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Three quick and easy ways to cut a watermelon! Cubes, triangles, or sticks – serve up that big, juicy watermelon whichever way you’d like. I even included a few tips on how to pick a perfectly ripe watermelon!

Watermelon cut into sticks with bowls on the side.

How to Tell if a Watermelon is Ripe

  • Weight – A ripe watermelon will be pretty heavy. This is simply because it’s loaded with delicious, sweet juices! So if you pick up two even-sized watermelons and one feels heavier than the other, definitely go with the heavier one.
  • Color – Look for a watermelon with a big ole’ yellow spot! That yellow spot is where the watermelon laid on the ground while it grew. A large yellow spot is a good indicator that the watermelon had plenty of time to ripen on the vine.
  • Sound – Pick up the watermelon and give it a gentle, yet firm slap. Listen for a hollow sound – if the watermelon sounds hollow, then that means it’s bursting with tons of juice! However, if it sounds dull, or feels at all mushy, then pass on that watermelon.

How to Cut a Watermelon – 3 ways!

Watermelon cut into cubes in a bowl with fresh mint.
Close-up image of watermelon cut into cubes.

Cubes

  1. Using a sharp knife, slice about 1-inch off each end of the watermelon, then stand the watermelon up on one cut end.
  2. Slice off watermelon rind, sliding your knife from top to bottom, following the shape of the watermelon. Continue to work your way around the watermelon until rind is fully removed.
  3. With the watermelon still standing upright, make 1-inch lengthwise slices down the watermelon.
  4. Set half of those slices aside, then take the other half and lay them flat on your cutting board. Make 1-inch lengthwise cuts through this stack of slices, then rotate the stack 90° and make 1-inch cuts perpendicular to the other cuts you just created.
  5. Transfer that cut and cubed watermelon to a bowl, then repeat with the other half until all is cut.

OR freeze your cubed watermelon and use it to make my 3-ingredient WATERMELON MARGARITAS!

Watermelon cut into triangles on a serving platter with fresh mint and lemon.
close-up image of watermelon cut into slices.

Triangles

  1. Lay the watermelon on its side and use a sharp knife to cut down the middle, creating two halves.
  2. Place one half with the flesh-side facing down, then create 1-inch cuts lengthwise down the watermelon.
  3. Take one slice, and lay it flat on your cutting board. Make two diagonal cuts (in opposite directions) through each slice, creating three watermelon triangles from each slice.
  4. Continue this same process with remaining slices.
Watermelon cut into stick with lemon on the side.
Watermelon cut into sticks with bowls on the side.

Sticks

  1. Lay the watermelon on its side and use a sharp knife to cut down the middle, creating two halves.
  2. Place one half with the flesh-side facing down, then create 1-inch cuts lengthwise down the watermelon.
  3. Rotate your watermelon 90° on the cutting board, then make 1-inch cuts perpendicular to the other cuts you just created.
  4. Repeat this process for the other watermelon half, then serve.
Watermelon cut three different ways on a serving platter.

Tips and Tricks

  • Use a very sharp knife to cut your watermelon! A dull knife makes it much harder, and more dangerous. Dull knives are more prone to slipping and sliding when trying to cut (because they’re not sharp enough to cut through the watermelon) and a slip of your knife could result in an injury.
  • Beware of watermelon juice! A perfectly ripe watermelon, while delicious, will release a ton of juice. Therefore, cut watermelon is best served in a bowl, rather than on a plate, to help contain all that liquid.
  • These cutting techniques will work on any kind of watermelon! Seedless, mini, or even those watermelons with the orange/yellow flesh can all be cut the same way.

Interested in More Helpful How-Tos? Click HERE.

How to Cut a Watermelon (3 ways!)

5 from 1 vote
Recipe by Samantha Course: SnacksDifficulty: Easy

Three quick and easy ways to cut a watermelon! Cubes, triangles, or sticks – serve up that big, juicy watermelon whichever way you’d like. I even included a few tips on how to pick a perfectly ripe watermelon!

