27 Delicious Ways to Use Leftover Watermelon

Allison Miller
·4 min read

It happens every summer. You buy the most beautiful and perfect watermelon the store has to offer, cut it up, and eat half of it before you realize you have a lot of leftover watermelon. Each of these 27 delicious watermelon recipes below offers up a creative recipe for those wondering what to do with leftover watermelon.

Contrary to what some believe, yes, old watermelon does go bad. A whole, uncut ripe watermelon lasts about 10 days in the fridge, but just 2-5 days once cut. If you buy your watermelon pre-sliced, you should have a plan to eat it before it goes bad. Unlike other fruits, old watermelon does not easily show its age—no wrinkles to give away that it's past its prime, and it may go bad before a telltale slime develops.

Related: The Easiest Way to Cut a Watermelon

Since watermelon needs to be eaten quickly once it's cut, use these refreshing ideas so you'll never need to waste your watermelon leftovers! Who knew you could make a spicy salad out of watermelon? Or what about sipping it in a creative watermelon cocktail?

Related: 4 Ways To Tell if a Cantaloupe Is Ripe

Other Watermelon Recipes to Try:

<p>Sandra Lee</p><p>This summery and refreshing cocktail is the perfect way to cool off. The watermelon margarita features Smirnoff Watermelon Vodka and apricot nectar, adding a fruity flair. </p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="/841388/communitytable/watermelon-margarita/" data-ylk="slk:Watermelon Margarita Recipe;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Watermelon Margarita Recipe</a></strong></p>
<p>Johnny Miller</p><p>Add some heat to this sweet treat with a spicy watermelon salad recipe straight from the acclaimed Well+Good cookbook. </p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="/890589/parade/add-some-heat-to-your-sweet-with-this-good-well-spicy-watermelon-salad/" data-ylk="slk:Spicy Watermelon Salad;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Spicy Watermelon Salad</a></strong></p>
<p>(MARK BOUGHTON PHOTOGRAPHY/STYLING BY TERESA BLACKBURN)</p><p>A perfect way to make something savory from your leftover watermelon. You'll want to put this incredible grilled watermelon salsa on everything this summer! </p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="/873525/jonashton/grilled-watermelon-salsa/" data-ylk="slk:Grilled Watermelon Salsa;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Grilled Watermelon Salsa</a></strong></p>
<p>Shay Shull</p><p>Using pureed fresh watermelon in both the batter and the frosting, your leftover watermelon will be a surefire hit with these refreshing summer fruit cupcakes. </p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="/842660/communitytable/watermelon-cupcakes/" data-ylk="slk:Watermelon Cupcakes;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Watermelon Cupcakes</a></strong></p>
<p>Floating Kitchen</p><p>Chicken drumsticks coated in a sweet and tangy watermelon BBQ sauce and grilled to perfection. A perfect summer meal!</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="http://www.floatingkitchen.net/baked-watermelon-barbecue-chicken-drumsticks/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Baked Watermelon Barbecue Chicken Drumsticks;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Baked Watermelon Barbecue Chicken Drumsticks</a></strong></p>
<p>Cupcake Diaries</p><p>This refreshing slush drink is the perfect way to cool off this summer! </p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="http://www.cupcakediariesblog.com/2011/07/watermelon-frosty.html" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Watermelon Frosty;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Watermelon Frosty</a></strong></p>
<p>homecookingmemories.com</p><p>These appetizers are just the right size for a summer party starter! </p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="http://homecookingmemories.com/summer-party-food-watermelon-havarti-bites/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Watermelon Havarti Bites;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Watermelon Havarti Bites</a></strong></p>
<p>Cupcake Diaries</p><p>This cool and refreshing watermelon treat is perfect for dessert on a summer day! </p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="http://www.cupcakediariesblog.com/2015/07/watermelon-granita.html" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Watermelon Granita;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Watermelon Granita</a></strong></p>
<p>Tried and Tasty</p><p>Looking for the perfect watermelon beverage to sip on this summer? This is the one you want to try! </p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="http://triedandtasty.com/fuzzy-succulent-watermelon/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:The Fuzzy Succulent Watermelon;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">The Fuzzy Succulent Watermelon</a></strong></p>
<p>This beautiful salsa is perfect for a summer appetizer or for a chicken garnish! </p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="http://www.busyinbrooklyn.com/farm-fresh-salsa/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Watermelon Salsa;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Watermelon Salsa</a></strong></p>

This beautiful salsa is perfect for a summer appetizer or for a chicken garnish!

