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30 Minutes or Less

Mom’s Watermelon Paloma

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watermelon paloma in a glass with a lime slice and a small slice of watermelon.

A few weeks ago, my mom had her first watermelon paloma while out to lunch, and she was hooked! She even texted me about it, and almost immediately got to working on recreating it. I feel like now’s a good time to mention, especially if you’re new around here, that my Mom is the cocktail queen! Last year she shared her BEST-ever daiquiri recipe with us, and she makes a mean aperol spritz. And guess what? Her version turned out even better than the one she had a brunch!

It’s a refreshing blend of watermelon and tequila, finished off with fizzy grapefruit soda. But not just any grapefruit soda, Mom tested a few and found her favorite, which I outline in the ingredients below! This watermelon paloma is a must, especially as the warm weather lingers. It’s perfect for sipping with brunch, or at your next summer party. I’ll surely be cheers-ing to the last days of summer with this refreshing cocktail in hand!

overhead image of watermelon paloma with fresh mint for garnish.

What Makes this the BEST Watermelon Paloma

This Watermelon Paloma stands out because it perfectly balances sweet, tangy, and refreshing flavors. The use of fresh watermelon juice brings a vibrant, natural sweetness, while the lime juice adds a necessary tartness. Tequila is the perfect base, and the Fever Tree grapefruit soda takes it over the top! The salted rim is the final touch, and my favorite part, but feel free to leave it out if that’s not your thing. Mom actually doesn’t include a salted rim in her original recipe, she prefers no salt.

What You’ll Need to Make It

  • Fresh Watermelon Juice: The star of the show! Use ripe, juicy watermelon for the best flavor. You can find watermelon juice at some grocery stores, like Trader Joe’s!
  • Fresh Lime Juice: Adds a tangy kick, and is signature to a classic paloma recipe. Mom always recommends using fresh limes rather than bottled juice for maximum flavor.
  • Simple Syrup: Easily made at home by dissolving equal parts sugar and water. You can also purchase it from most grocery stores, or use agave instead!
  • Tequila: The quality of your tequila matters. Opt for a good silver tequila, like Patron Silver or Casamigos Blanco, for a smooth finish.
  • Fever Tree Grapefruit Soda: This soda is light, fizzy, and not too sweet, making it a perfect addition to the cocktail. You can find it at specialty grocery stores, most liquor stores, or online. However, if you can’t find Fever Tree grapefruit soda, feel free to use whatever grapefruit soda you can get your hands on.

How to Make Fresh Watermelon Juice

Making fresh watermelon juice is simple. Cut your watermelon into chunks, removing the seeds. Then, blend the chunks until smooth. Strain the juice through a fine mesh strainer to remove the pulp, and you’re ready to go! Fresh watermelon juice can be stored in the fridge for up to three days.

watermelon paloma in a glass with a lime slice and watermelon slice.

How to Make It

  1. Prepare the Glass: Rub a lime wedge around the rim of your glass. Dip the rim in salt, then fill the glass with ice.
  2. Mix the Cocktail: In a cocktail shaker, combine the watermelon juice, lime juice, simple syrup, and tequila. Add ice and shake vigorously for 30 seconds to a minute until the drink is well chilled.
  3. Pour and Serve: Pour the mixture into your prepared glass, then top it off with Fever Tree grapefruit soda. Garnish with a lime wedge or a small watermelon slice.

Switch Up the Flavor

  • Use Vodka Instead of Tequila: If you’re not a tequila fan, swap it out for vodka for a lighter, less intense flavor.
  • Experiment with Other Juices: While watermelon is Mom’s favorite (mine too!), you can try other fresh fruit juices like pineapple, strawberry, or peach for a different twist.
  • Make it a Mocktail: Simply leave out the tequila for a light and refreshing non-alcoholic watermelon paloma mocktail!