Ingredients

  • 1 watermelon

Directions

  • Cubes
  • Using a sharp knife, slice about 1-inch off each end of the watermelon, then stand watermelon up on one cut end.
  • Slice off watermelon rind, sliding your knife from top to bottom, following the shape of the watermelon. Continue to work your way around the watermelon until rind is fully removed.
  • With the watermelon still standing upright, make 1-inch lengthwise slices down the watermelon.
  • Set half of those slices aside, then take the other half and lay them flat on your cutting board. Make 1-inch lengthwise cuts through this stack of slices, then rotate the stack 90° and make 1-inch cuts perpendicular to the other cuts you just created.
  • Transfer that cut and cubed watermelon to a bowl, then repeat with the other half until all is cut.
  • Triangles
  • Lay the watermelon on its side and use a sharp knife to cut down the middle, creating two halves.
  • Place one half with the flesh-side facing down, then create 1-inch cuts lengthwise down the watermelon.
  • Take one slice, and lay it flat on your cutting board. Make two diagonal cuts (in opposite directions) through each slice, creating three watermelon triangles from each slice.
  • Continue this same process with remaining slices.
  • Sticks
  • Lay the watermelon on its side and use a sharp knife to cut down the middle, creating two halves.
  • Place one half with the flesh-side facing down, then create 1-inch cuts lengthwise down the watermelon.
  • Rotate your watermelon 90° on the cutting board, then make 1-inch cuts perpendicular to the other cuts you just created.
  • Repeat this process for the other watermelon half, then serve.

Recipe Video

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These watermelon margaritas will be your new favorite summertime cocktail! With just three ingredients and a blender, you’ll have the most delicious and refreshing frozen drink. Frozen watermelon, lime juice, and a splash (or two) of good quality tequila come together to make this best-ever, easy summer cocktail!

two frozen watermelon margaritas with limes on the side.

I’m a BIG margarita girl, we know this by now. I absolutely gushed over my love for margaritas in my Skinny Blackberry Margarita post, so I’ll spare you from all of that this time around. Though what I will say is that this particular margarita recipe includes my all-time favorite summer fruit – WATERMELON. I’ve honestly never met anyone who ever had a bad thing to say about watermelon. It’s naturally oh-so sweet, crazy refreshing, and is really only available in the warmer months, making it all the more special. I plan on enjoying a lot, and I mean A LOT of this coveted fruit over the next few months. And there’s nothing anyone can do to stop me! You know what I also plan on enjoying a lot of this summer? These watermelon margaritas.

Your typical margarita has its fair share of added sugars. Though thanks to watermelons natural sweetness, this refreshing cocktail has NO added sugar! And like I mentioned before it only requires three ingredients (plus ice). Which means it’s the easiest and healthiest alcoholic beverage of all time. That’s right – of. all. time. I highly recommend you blend up a batch of these watermelon margaritas for your next summer barbecue or party. Maybe even for the 4th of July, perhaps?! This recipe yields about 4 margaritas, but can easily be doubled or even tripled if you’d like. Cheers to SUMMER and cheers to WATERMELON MARGARITAS!

overhead image of two frozen watermelon margaritas

What You Need To Make Watermelon Margaritas

Frozen Watermelon – To freeze watermelon, start by slicing it into 1 to 2-inch chunks. Need help slicing your watermelon? Check our my How to Cut a Watermelon blog post! Then, transfer the chunks to a parchment lined baking sheet, in a single layer, and place in the freezer. Freeze the watermelon for at least 2 hours or until frozen solid. Once frozen, you can go straight into using it in this recipe, or transfer to an airtight container in the freezer for up to three months!

Now, let’s backtrack for a second. There are a few things you want to look for when picking out your watermelon. A perfectly ripe and ready to slice watermelon will have a decently-sized yellow spot where it once laid on the ground right before it was picked. If that spot is more white than yellow, it’s not ripe – the more yellow it is, the better. Another thing to check for when looking for a ripe watermelon is the sound. Pick up the watermelon and give it a few taps. If it sounds deeply hollow that means it’s exploding with juicy flavor and is ready to enjoy!

Tequila – A good quality tequila will make all the difference in the enjoyment and smoothness of these watermelon margaritas. I highly recommend a blanco silver tequila, which is most often used in margarita recipes. I use and love Don Julio tequila for its smoother taste, without being outrageously priced.

Lime Juice – Fresh is always best, though bottled lime juice would also work in this recipe! The lime juice gives this cocktail its signature taste while also bringing out the freshness of the watermelon. If you’re feeling fancy, save a few lime slices to garnish your drinks with!

Make it a Mocktail

  • Replace the tequila with 1/4 cup of water for an alcohol-free, refreshing watermelon margarita mocktail!

Watermelon Margaritas (just THREE ingredients!)

0 from 0 votes
Recipe by Samantha Russo Course: DrinksCuisine: MexicanDifficulty: Easy
Servings

4

servings
Total time

5

minutes

These watermelon margaritas will be your new favorite summertime cocktail! With just three ingredients and a blender, you’ll have the most delicious and refreshing frozen drink. Frozen watermelon, lime juice, and a splash (or two) of good quality tequila come together to make this best-ever, easy summer cocktail!

Ingredients

  • 4 cups frozen watermelon, see Notes

  • 1/2 cup tequila

  • 1/2 cup lime juice

  • 1 cup ice

Directions

  • Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until no chunks of watermelon or ice remain.

