Two Summer Watermelon Recipes
with Major Health Benefits
Bathing suit season is rapidly approaching, meaning it’s only a matter of time before someone throws a pool party or suggests a family beach trip. If you’re looking to slim down or embrace a healthy figure, the clock is ticking. We recommend making it easy on yourself — for example, just eat more fresh fruits and veggies.
"Yeah," you sigh, "as if I haven’t heard that one before."
But it’s true. More importantly, it’s doable, delicious and pretty easy. Certain fruits allow conscientious eaters to fill up without filling out. According to the experts at the National Watermelon Promotion Board, watermelon fits the bill. Part of why the vibrant melon is so heavy is because watermelon is 92 percent water. Basically, it’s hydrating and satiating without any disadvantage of fat or cholesterol.
If your family enjoys fruit salads or sweet summer treats, you should probably add watermelon to the grocery list. Dubbed “nature’s candy,” watermelon hits the trifecta: nutritionists, dietitians and children adore it. Watermelon is said to boost self-esteem and jumpstart the immune system through at least three different vitamins.
Vitamin A supports healthy eyes and stimulates the formation of white blood cells, which fight infection. The juicy fruit helps your immune system produce antibodies via Vitamin B6. And Vitamin C protects the body from harmful free radicals.
Try out one or both of these watermelon recipes. They’re simple, kid-friendly and perfect for barbecues, picnics or just lunch. For more delicious watermelon recipes, visit www.watermelon.org.
Watermelon Waldorf Salad
- 2 cups cubed watermelon (about 1/2-inch cubes)
- 1/2 cup sliced celery
- 1/2 cup seedless red grape halves
- Dash of salt
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons sliced almonds, toasted
- Stir together watermelon, celery and grapes in bowl. Just before serving, stir salt into yogurt for dressing. You may want to add a little water to lighten the thickness.
- Pour mixture over fruit and stir until coated. Sprinkle with almonds.
Watermelon Slice Popsicles
- Watermelon slices, cut into triangular wedge shapes (about 1/2 – 1 inch thick)
- Popsicle sticks
- For an easy, fun take on the yummy watermelon slice, insert a popsicle stick into the rind! It makes clean-up a breeze — especially for kids.
You can also freeze the slice popsicles for a refreshingly chilly treat.