By following these tips and using high-quality ingredients, you’ll create the perfect watermelon paloma that everyone will love. Don’t forget to share your creations and tag me on Instagram—I can’t wait to see how you enjoy this drink!

watermelon paloma in a glass with a lime slice and a small slice of watermelon.
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Mom’s Watermelon Paloma

This easy watermelon paloma recipe was developed by none other than my Mom! Consider her our resident bartender, and the only person I trust to make a really REALLY good drink. With fresh watermelon juice, a splash of lime, and a fizzy finish, this watermelon paloma will become your go-to summer cocktail!
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Ingredients

  • 3 ounces watermelon juice
  • 1 ounce fresh lime juice
  • 1 ounce simple syrup, or agave
  • 2 ounces tequila
  • 2-3 ounces grapefruit soda (Mom recommends Fever Tree grapefruit soda)

Instructions

  • Rub a lime wedge around the edge of a glass, then dip the rim of the glass in salt and fill the glass with ice.
  • Add the watermelon juice, lime juice, simple syrup, and tequila to a cocktail shaker with ice. Secure the shaker with a lid, then shake for 30 seconds to a minute, or until the drink is very cold.
  • Pop the lid off the shaker and pour the drink into your prepared glass. Then, fill the glass the rest of the way with grapefruit soda.
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Desserts

4 Ingredient Peach Cobbler (gluten-free!)

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4 ingredient peach cobbler in a pie dish with two scoops of vanilla ice cream on top.

I made this 4 ingredient peach cobbler for Father’s Day last weekend and let me tell ya, it was a HUGE hit! I even made it gluten-free (see note below), and no one could taste the difference. Now it doesn’t take much scrolling around here to realize that I’m a huge fan of few-ingredient desserts. I’m talkin’ 4 ingredient banana bread, 5 ingredient healthy cookie dough, and 6 ingredient mug cakes. So ya, I’d say this 4 ingredient peach cobbler fits perfectly into that lineup!

4 ingredient peach cobbler in a pie dish with a spoon.

What You’ll Need to Make This Recipe

Fresh Peaches: You’ll need 5-6 large fresh peaches, sliced. Fresh peaches provide the best flavor and texture, but you can also use frozen or canned peaches as an alternative.

Sugar: You can use regular sugar, or swap it for coconut sugar or monkfruit sweetener for a healthier option.

Self-Rising Flour: Use 1 cup of self-rising flour to create the cobbler topping. If you don’t have self-rising flour, you can use all-purpose flour with 1 ½ teaspoons of baking powder added.

Butter: You’ll need ½ cup of melted butter for a rich and flavorful topping. For a dairy-free alternative, substitute with vegan butter or coconut oil.

4 ingredient peach cobbler on a dessert plate with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Types of Peach to Use

  • Fresh peaches are ideal for the best flavor and texture. Simply peel, slice, and they’re ready to go.
  • Frozen peaches are a great alternative when fresh peaches are out of season. Thaw and drain them before using.
  • Canned peaches are convenient and work well in this recipe. Make sure to drain them thoroughly before adding to the pan, and leave the sugar out of the filling since canned peaches are already sweetened.
4-Ingredient-Peach-Cobbler-Step-1

Adjust This Recipe to Your Dietary Needs

Make it Gluten-Free: Use self-rising gluten-free all-purpose flour in place of regular self-rising flour.

Vegan Option: Substitute melted butter with vegan butter or coconut oil.

Make it Sugar-Free: Replace regular sugar with monkfruit sugar or your preferred sugar substitute.

4 ingredient peach cobbler in a pie dish with two scoops of vanilla ice cream on top.
5 from 3 votes

4 Ingredient Peach Cobbler (gluten-free!)

This 4 ingredient peach cobbler is the perfect simple yet delicious dessert recipe! Made with fresh summer peaches and a perfectly sweet crumb topping. Whip up this super easy recipe for potluck, parties, or summer bbqs! This recipe even includes gluten-free and vegan options.
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Ingredients

For the peach filling:

  • 4-5 fresh peaches, sliced
  • 2 tablespoons sugar

For the cobbler topping:

