenos, lime juice, salt and pepper. Grab some tortilla chips and you’re good to go.
- Try a salad
Layer watermelon with fresh mozzarella and basil and drizzle with balsamic vinegar and olive oil for a fabulous combination. Roasted beetroot combined with red onion and watermelon, sprinkled with a vinaigrette is simply divine.
- A smoothie to start the day
Blend watermelon, frozen strawberries, Greek yoghurt, honey and fresh ginger for a tasty and invigorating start to the day.
- Go gazpacho
Puree watermelon, chopped onion, cucumber, jalapeno and tomato. Season with salt, pepper and red wine vinegar. Chill for an hour or two in the fridge then ladle into bowls and enjoy.
- Make an icy-pole
Puree 3 cups watermelon, a teaspoon of lemon zest and ¾ cup of coconut cream. Pour into icy-pole molds and freeze.
- Make an adult’s only icy-pole
Puree 1 cup rosé, 2 cups of watermelon and ½ cup of strawberries. Pour into icy-pole molds and freeze.
- Make ice-cream
Everyone loves ice-cream. Blend ¾ cup watermelon purée, 1 cup whole milk, 1 cup cream, 1 teaspoon vanilla, ½ teaspoon of sea salt and ½ cup of honey. Put in the freezer for 5-6 hours, then remove, stir thoroughly and return to the freezer for a further 4 hours before eating.
