Today, August 3rd, is National Watermelon Day! Now here is a holiday I can get behind! Every year, this annual holiday celebrates our favorite summer fruit (or according to some, vegetable). Not only is watermelon sweet and hydrating, it is also chock full of Vitamins A, C and antioxidants. Healthy and delicious, a win-win for parents all around.
Here are five simple (less then 5 ingredients) and fast, “Pinterest-Failproof” fun watermelon snack ideas to make for the kids (and yourself)!
1. Watermelon Dippers
Ingredients:
- Watermelon
- 1 cup of sour cream
- 1/4 cup of sugar
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Blend together sour cream, sugar, and vanilla extract.
- Cut watermelon into small sticks or wedges, dip and enjoy!
2. Watermelon “Pizza”
Ingredients:
- Watermelon
- 1/2 cup of ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup of whipped cream cheese
- 1 tablespoon of honey
- 1 tablespoon of shredded coconut (optional)
- Toppings of your choice (ex: mixed berries, chocolate chips)
Instructions:
- Cut one large round watermelon slice about 1 inch thick from the center of the melon.
- Blend together the ricotta, cream cheese, and honey.
- Spread the mixture over the watermelon, adding the shredded coconut if you choose.
- Top with your choice of toppings!
- Cut as you would a pizza.
3. Watermelon “Ice Cream Cone”
Ingredients:
- Watermelon
- Sugar or cake cones
- Optional toppings
Instructions:
- Cut watermelon in half lengthwise.
- Using an ice cream scoop or melon baller, scoop out watermelon.
- Place scoops into cone of your choice. Eat it plain or cover with toppings of your choice!
- *If you want to get fancy, you can purchase red and green “rainbow” cake cones and use a black food writer to draw “seeds” on the cone.
4. Watermelon “Fairy Rainbow Wands”
Ingredients:
- Watermelon
- Your choice of fruit in the colors of the rainbow
- ex: strawberries, cantaloupe, pineapple, kiwi, blueberries, purple grapes
*you will also need cookie cutters and wooden skewers
Instructions:
- Wash and cut fruit (except watermelon) into cubes. Berries and grapes do not need to be cut.
- Cut a slice of watermelon and push the cookie cutter into the slice. This will serve as the top of the “wand.”
- Thread fruit onto the skewer in the order of the colors of the rainbow and place watermelon shape at the top of the wand.
5. Watermelon Slushees
Ingredients:
- 4-5 cups of diced seedless watermelon
- 2 tablespoons of sugar
- 1 lime
- 1 cup of ice
Instructions:
- Combine the watermelon, sugar, juice from the lime, and ice into a blender. Blend until smooth.
- For PARENTS: This can also easily be made into a fun and delicious happy hour drink with an extra shot of vodka or tequila!
There are so many fun and flavorsome recipes you can make with watermelon! It can be made into a delicious salad, salsa, smoothie, popsicle and even grilled as an appetizer… the list goes on.
So grab yourself a slice of watermelon today (and tomorrow, and the next day…) and enjoy!