  • 1 cup self-rising flour, see Notes
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup butter, melted

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350° Fahrenheit and lightly grease a 9-inch cake or pie pan. Add the sliced peaches and 2 tablespoons sugar to the prepared pan and mix together.
    4-Ingredient-Peach-Cobbler-Step-1
  • In a medium bowl, mix together the self-rising flour, sugar, and melted butter, to form a crumbly consistency.
  • Add the drained and sliced peaches to the prepared cake or pie pan, then top the peaches with the flour mixture. Do not stir the peaches and flour mixture together, simply layer then flour mixture evenly on top of the peaches.
  • Bake the peach cobbler for 40-45 minutes, or until it’s golden brown on top and the peaches are bubbly. Let it cool out of the oven for 20 minutes before serving with a scoop of vanilla ice cream – YUM!

Notes

  • If you don’t have self-rising flour, you can use all purpose flour and add 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder to the recipe.

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    30 Minutes or Less

    Mexican Street Corn Salad

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    overhead image of Mexican street corn salad in a large serving dish with fresh cilantro on the side.

    It’s CORN! Summer bbq season is upon us, and we need a side dish for our watermelon margaritas, mediterranean grilled chicken salad, and healthy summer fruit crisp. Add this simple and delicious Mexican street corn salad to that lineup and you’ve got yourself a killer summer meal!

    This recipe’s specifically for those people who enjoy their corn off the cob. It’s all the incredible flavors of Mexican street corn added to one big bowl, perfect for sharing and much easier to eat! Fresh (or frozen) corn, cilantro, paprika, and cotija cheese come together to make this super flavorful and surprisingly healthy salad.

    Ingredients laid out for Mexican street corn salad recipe.

    What You’ll Need to Make Mexican Street Corn Salad

    Corn: Fresh corn is recommended, but if it’s not in season you can use frozen corn instead! And if you opt for fresh corn, follow the instructions below on how to cut the corn off the cob before using it in this recipe.

    Fresh Cilantro: Finely chopped cilantro adds a refreshing burst of herbaceous flavor to the salad, complementing the other ingredients beautifully.

    Cotija or Feta Cheese: Crumbled cotija cheese lends a salty, tangy flavor to the salad, while feta cheese can be used as a delicious alternative.

    Jalapeño: For a spicy kick, add finely chopped jalapeño to the salad. Omit or adjust the amount according to your heat preference.

    Mayonnaise: Creamy mayonnaise binds the ingredients together and adds richness to the salad, while also balancing the flavors.

    close up image of Mexican street corn salad in a bowl.

    How to Cut Corn Off The Cob

    1. Shuck the corn by peeling off the outer leaves and removing as much of the tassel (the stringy stuff) from the corn as possible.
    2. Stand the corn upright on a cutting board, then carefully slide a knife down one side of the cob, slicing off the corn kernels as the knife moves down the cob. Continue this process all around the cob until all corn kernels have been removed.
    3. Place the corn kernels in a large bowl, then repeat steps 1 and 2 with remaining ears of corn until all corn kernels have been removed. Discard the corn cobs and use just the kernels in this recipe.

    Tips and Tricks

    Char the Corn: Achieve the perfect smoky flavor by char-grilling the corn kernels in a hot skillet. Stir occasionally to ensure even charring and caramelization. Or, if you can grill whole corn, then remove the charred corn kernels from the cob and use it in this salad.

    Customize the Spice Level: Adjust the amount of jalapeño according to your preference for heat. For milder palates, use just half a jalapeño, or no jalapeño at all!

    Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the salad ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to serve. The longer this salad sits, the more flavorful it will get!

    Mexican street corn salad in a bowl with fresh limes.

    Adjust This Recipe to Your Dietary Needs

    Make it Dairy-Free: To make this salad dairy-free, use your favorite non-dairy feta instead of cotija cheese. I’ve used and love this Violife dairy-free feta.

