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11 Healthy & Refreshing Watermelon Recipes

Along with being amazingly refreshing, watermelon is a great source of nutrients, too.  This summer fruit is a whopping 92% water, making it a hydrating food.  Like tomatoes, watermelon gets it red color from lycopene, a powerful antioxidant and  anti-inflammatory that’s especially important for cardiovascular health . Watermelon also contains cytrolline, which our bodies convert to the amino acid arginine, which helps with blood flow, and contains other necessary nutrients like vitamin C, vitamin A and potassium.  While its delicious right off the rind, these healthy recipes are a great way to mix up the way you get your watermelon fix.

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Coconut Watermelon Rum Cocktail // A Bubbly Life

Made with coconut water, watermelon and lime, this rum cocktail is naturally hydrating.

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Watermelon, Feta and Olive Salad with Mint // Parsnips and Pastries

This easy and fresh salad is a refreshing twist on the traditional watermelon salad.  A quick, homemade dressing helps bring out the natural sweetness of the watermelon, contrasting with the saltiness of the feta cheese and Greek olives.

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Watermelon Lime Recovery Drink // The Green Protein

Because of its potassium and water content, watermelon is a great choice post-workout.  This easy homemade recovery drink is a great way to restore your electrolytes after a tough exercise session.

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Watermelon Berry Cooler // Tasting Page

With strawberries, blackberries and watermelon, this drink is essentially summer in a cup.  Blended with lime and mint, it’s great with or without alcohol.

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Roasted Beet and Watermelon Salad // Thyme & Toast

This beautiful salad combines roasted beets and watermelon slices with feta, fresh basil and pistachios, all drizzled with lemon, olive oil and salt – yum!

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Sparkling Watermelon Lemonade // Build Your Bite

Sweetened naturally with watermelon and a touch of maple syrup, this sparkling, fizzy watermelon drink is a great alternative to soda.

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Watermelon Bruschetta // Nutrition a la Natalie

This unique twist on traditional brushetta tops a toasted baguette with a delicious watermelon mixture that includes spicy red onion and jalapeno pepper alongside fresh mint and lime.

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Summer Panzanella Salad // Dishing Out Health

Arugula, watermelon, crusty bread, fresh herbs, golden beets and mozzarella cheese are all tossed in a lemon dressing for a satisfying salad.

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Watermelon Cucumber Mint Slushies // Crumb Kitchen

Coconut milk or coconut water is blended with watermelon, cucumber, mint and lime juice for a nutritious slushie that has no added sugar.

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Arugula Watermelon Salad with Balsamic Reduction // Yummy Addiction

Arugula and watermelon get plenty of added flavor from feta, kalamata olives, pistachios, red onion and a delicious balsamic reduction for an incredible summer salad.

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Watermelon with Aleppo Pepper and Lime // Platings and Pairings

Spice up traditional watermelon slices with aleppo pepper, lime zest and sea salt for a dish that is equal parts cooling and spicy.

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