Recipe Video

Notes

  • Frozen Watermelon: To freeze watermelon, cut a fresh watermelon into chunks and then spread into an even layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Transfer baking sheet to the freezer for 2-3 hours or until watermelon is frozen solid.

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Other Healthier Cocktail Recipes

Fresh and delicious watermelon salad! This easy summer side dish is finished off with a tangy 3-ingredient lime dressing. Make this watermelon salad with feta, mint, and lime for your next summer party or barbecue!

close-up image of watermelon salad with mint, feta, and lime

What You’ll Need to Make Watermelon Salad

Watermelon – Fresh watermelon is in peak season from May through September, so get your watermelon fix in while you can! Need help with how to cut a watermelon? Follow my step-by-step how to cut a watermelon post here. Or, save some time and buy pre-cut watermelon from the store.

Cucumber – Half an English cucumber adds to the freshness of this delicious summer salad. Dice or slice your cucumber however you’d like for this recipe.

Red Onion – Thinly sliced red onion adds a nice, tangy bite to this sweet and savory salad. However, if you’re not a fan of raw onion, you can totally leave this out.

Feta – Add as much or as little crumbled feta to your salad as you’d like! Feta is deliciously creamy and salty, and tastes incredible in this watermelon salad recipe.

Mint – Fresh mint takes this salad over the top! Not sure mint in a salad will taste good? Just give it a try, trust me.

Lime Juice – The acidity in fresh lime juice brings out the freshness of all ingredients in this dish. A 3-ingredient lime dressing may sound simple, but it does a lot for this salad!

lime dressing being poured over watermelon salad.

Tips and Tricks

  • Feel free to prep this salad ahead of time! Make the salad, then whisk together the dressing, and store them separately. When ready to serve, pour lime dressing over the salad and enjoy.
  • Have fun with this watermelon salad, and customize it however you’d like. Add or remove any ingredients you prefer. I’ll sometimes add a small handful of chopped pistachios to this salad, and it’s delicious!

Adjust This Recipe to Your Dietary Needs

Make it Dairy-Free/Vegan: Either leave out the feta, or use your favorite vegan feta (I recommend VioLife Vegan Feta) for a vegan watermelon salad!

Watermelon Salad with Feta, Mint, and Lime

5 from 1 vote
Recipe by Samantha Course: SidesDifficulty: Easy
Servings

3

servings
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking time

0

minutes
Total time

10

minutes

Fresh and delicious watermelon salad! This easy summer side dish is finished off with a tangy 3-ingredient lime dressing. Make this watermelon salad with feta, mint, and lime for your next summer party or barbecue!

Ingredients

  • 3 cups watermelon, cubed

  • 1/2 English cucumber, diced

  • 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced

  • 1 cup feta, crumbled

  • 1/2 cup fresh mint, roughly chopped

  • For the lime dressing:
  • 1/4 cup olive oil

  • 2 tablespoons lime juice

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Directions

  • Add all salad ingredients to a large bowl and gently toss to combine.
  • In a separate small bowl, whisk together all dressing ingredients.
  • Dress this watermelon salad right before serving.

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The BEST summertime (or anytime!) cocktail – cool and refreshing Aperol spritz! Bubbly, citrusy, and never too sweet. Just three ingredients, and a white wine glass is all you’ll need to make this delicious drink.

aperol being poured into an aperol spritz.

Before diving into all things Aperol spritz, let me first introduce you to a “spritz Veneziano.” A spritz Veneziano is simply a wine-based cocktail containing prosecco, digestive bitter, and sparkling water. The digestive bitter in this particular spritz Veneziano is Aperol – which is where we get the name Aperol spritz!

What is Aperol?

Aperol is an Italia apéritif liquor. It’s bright orange with a citrus, slightly bitter flavor. It’s one of those things where on its own, it’s not so great, but when stirred into a spritz it’s INCREDIBLE. It offers a hint of orange flavor, without being overly sweet. It’s similar to Campari (if you’ve had that) but much less bitter!

Two aperol spritz in white wine glasses with a bottle of aperol on the side.

What You’ll Need to Make an Aperol Spritz

Aperol – The star of our show! Conflicting recipes will suggest different amounts of Aperol for your spritz. However, I’ve tested this recipe a TON of times, and found that two ounces of Aperol made for the perfect cocktail!

Prosecco – This Italian white sparkling wine is traditional to this Italian cocktail. In my opinion, Prosecco is a must for your spritz. I prefer and recommend La Marca Prosecco – it’s crisp and delicious! Also, for a single-serve spritz, I love their mini Prosecco bottles.

