Whether you’re grilling for Dad or loading up a cooler for a laid-back summer picnic, watermelon is the MVP of the season. From zesty bites like Spicy Watermelon Jalapeño Salad and Watermelon Peach Salsa to frozen treats like Melon Lemonade Margarita Popsicles and Watermelon Granita With Secret Ingredient, these recipes are cool, colorful, and guaranteed to steal the spotlight. Toss in fresh takes like Watermelon Salad with Whipped Feta or sweet sips like Pink Watermelon Lemonade Slushies, and you’ve got everything you need for a spread that’s as refreshing as it is fun.

Watermelon Paletas

Cool off Dad and the whole crew with Watermelon Paletas—simple, sweet, and ice-cold. These homemade frozen pops are a breeze to make and a healthier treat than anything in the freezer aisle.
Get the Recipe: Watermelon Paletas

Watermelon Feta Mint Bites

Watermelon Feta Mint Bites bring fresh flavor and easy elegance to any Father’s Day picnic. Sweet, salty, and crisp, they’re perfect for grazing between grill rounds.
Get the Recipe: Watermelon Feta Mint Bites

Watermelon Panzanella Bread Salad

Toss together Watermelon Panzanella Bread Salad for a hearty, chilled side Dad will actually want seconds of. Juicy melon, toasty bread, and fresh herbs make this one a standout.
Get the Recipe: Watermelon Panzanella Bread Salad

Watermelon Salad without Feta Cheese

Keep things light with Watermelon Salad without Feta Cheese—all the juicy refreshment without the dairy. Great for hot days and picky eaters at the cookout.
Get the Recipe: Watermelon Salad without Feta Cheese

Watermelon and Feta Salad

Sweet meets salty in this classic Watermelon and Feta Salad, a picnic staple that never disappoints. Quick to make, easy to serve, and totally grill-side approved.
Get the Recipe: Watermelon and Feta Salad

Spicy Watermelon Jalapeño Salad

Turn up the heat at the Father’s Day cookout with Spicy Watermelon Jalapeño Salad. It’s sweet, spicy, and guaranteed to wake up every taste bud at the table.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Watermelon Jalapeño Salad

Strawberry Arugula Salad with Watermelon and Feta

This Strawberry Arugula Salad with Watermelon and Feta is a sweet and savory treat! The peppery arugula pairs perfectly with juicy strawberries and watermelon, all topped with salty feta and a tangy balsamic vinaigrette. It’s a refreshing and healthy salad that’s perfect for a light lunch or side dish.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Arugula Salad with Watermelon and Feta

Watermelon Granita With Secret Ingredient

Beat the heat with a scoop of Watermelon Granita With Secret Ingredient—a frosty dessert with a clever twist Dad won’t see coming. Icy, sweet, and backyard-approved.
Get the Recipe: Watermelon Granita With Secret Ingredient

Easy Watermelon Salsa with Kiwi and Mint

Bring bold flavor to the barbecue with Easy Watermelon Salsa with Kiwi and Mint. It’s sweet, tangy, and just right for topping grilled chicken—or scooping with chips.
Get the Recipe: Easy Watermelon Salsa with Kiwi and Mint

Watermelon Salad with Whipped Feta

This Watermelon Salad with Whipped Feta is a fresh and flavorful twist on a classic summer salad. Sweet watermelon and crisp cucumber are tossed with lemon and mint, then served over a bed of creamy whipped feta. It’s the perfect light and refreshing dish for your next cookout or gathering!
Get the Recipe: Watermelon Salad with Whipped Feta

Pink Watermelon Lemonade Slushies

Cool down with these Pink Watermelon Lemonade Slushies by Half Baked Harvest! This refreshing drink combines watermelon, lemon juice, and a hint of raspberry lemonade for a sweet and tangy treat. Perfect for hot days and easy to make, this vegan and gluten-free slushie will become your new favorite summer beverage.
Get the Recipe: Pink Watermelon Lemonade Slushies

Watermelon Peach Salsa

This juicy Watermelon Peach Salsa adds a summery punch to any cookout spread. Spoon it over grilled meats or serve with salty chips—it’s sunshine in a bowl.
Get the Recipe: Watermelon Peach Salsa

Melon Lemonade Margarita Popsicles

These Melon Lemonade Margarita Popsicles are the perfect boozy and refreshing treat to end the day. They’re super fun, healthy (minus the alcohol), and easy to make! Head over to Half Baked Harvest for the recipe.
Get the Recipe: Melon Lemonade Margarita Popsicles

Watermelon Pizza {Whole30}

Serve up a slice of something different with Watermelon Pizza. It’s fruity, fun, and Whole30-friendly, making it a sweet way to end a Father’s Day picnic.
Get the Recipe: Watermelon Pizza {Whole30}

Watermelon, Blackberry, and Mint Salad

This Watermelon, Blackberry, and Mint Salad is the perfect summer side dish, requiring only 4 ingredients! It’s a simple fruit salad that is cool and refreshing, perfect for those hot summer days. It’s also gluten-free, vegan, and kid-friendly!
Get the Recipe: Watermelon, Blackberry, and Mint Salad