10 Hydrating Watermelon Recipes For Hot Days

POPSUGAR Photography | Nicole Perry
POPSUGAR Photography | Nicole Perry

There's nothing sweeter than snacking on a juicy slice of watermelon. But you might not realize that this is a very healthy habit. Watermelon is 92 percent water and rich in vitamin A, vitamin C, and lycopene, an antioxidant that supports a healthy heart and bones. Go beyond the bowl of cubed pink melon and enjoy inventive recipes for a delicious change of pace.

01
Spicy Watermelon Gazpacho
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Spicy Watermelon Gazpacho

Sweet and spicy, this watermelon gazpacho soup blends a healthy array of hydrating produce with herbs and the right hit of heat.

02
Watermelon Caprese Salad
POPSUGAR Photography | Nicole Perry

Watermelon Caprese Salad

Give your standard tomato and mozzarella caprese a hydrating makeover with this inventive watermelon caprese salad. You'll be surprised what a natural flavor fit cubed watermelon is in this Summer favorite.

03
Watermelon-Cucumber Cooler
POPSUGAR Photography | Nicole Perry

Watermelon-Cucumber Cooler

Perfect for hot days, this hydrating, cold-pressed watermelon juice is a healthy hack of one of our favorite OnJuice offerings. Even better, it helps banish belly bloat.

04
Watermelon, Feta, and Arugula Salad
POPSUGAR Photography | Nicole Perry

Watermelon, Feta, and Arugula Salad

Peppery arugula and sweet cubed watermelon are a match made in heaven in this Summer salad. A little feta offers the protein you need to make this a light lunch.

05
Cucumber, Watermelon and Mango Salad
POPSUGAR Photography | Nicole Perry

Cucumber, Watermelon and Mango Salad

For a sweet and salty take on fruit salad, try this cucumber, watermelon, and mango salad that offers just the right hint of metabolism-boosting heat.

06
Watermelon-Bowl Salad
POPSUGAR Photography | Jenny Sugar

Watermelon-Bowl Salad

Could anything be more refreshing than serving up a tasty salad in its very own watermelon bowl? Highly doubtful. This vegan-friendly recipe is packed with tons of fresh produce and plenty of protein to fill you up.

07
Watermelon, Radish, and Avocado Tacos
POPSUGAR Studios

Watermelon, Radish, and Avocado Tacos

Haylie Duff stopped by POPSUGAR Food to spread the good word about her vegan-friendly watermelon taco recipe. Paired with crunchy radish and creamy avocado, these watermelon tacos are a light and refreshing take on classic Mexican fare.

08
Strawberry-Watermelon Hydrating Smoothie
POPSUGAR Photography | Jenny Sugar

Strawberry-Watermelon Hydrating Smoothie

After a hot and sweaty workout, refresh and recover with this strawberry-watermelon smoothie. It's only 145 calories for one tall decadent-tasting glass.

09
No-Bake Watermelon Cake
POPSUGAR Photography | Anna Monette Roberts

No-Bake Watermelon Cake

Certain occasions call for a festive cake, but on a hot day, this crowd-pleasing no-bake watermelon cake hits the spot. Each sweet slice is lower in calories than traditional cake — it's a highly hydrating treat.

10
Watermelon Granita
Flickr user Mari Liis

Watermelon Granita

For a sweet ending to a Summer meal, enjoy a scoop of icy watermelon granita that doesn't require a fancy kitchen appliance or ice cream maker. We like to think of this dessert as a grown-up snow cone.