Summer is here, and one of our favorite treats is fresh watermelon. It is very inexpensive by the pound and low in calories. The challenge is to use it up before its freshness expires.

Here are some clever and delicious ways to use it.

Skinny Snacks and Desserts

1. Watermelon Slices: The simplest way to enjoy watermelon is to cut it into slices or cubes for a refreshing snack.

2. Watermelon Sorbet: Blend watermelon, some sugar, and lime juice, then freeze to make a refreshing sorbet.

3. Watermelon Popsicles: Puree watermelon, pour into molds and freeze for a cold treat. No sugar is needed.

4. Fruit Salad: Combine watermelon with other fruits like strawberries, blueberries, and mint for a colorful and delicious fruit salad. Or follow our recipe below, which uses fresh mint stirred into watermelon cubes.

Refreshing Watermelon Beverages

1. Watermelon Juice: Blend watermelon and strain it to make a refreshing juice. Add a splash of lime or mint for extra flavor.

2. Watermelon Smoothie: Blend watermelon with yogurt, a banana, and some honey for a tasty smoothie.

3. Watermelon Infused Water: Add watermelon chunks to a pitcher of water for naturally sweet, flavored water.

Summer Watermelon Salads

1. Watermelon Feta Salad: Combine watermelon cubes with feta cheese, mint, and a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

2. Watermelon and Cucumber Salad: For a refreshing salad, mix watermelon cubes with cucumber, red onion, and a light vinaigrette.

3. Spicy Watermelon Salad: Toss watermelon cubes with chili powder, lime juice, and salt for a sweet and spicy treat.

Savory Dishes

1. Grilled Watermelon: Slice watermelon into thick rounds and grill for a few minutes on each side. Serve with a sprinkle of sea salt.

2. Watermelon Salsa: Dice watermelon, tomatoes, red onion, jalapeños, cilantro, and lime juice for a fresh salsa.

3. Watermelon Gazpacho: Blend watermelon with tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, and a bit of olive oil for a cold soup.

Creative Uses

1. Watermelon Cake: Cut a thick round slice of watermelon and decorate it with whipped cream and berries for a healthy "cake."

2. Watermelon Bowl Fruit Salad: Hollow out a watermelon to use as a bowl for serving fruit salad.

These ideas can help you enjoy every part of your watermelon and reduce waste.