Watermelon 4 Ways: Quick, Simple and Refreshing Summer Twists

What 3 things scream summer or summer holidays better than ice cream, a barbecue on the go and juicy, chilled watermelon.

A slice of watermelon, cold, on a hot day is hard to beat. But this summer favourite can be so much more than than the fans or cubed towers across a platter. And as I gorged on another slice, my memory took me down a lane to a trip in Vietnam where they'd served chunks of watermelon with a chilli-fish sauce as a snack. Now I have no need for such an adventurous palate today. Neither do I have any such ingredient available to me.

But what I do have readily available is salt, chilli, feta and Appleton Rum. All household staples no? With these you can start on your journey of some refreshing watermelon summer recipes.

Before that however, would you like the golden rules for picking a ripe, sweet watermelon? 

• First you want the Crimson Sweet, Sugar Baby or Charleston Gray variety watermelon where labelled.

• Then you want the field spot to be yellow, the rind finish to be dull, the webbing full of sugary brown lines and the stem brown too.

These golden rules should see you picking sweeter juicier watermelons.

Now for four quick recipes for enjoying watermelon when the temperature rises.

Why Watermelon?

A slice or two of watermelon is utterly refreshing on a hot day. It is summer but in your mouth. You racing to eat a slice before the juice gets away down your arm.

The chilli-fish sauce we are not adding to the the family barbecue's watermelon salad.

Beyond being refreshing, watermelon is one of those fruits that enjoy a little dance of tango. Add salt and the sweetness intensifies. Add chilli and you get heat. Add herbs, cheese or a splash of something stronger and you'll get an all together different experience.

The beauty is that none of these require a recipe. They are more about finding what combination of flavours work together and splashing and dashing to your taste.

The best part? They're all be ready in minutes.

1. Classic Chilli & Salt Watermelon

This might sound unusual if you've never tried it, but trust me, it works. I am eating a bowl full this minute.

That combination of sweet watermelon, a touch of salt and a little chilli creates a sweet, spicy and refreshing bite.

It is a popular combination in parts of Mexico, where fruit is often served with chilli, lime and salt.

Classic Chilli and Salt Watermelon

Ingredients

• Cold watermelon, cut into wedges or cubes

• A pinch of sea salt

• Chilli flakes or chopped chilli

• Optional: squeeze of fresh lime

Method

Simply sprinkle the watermelon with salt and chilli flakes. Add lime if you have it.

Salt enhances the sweetness, while chilli adds a smack of heat. Keeps it moreish.

2. Watermelon, Mint & Feta Salad

This is where watermelon moves from snack to summer lunch.

The sweetness of the fruit works beautifully with creamy feta and fresh mint.

Ingredients

• Cubed watermelon

• Crumbled feta cheese

• Fresh mint leaves

• Optional: drizzle of olive oil and a squeeze of lime

Method

Tip: Instead of mixing, sprinkle the crumbled feta onto the watermelon and serve chilled.

It is refreshing, salty, sweet and a hit at any outdoor dining event.

3. Frozen Watermelon Slush

Part watermelon slush part watermelon juice

Sometimes you want something colder than cold.

Freezing watermelon transforms it into a naturally sweet summer drink.

Ingredients

• Frozen watermelon chunks

• Juice of ½ lime

• A few mint leaves (optional)

Method

Freeze watermelon pieces.

Blend until smooth and serve immediately.

For an adult version, add a splash of your favourite summer spirit. Silver tequila or coconut rum anyone?

4. Grown-Up Watermelon Cocktail

Watermelon and summer drinks naturally belong together.

For something simple, blend fresh watermelon and add your favourite tipple.

Ingredients

• Fresh watermelon

• Lime juice

• Ice

• Optional: Appleton rum, vodka or tequila

Method

Blend until smooth and serve chilled.

A little mint makes it summer in a glass.

My Favourite Watermelon Twist

For me, the surprise winner is still chunks of watermelon with chilli flakes and salt.

It sounds like it shouldn't work.

Sweet fruit? Salt? Heat?

But that contrast is exactly why it does.

It is refreshing, unexpected and takes seconds to prepare. Which, if you ask me, is exactly what summer food should be.

Love Quick Summery Recipes?

If you enjoy simple recipes with maximum flavour, try:

👉 Quick 5 Minute Sorbets (Using Leftover Frozen Fruit)

👉 Quick Frappe Recipe

👉 Quick Mackerel Salad Recipe

The next time the temperature prances to a raging 35 degrees Celcius what will you reach for? Classic slices of watermelon, or will you try one of these twists?