Easy recipe ideas to use leftover watermelon

Leftover watermelon from your summer barbecue doesn’t have to go to waste.

While that gigantic watermelon might have been a great buy, leftover watermelon needs to be eaten. Even though you might eat some more for breakfast, home cooks will want some easy recipes to ensure that all that watermelon isn’t wasted.

Food waste doesn’t have to be a problem for a home cook. With a few simple ideas, people can avoid throwing away food that they spent good money to buy. Even though some people might not prefer the same leftover meal after meal, a little food creativity can ensure that nothing goes to waste.

When it comes to watermelon, it is important to eat that freshly cut fruit within 2-3 days of cutting it. Like any fresh product, it only keeps for so long. That old phrase, use it before you lose it, definitely applies.

Here are some easy recipes to use leftover watermelon.

Watermelon salad

After serving big slices of watermelon, consider adding the watermelon to a savory salad. Watermelon and feta are a great combination. Also, watermelon and mint can be quite refreshing.

A quick search of any cooking website offers a variety of watermelon salad ideas. Consider using ingredients in the refrigerator and pantry as accompaniments. This recipe idea could be an easy summer dinner option, as well.

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Grilled watermelon

If you haven’t grilled watermelon, it is time to try it. That little touch of grill marks can make the watermelon taste even sweeter. It is just like a touch of salt to make the sweetness come out.

While delightful on its own, the grilled watermelon can be used in a variety of dishes. From a side dish to a tuna substitute, the options are many.

Sorbet

Who doesn’t love a great frozen treat? Watermelon sorbet is probably one of the easiest frozen treats to make. You don’t even have to have an ice cream maker to make it.

Gazpacho

The classic cold soup, gazpacho, is a great use of leftover watermelon. While it often uses tomatoes, the watermelon adds a touch of sweetness to the soup. Also, it can be a good way to use up other leftover vegetables, too.

Smoothie

Everyone knows that leftover fruit is always great in a smoothie. Consider freezing the leftover fruit to keep in the freezer to have ready whenever you are craving a smoothie.

Fruit ice cubes

Since watermelon has a high water content, it can make a great ice cube. Simply blend the watermelon and freeze it into ice cube trays. Add those ice cubes to an iced tea, lemonade or other beverage for an added flavor boost.

These ideas are just a few of the many options to use all that leftover watermelon. With a little creativity, there is no reason to let any watermelon go to waste.