Sparkling Water – The amount of sparkling water is totally up to you. For a lighter, more bubbly cocktail, pour in up to 4 ounces of seltzer water. Or, for a deeper, more flavorful cocktail, finish it off with just one ounce of sparkling water!

two aperol spritz with orange slices on the side.

Tips and Tricks

  • Avoid over-stirring your drink. Intense stirring will result in a loss of carbonation. Therefore, your spritz won’t be nearly as bubbly and refreshing!
  • If you prefer the taste of a different aperitif liquer, feel free to use that instead! Campari, Contratto, or Lillet can all be used in place of the Aperol in this recipe.
  • For an extra cold drink, that won’t get watered down – slice, then freeze an orange before making. Then, use frozen orange slices as ice cubes in your Aperol Spritz. They’ll keep the drink cold, and will only add to its delicious, citrus flavor!

Want to keep the party going? Check out some of my other favorite Summer cocktails by clicking HERE.

Perfect Aperol Spritz

5 from 1 vote
Recipe by Samantha Course: DrinksCuisine: ItalianDifficulty: Easy
Servings

1

drink
Prep time

2

minutes
Cooking time

0

minutes
Total time

2

minutes

    The BEST summertime (or anytime!) cocktail – cool and refreshing Aperol spritz! Bubbly, citrusy, and never too sweet. Just three ingredients, and a white wine glass is all you’ll need to make this delicious drink.

    Ingredients

    • 2 ounces Aperol

    • 3 ounces Prosecco

    • splash of sparkling water

    • orange slice, for garnish

    Directions

    • Fill a white wine glass halfway with ice. Pour in Aperol, prosecco, and a splash of seltzer water, then gently stir to combine. Garnish with an orange slice and enjoy!

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    Fresh, easy, and totally delicious tomato salad! Made with a handful of simple ingredients, this summer salad comes together in just 5 minutes. Fresh tomatoes, basil, and red onion finished off with a sweet balsamic glaze – YUM!

    olive oil being poured over tomato salad.

    What You’ll Need to Make Tomato Salad

    Tomatoes – Use any variety of tomato you’d like in this recipe! I used heirloom tomatoes, cut into wedges. However, I’ve also made this salad with cherry tomatoes and it was just as incredible.

    Fresh Basil – Tomatoes and fresh basil are the perfect pair! Grab a small handful of fresh basil leaves, and stack them on top of each other. Then, gently roll the leaves (like you would a cigar), and run a knife through the basil creating thin basil “ribbons.” Or, if that’s too much work for you, simply grab a handful of basil and gently tear it, then toss into your salad!

    Red Onion – Or really any kind of onion! A sweet yellow onion would also taste delicious, it’s totally up to you.

    Balsamic – A touch of acidity brings out the fresh flavors in this easy plant-based salad recipe. I LOVE a sweet, yet savory balsamic glaze, but a drizzle of regular balsamic vinegar will also do the trick!

    super close-up image of tomato salad with fresh basil on top.

    Tips and Tricks

    • Toss your tomato salad together, then refrigerate for at least 15 minutes before serving. This rest time will allow the tomatoes to marinate in all of their delicious flavor. And remember, the longer your salad sits, the more flavorful it’ll be!
    • Have fun with this recipe, and don’t be afraid to make it your own! Add or remove anything you’d like. This salad is super simple, and should remain uncomplicated.
    close-up image of tomato salad on a serving platter.

    Delicious Additions

    Any or all of the following would make delicious additions to your tomato salad!

    • Fresh Cucumber
    • Chickpeas
    • Grilled Chicken
    • Mozzarella Cheese

    This side dish is vegan, plant-based, gluten-free, and dairy-free!

    Simple Tomato Salad

    0 from 0 votes
    Recipe by Samantha Course: SidesDifficulty: Easy
    Servings

    6

    servings
    Prep time

    5

    minutes
    Cooking time

    0

    minutes
    Total time

    5

    minutes

    Fresh, easy, and totally delicious tomato salad! Made with a handful of simple ingredients, this summer salad comes together in just 5 minutes. Fresh tomatoes, basil, and red onion finished off with a sweet balsamic glaze – YUM!

    Ingredients

    • 1 pound tomatoes (I recommend cherry, grape, and/or heirloom tomatoes), sliced

    • 1/4 cup fresh basil, sliced

    • 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced

    • 2 tablespoons olive oil

    • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar, or balsamic glaze

    • 1/2 teaspoon salt

    • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

    Directions

    • Arrange the sliced tomatoes, fresh basil, and red onion on a large platter or in a large bowl.
    • Top with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and black pepper then cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes before serving. 

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