Do you have more watermelon than you know what to do with? Try one of these 4 simple watermelon side dish ideas. They're easy & healthy too!
Watermelon Season
It's almost the end of summer. Watermelon is cheap and at its peak of deliciousness, so when you see a ginormous watermelon at the farmers market for $4, you buy it. And then you realize that you have a LOT of watermelon on your hands. What are you going to do with it?
(Oh, and by you, I mean me. That was me that bought the ginormous watermelon.)
Well, here's your answer: 4 simple watermelon side dish ideas. They're healthy and easy too!
Kalamata Olives & Basil
Okay, I know most people would be inclined to add feta to this. Well, I don't like feta! Toss some cubed watermelon with fresh basil leaves and some halved kalamata olives. If you're a fan of sweet-and-salty, you will love this salad.
Mint & Lime Juice
Squeeze fresh lime juice over watermelon slices and sprinkle with coarsely chopped mint leaves and a few pinches of sea salt. Watermelon slices never tasted so good!
Cilantro & Jalapeno
The perfect side dish for taco night! Seed and mince a jalapeno and chop some cilantro, then toss it with cubed watermelon and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Sprinkle with a dash of salt (I used black sea salt, in case you were wondering what those little black flecks are in the photo).
Ginger Syrup & Lime Zest
Is your watermelon a wee bit under-ripe? It's okay! You can fix that! Combine ¼ cup of sugar, ½ cup of water, and a 2-inch piece of ginger (peeled and sliced into coins) in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then decrease the heat to low. Simmer for 10 minutes, then remove from heat. Once mixture has come to room temperature, pour it through a fine mesh strainer over about 6 cups of cubed watermelon. Stir in zest from one lime and serve.
What's your favorite way to serve watermelon?
Stephanie @ Henry Happened says
Hm! I never thought of the fact that you can use watermelon as a side dish, and as anything except dessert, really!
Kiersten says
During the summer, I love having fruit as a side dish. I usually just want light meals and that's perfect!
Dee @ Cocktails with Mom says
These all look and sound great.
Katie says
I guess this shows how creative I am - I never thought of serving watermelon any other way than straight up!
Kiersten says
Well, it's good straight up too. 🙂
Shirley says
I love watermelon so much I only eat it straight up, in its purest form. Joe has said, I've never met anybody who loves watermelon as much as you do. That said, my eyes lit up at "ginger syrup!"
Kiersten says
I love straight up watermelon too! But an infused simple syrup is so good for when you get watermelon that's not very sweet. Basil or mint would also work instead of ginger.
Kerstin says
I love watermelon and it's great to try out new things with it - I recently made a watermelon-cucumber gazpacho which was delicious! My favourite way of eating watermelon is together with feta cheese as either an entrée or a dessert or just as snack. I'll definitely try one of your ideas!
Kiersten says
Watermelon-cucumber gazpacho sounds so refreshing! I'm not fond of the tomato kind, so your version is much better. 🙂
Christina says
I have never been a huge fan of watermelons although blending in a juice, smoothie, or icee is always refreshing. I would not have done all these ideas, but now I find myself craving watermelon dishes...hmmm! Gonna try these with the kids and see what they think too.
Kiersten says
I hope you like them if you make them! There are quite a few fruits that I don't care for on their own, but if they're prepared the right way, I love them.
Kate says
Lately I've been having watermelon with feta cheese! I am working out side at a garden centre all day and watermelon with feta is the most refreshing snack after being out in the heat. It's the perfect combination of sweet and salty.
Kiersten Frase says
I'm not a fan of feta myself, but I've heard that's a delicious combination! I'll just take your word for it. 😉