Get the recipe: Watermelon Salsa

<p>Cupcakes and Kale Chips</p><p>Juicy, succulent shrimp tossed with sweet watermelon, fresh greens, and a tangy strawberry-lime vinaigrette dressing. </p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="http://cupcakesandkalechips.com/fruity-summer-shrimp-salad-with-strawberry-lime-poppyseed-vinaigrette/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Fruity Summer Shrimp Salad with Strawberry Lime Poppyseed Vinaigrette;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Fruity Summer Shrimp Salad with Strawberry Lime Poppyseed Vinaigrette</a></strong></p>
<p>beardandbonnet.com</p><p>The kids are going to love these juicy ice pops! </p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="http://beardandbonnet.com/watermelon-lime-ice-pops-gluten-free-vegan/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Watermelon Lime Pops;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Watermelon Lime Pops</a></strong></p>
<p>Fork and Beans</p><p>Keep the oven turned off and watch your watermelon go from fruit to donuts in almost an instant! </p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="http://www.forkandbeans.com/2015/04/20/watermelon-donuts/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Watermelon Donuts;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Watermelon Donuts</a></strong></p>
<p>Kitchen Treaty</p><p>Naturally sweet and totally refreshing. This drink is about to become a summer staple! </p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="http://www.kitchentreaty.com/watermelon-coconut-agua-fresca/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Watermelon Coconut Aqua Fresca;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Watermelon Coconut Aqua Fresca</a></strong></p>
<p>Rachel Cooks</p><p>This salad is refreshing, light and filling! </p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="http://www.rachelcooks.com/2013/08/16/orzo-salad-with-watermelon-feta-and-chicken/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Orzo Salad with Chicken, Watermelon and Feta;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Orzo Salad with Chicken, Watermelon and Feta</a></strong></p>
<p>Beard and Bonnet</p><p>This beautiful salad is inspired by Mediterranean cuisine! </p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="http://beardandbonnet.com/grilled-watermelon-halloumi-salad/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Grilled Watermelon and Halloumi Salad;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Grilled Watermelon and Halloumi Salad</a></strong></p>
<p>Nourishing with Nolands</p><p>A perfectly refreshing summer sipper for all ages! </p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="http://noshingwiththenolands.com/watermelon-cucumber-cooler/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Watermelon Cucumber Cooler;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Watermelon Cucumber Cooler</a></strong></p>
<p>Everyday Maven</p><p>Enjoy the flavors of the South Pacific in these mouthwatering popsciles! </p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="http://www.everydaymaven.com/2015/otai-coconut-watermelon-popsicles/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Otai Coconut Watermelon Popsicles;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Otai Coconut Watermelon Popsicles</a></strong></p>
<p>Girl in the Little Red Kitchen</p><p>This is the perfect drink to sip on by the pool!</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="http://girlinthelittleredkitchen.com/2014/07/kiwi-watermelon-spritzer/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Kiwi Watermelon Spritzer;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Kiwi Watermelon Spritzer</a></strong></p>
<p>Jeanette's Healthy Living</p><p>Sweet watermelon, salty feta, and bright mint make up this beautiful salad! </p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="http://jeanetteshealthyliving.com/2013/07/greek-watermelon-feta-mint-salad.html" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Sweet and Salty Greek Watermelon Feta Mint Salad;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Sweet and Salty Greek Watermelon Feta Mint Salad</a></strong></p>
<p>With Salt And Wit</p><p>Pureed watermelon and lime juice combine with natural sweeteners for a light and refreshing summer beverage! </p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="http://withsaltandwit.com/skinny-watermelon-limeade/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Skinny Watermelon Limeade;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Skinny Watermelon Limeade</a></strong></p>
<p>Foxes Love Lemons</p><p>Sweet and salty never tasted so good together!</p>

Foxes Love Lemons

Sweet and salty never tasted so good together!

<p>Tasty Yummies</p><p>Not only is this beverage refreshing, it smells amazing! </p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="http://tasty-yummies.com/2014/05/30/watermelon-hibiscus-lime-cooler-and-margarita/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Watermelon Hisbiscus Lime Cooler;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Watermelon Hisbiscus Lime Cooler</a></strong></p>
<p>Apron String Blog</p><p>Wow your guests this summer with this light and refreshing watermelon cake! </p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="http://www.apronstringsblog.com/watermelon-cake-recipe/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Fresh Fruit Watermelon Cake;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Fresh Fruit Watermelon Cake</a></strong></p>
<p>theviewfromgreatisland.com</p><p>A perfect side dish for a summer get-together!</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="http://theviewfromgreatisland.com/summer-melon-salad/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Summer Melon Salad;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Summer Melon Salad</a></strong></p>

theviewfromgreatisland.com

A perfect side dish for a summer get-together!

Get the recipe: Summer Melon Salad

<p>sherisilver.com</p><p>These popsicles are a perfectly delicious way to cool off this summer! </p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="http://sherisilver.com/2014/07/02/pop-goes-my-summer-watermelon-honeydew-popsicles/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Watermelon-Honeydew Popsicles;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Watermelon-Honeydew Popsicles</a></strong></p>
<p>pintsizedbaker.com</p><p>You don't need an ice cream maker to make this creamy watermelon treat! </p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="http://www.pintsizedbaker.com/2014/06/salted-watermelon-ice-cream-no-churn.html" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:No-Churn Watermelon Ice Cream;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">No-Churn Watermelon Ice Cream</a></strong></p>

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