    Make it Vegan: For a vegan Mexican street corn salad, take the dairy-free option above and use vegan mayo in place of the regular mayo.

    overhead image of Mexican street corn salad in a large serving dish with fresh cilantro on the side.
    5 from 1 vote

    Mexican Street Corn Salad

    This Mexican street corn salad is the perfect addition to any summer meal! It’s fresh, delicious, packed with flavor, and surprisingly easy to make.
    Print Pin Rate
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Cook Time: 10 minutes
    Total Time: 20 minutes
    Servings: 6 servings

    Ingredients

    • 4 ears fresh corn, shucked and kernels removed (or 2 10-ounce bags frozen corn)
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • pinch of salt
    • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
    • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
    • 1/4 cup scallions (green onion), sliced
    • 1/4 cup crumbled cotija cheese or feta cheese
    • 1 jalapeño, seeds removed and finely chopped
    • 2 garlic cloves, minced
    • zest and juice of 1 lime
    • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
    • 1/4 teaspoon chili powder, or chipotle chili powder

    Instructions

    • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over high heat until the oil is shimmering. Add corn kernels to the skillet (fresh or frozen) and a pinch of salt. Cook corn for about 10 minutes, stirring about every 2 minutes, until it’s nicely charred.
      Mexican street corn salad step 1
    • Remove corn from the heat and add to a large bowl. Add all remaining ingredients to the bowl with the corn. Toss to combine, then give it a taste and adjust any seasoning as desired.

    Notes

  • Either serve this Mexican street corn salad immediately, or cover the bowl and store it in the fridge for up to 8 hours before serving!
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    30 Minutes or Less

    Healthy Summer Fruit Crisp

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    Overhead image of summer fruit crisp in a baking dish with vanilla ice cream on top.

    A healthy fruit crisp loaded with fresh summer fruits! The perfect warm-weather dessert, best served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Super easy to make with just one bowl, in 30 minutes.

    Close-up overhead image of summer fruit crisp in a baking dish with vanilla ice cream on top.

    What You’ll Need to Make Summer Fruit Crisp

    Summer Fruit – I used fresh blueberries, strawberries, and peaches in my summer fruit crisp, but any fruit will work! Feel free to use whatever you have on-hand, or whatever’s on sale at the grocery store that week. The only thing to note is, whichever fruit you use, make sure it totals to about 5-6 cups for this recipe.

    Maple Syrup – This healthy dessert recipe is sweetened with maple syrup! It’s refined sugar-free and honestly so healthy you could get away with eating it for breakfast.

    Rolled Oats – Any type of rolled oats will do – old-fashioned, quick cook, etc. The only type of oats you’ll want to avoid for your fruit crisp topping are whole oats, steel-cut, or Irish oats.

    Almond Flour – The almond flour keeps this recipe gluten-free! However, if you don’t have almond flour, or want to make this nut-free, you can replace the almond flour with all purpose flour.

    Butter or Coconut Oil – Use whichever you prefer in your crisp! I typically just use whichever I have on-hand. Coconut oil is obviously the healthier option, but butter adds a bit more flavor, which I love.

    Overhead image of summer fruit crisp in a baking dish with vanilla ice cream on top.

    Tips and Tricks

    • Keep this recipe simple! You’ll only need one bowl, which is used to first mix together the filling, then the crisp. There’s no need to dirty any extra dishes for this healthy dessert recipe.
    • This summer fruit crisp is best served warm with a scoop of cold vanilla ice cream on top. Though feel free to serve it however you’d like. On its own is delicious, or with a dollop of fresh whipped cream – yum!
    • Store leftover fruit crisp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. If enjoying leftovers, I recommend reheating in the microwave for just about 30 seconds before eating.

    Adjust This Recipe to Your Dietary Needs

    Make it Dairy-Free: Use either non-dairy butter, or take the coconut oil option in the crisp.

    Make it Nut-Free: For a nut-free dessert, replace the almond flour with 1/2 cup of all purpose flour.

