Is it just me or is it not really summer until you have watermelon dripping down your chin?
With the 4th of July holiday coming up later this week here in the U.S., I wanted to share a round up of some fun and summer-y recipes featuring watermelon that would be perfect to include as part of your Independence Day celebrations/BBQs.
Even if you’re not celebrating the 4th of July, I hope you’ll enjoy these delicious recipes this summer regardless!
Thank you to my friends at The Watermelon Board for sponsoring this post!
Let’s kick things off with this Patriotic Charcuterie Board. How fun is this?!
These Watermelon Rind Pickles would be a good addition to the board, too… yum.
Or, keep things really simple and make a Patriotic Fruit Salad! I love the watermelon bowl and the star-shaped watermelon – I bet the star cut outs would be fun for kids to help with.
Here’s another idea to use a watermelon “bowl” once you’ve scooped out the flesh: fill it with guacamole!
Because you can never have too many dips on hand, right?
Popsicles are always perfection on hot summer days, so try my Watermelon Rosemary Popsicles!
I also love these simple and pretty Watermelon Berry Popsicles.
And if you want to dial things up a bit at your 4th of July party, there’s always Boozy Watermelon Pops. 😉
If you’re grilling out, try my Roasted Salmon with Watermelon Salsa – the salsa would also be delicious on burgers, and you could make extra and have it as an appetizer dip with chips!
A couple other cool and refreshing BBQ side dish faves from my blog that I love because they use the WHOLE watermelon (aka the rind – so whatever you don’t keep to use as a watermelon bowl, use for these recipes): Watermelon Rind Coleslaw + Watermelon Rind Gazpacho.
I also love the look of these Watermelon Feta Skewers as another fun appetizer idea – super customizable with different cheeses and herbs, too!
For dessert, make a cute Watermelon Flag! A savory (and even simpler) version could use feta instead of cake and skip the dipping sauces – either option would be cute and yummy.
I love the idea to make the flag using skewers rather than just the pieces of the fruit/other stuff – makes it easier for guests to eat!
I could clearly go on and on here, but I will end with this Watermelon “Pizza” – another cute, colorful, and patriotic appetizer or side that would be easy to make. I love how colorful it is!
What are your favorite ways to enjoy watermelon in the summer/at BBQs? Any other fun and patriotic recipe ideas to share?
For more 4th of July recipe inspiration, check out these healthy 4th of July appetizers & desserts!
