Recipes: Watermelon 3 Ways
If you’re looking for a way to use all of your watermelon without eating the whole thing plain, Chef Jill Aker-Ray is here to save the day. She shares three easy recipes on QC Life you can try with the whole family. We’ve posted all three recipes below!
Watermelon Salad
Total Time: 15 minutes
Ingredients:
1 cup sliced red onion
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil\
2 cups watermelon, cubed
1-ounce feta cheese, crumbled (about 1/4 cup)
1/2 cup baby arugula
2 tablespoons coarsely chopped kalamata olives
2 tablespoons small mint leaves, torn
1/2 tbsp balsamic glaze (optional)
Prep:
Heat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. ( it is optional to grill the watermelon)
Combine onion, vinegar, sugar, and salt in a medium bowl; let stand 15 minutes or until onion is softened, tossing occasionally.
Brush olive oil mixture onto both sides of the watermelon slice. Grill watermelon 3 to 4 minutes on each side, until well marked and juicy; place on a serving platter or cutting board. Let cool and cube. (This step can be skipped)
Top watermelon evenly with pickled onions, feta, arugula, olives, Sprinkle with mint and drizzle with balsamic glaze (optional)
Toss and serve immediately!
Watermelon Rind Pickles
1 pound pickles (about 4 pint jars)
Prep time: 25 minutes
2 pounds watermelon rind
1 cup apple cider vinegar
1 cup of water
3/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup candied or crystallized ginger
4 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes or 1 dried red Chile pod
1 teaspoon allspice berries or pickling spice blend
1-star anise pod (optional)
Prep:
Cut watermelon rind into 1-inch cubes.
Add the apple cider vinegar, water, sugar, ginger, salt, and spices to a 2-quart saucepan set over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil and let steep for 1 minute, then carefully add the watermelon. Return to a boil and turn off the heat. Remove the pan from heat and cool for 30 minutes.
Move the pickles to a 2-quart jar using a funnel and ladle. Pour on as much of the pickling juice as possible.
Cover the jar and leave at room temperature for another 1 1/2 hours.
Refrigerate overnight and consume within a month.( These pickles must be refrigerated.)
Watermelon Pizzas
Serves 4
Prep time: 5 minutes
Ingredients:
2 (1-1/2 to 2 inch) slices watermelon with rind
1 individual container of any flavor Greek yogurt
Assorted berries (blueberries, blackberries, raspberries)
Chocolate chips, marshmallows, coconut-optional
2 TBSP Chocolate Syrup (optional)
Prep:
Carefully slice watermelon on a stable, flat surface
Lay rounds flat and pat dry with a paper towel
Using a spatula, spread 1/2 of yogurt onto each watermelon “pizza.”
Add berries and other toppings
Slice with a pizza cutter and enjoy!
