9 Awesome (and Healthy) Ways to Eat Watermelon
There are few things better than the fresh crunch of a wedge of watermelon. But this summertime staple is more versatile than you might be giving it credit for.
In addition to being cool, refreshing and downright delicious, watermelon offers important nutrients, including vitamins A and C, plus potassium and fiber. It’s also a good source of the antioxidant lycopene. Enjoy it in both sweet and savory recipes.
Sweet
The tantalizing natural sweetness of this melon makes for divine desserts.
Watermelon Slushies (pictured above)
Raspberry-Watermelon Terrine with Blueberry Sauce
Gingery Watermelon Petit Fours
Savory
Mild flavor and big crunch makes watermelon a welcome addition to savory dishes as well, plus it contains a nice boost of low-calorie nutrients.
Fish Tacos with Watermelon Salsa
Tomato and Watermelon Gazpacho
Drinks
Last, but certainly not least, are the watermelon beverages. Cocktails and mocktails can be infused with seasonal colors and flavors.
Watermelon and Cucumber Smoothie
Ingredients
One 2-inch piece English cucumber, peeled and roughly chopped (about ½ cup), plus one slice reserved for garnish
3 tablespoons lowfat buttermilk
1 tablespoon honey, optional
½ small lime, juiced (about 1 tablespoon)
2 cups cubed seedless watermelon, frozen
Directions
Put the cucumber, buttermilk, honey if using and lime juice into a blender. Blend on high until smooth. Add half of the frozen watermelon and blend until almost completely smooth, turning off the blender and pushing down on the ingredients with a spatula or wooden spoon as needed to help the blending process. Add the remaining frozen watermelon and continue to blend until smooth. Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of water if needed to adjust consistency. Pour into a glass and garnish with a cucumber slice.
From Food Network Kitchen
Dana Angelo White, MS, RD, ATC, is a registered dietitian, certified athletic trainer and owner of Dana White Nutrition, Inc., which specializes in culinary and sports nutrition.
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