    Overhead image of summer fruit crisp in a baking dish with vanilla ice cream on top.
    5 from 1 vote

    Healthy Summer Fruit Crisp

    A healthy fruit crisp loaded with fresh summer fruits! The perfect warm-weather dessert, best served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Super easy to make with just one bowl, in 30 minutes.
    Print Pin Rate
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Cook Time: 20 minutes
    Total Time: 30 minutes
    Servings: 8 servings

    Ingredients

    For the filling:

    • 2 cups blueberries
    • 2 cups sliced strawberries, or raspberries
    • 2-3 peaches, pitted and sliced
    • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
    • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

    For the crisp:

    • 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
    • 1/2 cup almond flour
    • pinch of salt
    • 1/4 cup butter or coconut oil, solid
    • 1/4 cup maple syrup

    Instructions

    • Preheat oven to 350° Fahrenheit.
    • Mix together all filling ingredients in a large bowl, then transfer to a 9-inch baking dish.
    • Mix together all crisp ingredients in a large bowl (you can use the same bowl you used to make the filling), then evenly sprinkle crisp over top of the filling.
    • Bake for 20-25 minutes or until fruit is soft, then let cool slightly before serving.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 300kcal
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    30 Minutes or Less

    3-Ingredient S’mores Dip

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    graham cracker being dipped into s'more dip

    Super quick and easy 3-ingredient s’mores dip! Melty chocolate and gooey marshmallows, served with graham crackers. Throw together this simple dessert in just 10 minutes!

    overhead image of s'mores dip with graham crackers and mini marshmallows on the side.

    What You’ll Need to Make S’mores Dip

    Chocolate Chips – Either chocolate chips or a chopped chocolate bar will work here! Layer your chocolate at the bottom of a baking pan, then top with marshmallows. After baking, the chocolate chips will be perfectly melty and delicious.

    Marshmallows – I used mini marshmallows in my s’mores dip, but large marshmallows work just as well. Arrange the marshmallows on top of the chocolate chips before baking. Then, bake until the marshmallows are perfectly toasted and golden brown.

    Graham Crackers – Serve your s’more dip with graham crackers on the side. Or, if graham crackers aren’t really your thing, serve it with whatever you’d like! For a healthier option, try fresh strawberries and apple slices. I also love serving my dip with these Simple Mills Honey Sweet Thins – they’re gluten-free!

    graham cracker being dipped into s'mores dip

    Tips and Tricks

    • Like a more well-done s’more? Then bake this dessert dip for a few extra minutes, or until the marshmallows are toasted to your liking.
    • Jazz up this recipe for your next holiday party! Making s’mores dip for fourth of July? Add a small handful of red, white, and blue sprinkles to the top of your dip right before serving.
    • Store leftover s’mores dip covered, at room temperature, for up to one week. To reheat, simply add back into the oven according to the recipe instructions.
    s'mores dip in a small cast iron skillet.

    Adjust This Recipe to Your Dietary Needs

    Make it Vegan: For a vegan s’more dip, use vegan chocolate chips and vegan marshmallows.

    Make it Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free graham crackers in this recipe.

    graham cracker being dipped into s'more dip
    5 from 1 vote

    3-Ingredient S’mores Dip

    Super quick and easy 3-ingredient s’mores dip! Melty chocolate and gooey marshmallows, served with graham crackers. Throw together this simple dessert in just 10 minutes!
    Print Pin Rate
    Prep Time: 2 minutes
    Cook Time: 5 minutes
    Total Time: 7 minutes
    Servings: 8 servings

    Ingredients

    • 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips
    • 20 large marshmallows, or 2 cups mini marshmallows
    • graham crackers, for serving

    Instructions

    • Preheat oven to 450° Fahrenheit and lightly grease an 8-inch baking pan or cast iron skillet.
    • Spread chocolate chips in an even layer in the bottom of the pan, then arrange marshmallows on top of the chocolate chips.
    • Bake for 5-7 minutes, or until marshmallows are toasted to your liking. Remove and let cool for 5 minutes before serving with graham crackers.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 300kcal
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