Watermelon is a quintessential summer snack and pairing it with a little chili and lime spices it up into a next level dish you can serve to anyone. It is loved by all, incredibly hydrating, and super quick to prepare!

This snack is naturally gluten free, vegan friendly (choose a vegan yogurt), easy to make, and family friendly.

Why you’ll love this watermelon recipe:

Watermelon contains important nutrients! It is rich in vitamins A and C as well as lycopene, beta-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin which are excellent for providing protection from cancer. Watermelon contains antioxidants that neutralize free radical molecules and aid in the prevention of chronic illnesses.
Watermelons help relieve sore muscles. Watermelon has been found to reduce muscle soreness after an intense workout. This can be an alternative to using anti-inflammatory drugs, like ibuprofen which can cause gut health issues.
The ENTIRE watermelon is edible. All of the watermelon, including the rind and seeds can be eaten. The rind can be pickled or even stir-fried and is very high in citrulline, a compound that’s transformed into the amino acid arginine, which is associated with cardiovascular benefits and more. Check out this post from Sew Historically to learn ways to use your watermelon rind (we are trying the pancake recipe next!)
Watermelon is a summer fruit that helps you to flow with your Fire energy and allow your social and dynamic side to shine. Learn more about Fire energy in Becca’s blog post: Fire Time!

Picking and Eating Watermelon:

A ripe watermelon has a smooth, hard rind that is usually green with dark green or yellow spots or stripes.
A fresh watermelon is ready to cut open and eat when it has a yellow or cream color on the bottom of the melon, as opposed to bright white.
Choose a watermelon that is heavy and dense for its size. This usually means it’s ready to crack open.
Watermelon seeds are considerred a good source of proteins, oils and carbohydrates.
Watch this video to learn 5 Fun Ways to Serve Watermelon.

Spicy Watermelon Fries with Lime Yogurt Dipping Sauce

Prep time : 15 minutes

Cook time : none

Total time : 15 minutes

Servings : 6-12 people, depending on the size of the watermelon

INGREDIENTS

1 Watermelon
½ tsp Sea salt (fine himalayan is a good option)
1 tsp Chili powder (chipotle, ancho, or a mix of both)
pinch Cayenne pepper (optional - depending on how spicy you like it!)
Lime zest of ½ a lime (lay out to dry while cutting watermelon)
1 cup Yogurt (I use a vegan, coconut based yogurt)
Juice of 1 lime + remaining zest from above

DIRECTIONS

Zest lime, lay zest out on a plate to dry while prepping the remaining ingredients.
In a small serving bowl, combine yogurt, lime juice. Set aside.
Remove watermelon rind and cut into long fry-like shapes (watch video to learn how to easily make fries)
In a small mixing bowl, blend salt, chili powder and dried lime zest.
Add remaining zest to the yogurt and lime juice.
On a platter or plate, arrange watermelon fries. Sprinkle chili lime seasoning.
Serve watermelon and dip together. Enjoy!

NOTES:

Watermelon can be cut into fries a few days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Wait to season right before serving.
Although I prefer dairy-free, any yogurt can be used for this recipe.
TAJIN® (pronounced ta-heen) would be a great alternative to sprinkle on your watermelon.
Adjust the chili seasoning to your liking, remember to go light on the salt and increase based on taste testing. If you are serving children, consider adding the spices to the dip rather than the watermelon.

Do you have a favourite watermelon recipe for summer? Share it with us, we would love to hear from you!

Krista

xo