14 watermelon recipes

When is watermelon in season?

Watermelons are imported to the UK all year round, but the best time to buy them is during the peak season, from mid-June to late August.

Why we love watermelon

There's nothing better than juicy watermelon on a hot, sunny day – it's the ultimate refresher. Its juicy sweetness pairs well with salty, savoury dishes too, so we love using it in summer salads, especially with salty halloumi or feta. It can also be blitzed into smoothies, sorbets and juices, or try charred on the barbecue to add a smoky edge.

Health benefits of watermelon

The high water content of watermelon helps keep you hydrated, which is important for your body to function properly – and particularly important to bear in mind during the hot summer months when we're most likely to be eating watermelon. It's a good source of antioxidants, including potassium and vitamins C and A.

Watermelon recipes

Watermelon and halloumi salad

Sweet, juicy watermelon pairs brilliantly with warm, salty halloumi and fresh mint – ideal for a BBQ side dish. See more irresistible halloumi recipes.

Crusted feta with rocket and watermelon salad

Fried, breadcrumbed feta with a juicy watermelon and rocket salad, finished with a chilli-honey dressing – it's summer on a plate. Discover lots more summer salad recipes.

Thai watermelon salad

Juicy, refreshing watermelon stands in for green papaya in this update of a classic Thai-style dish. It’s best to buy a whole watermelon and use the flesh closest to the skin as this tends to be a bit firmer. Check out our other Thai-inspired recipes, too.

Prawn and watermelon salad

This vibrant, refreshing salad can easily be made vegetarian by using soy sauce instead of fish sauce, and omitting the prawns – it's even better the next day.

Watermelon and feta salad

The combination of fresh-tasting ingredients and big flavours make this watermelon and feta salad with pomegranate dressing a winner. We love the salty feta with fresh, juicy watermelon. Plus, its super-quick, easy, and under 500 calories. Browse more low-calorie meal ideas.

Watermelon juice

Summer in a glass, get a real taste of the sun in this lively watermelon juice packed with plenty of explosive flavours.

Watermelon gazpacho

Give chilled tomato soup a spicy kick by adding scotch bonnet chillies – the perfect contrast to refreshing watermelon and creamy avocado. Get inspired by more summer soup recipes here.

Spiced watermelon and halloumi skewers

Check out these super simple skewers with salty halloumi and sweet watermelon. Make these easy veggie skewers for your next BBQ with friends. More veggie BBQ recipes over here.

Watermelon granita with mint

Cold watermelon is a super-refreshing treat on a hot day – this granita takes it a step further. Try more fruity granita recipes.

Watermelon and rice noodle salad

Try our refreshing Vietnamese-style watermelon salad packed with mint, Thai basil and coriander for a vibrant summer BBQ side dish.

Watermelon cooler

This refreshing watermelon and tequila cocktail from Thomasina Miers is really refreshing for a hot summer day, and proves that tequila isn't all about slammers. Try serving it at your next BBQ.

Thai-style watermelon and peanut noodle salad

Ready in 20 minutes, this vibrant vegan salad is packed with juicy watermelon, crunchy peanuts and leafy herbs. A colourful plate of fresh flavours. Find more quick 20-minute meals.

Watermelon smoothie

In need of a cleanse? Try our refreshing detox smoothie with fruity watermelon. It's joined by strawberry, banana and pomegranate for a big hit of goodness. We've got lots more smoothie recipes to try.

Watermelon sorbet

During the long, hot summers in Italy, a spoonful of sorbetto di cocomro is a popular pick-me-up. The amount of sugar used in this sorbet recipe can be varied depending on the sweetness of the watermelon.