Watermelon is a delicious and refreshing fruit that is enjoyed by many during the warm summer months. While watermelon on its own is tasty, mixing it with other fruits can take the flavor to the next level. The right fruit combinations can complement, contrast, and enhance the sweetness of watermelon in exciting new ways. But with so many fruits to choose from, which ones pair best with watermelon? This article will explore the fruits that make ideal mixes with watermelon and explain why they work so well together. Discover refreshing combinations that will upgrade your next watermelon snack or beverage.
Fruits That Pair Well with Watermelon
There are a number of fruits that go great with watermelon due to shared flavors, textures, and colors. When selecting a fruit to mix with watermelon, you’ll want one that has a complementary sweet and tart taste. Crunchy textures also balance out watermelon’s soft flesh. Fruits with bright summery hues enhance watermelon’s vibrant red color. With these criteria in mind, the top fruits to mix with watermelon include:
Mint
Mint is a classic pairing for watermelon that brightens up the melon’s flavor. The cool, aromatic taste of mint balances out the watermelon’s sweetness. Mint also has a fresh quality that accentuates the watermelon’s juiciness. In terms of texture, mint’s soft leaves contrast nicely with the crunch of watermelon. Mint has also long been used as a digestive aid, which makes it a smart pairing for a fruit that has high water content like watermelon. Overall, mint’s flavor profile brings out new dimensions of taste in watermelon while remaining refreshing.
Strawberries
Strawberries complement watermelon perfectly in terms of taste. The berries share watermelon’s sweetness but also contribute a slight tartness. Their richer, berry-like flavor serves to enhance the lighter melon taste. Like watermelon, strawberries have a high water content, which results in a similar juicy texture. And strawberries contain antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds that aid the body like watermelon does. The red color of strawberries also nicely matches the hue of watermelon. For all these reasons, adding strawberries takes watermelon to the next tasty level.
Lime
Lime juice is another common pairing with watermelon. The citrusy acidity of lime balances out and cuts through watermelon’s sugary flavor. Lime provides tartness to contrast the melon’s sweetness. Lime also has a refreshing quality that accentuates the watermelon’s thirst-quenching abilities. Adding lime brings out the juiciness of the watermelon as well. And the green color of lime garnishes the pinkish-red watermelon nicely for a more vibrant, summery look. For all of these complementary effects, lime makes an ideal flavor companion for watermelon.
Blueberries
Like strawberries, blueberries are another berry pairing for watermelon that works wonderfully. Blueberries have a mildly sweet taste that doesn’t overpower the melon flavor. Yet they contribute enough sweetness to further enhance the watermelon’s sugary qualities. The slight acidity of blueberries also balances the watermelon’s sweet profile. In terms of texture, blueberries offer a satisfying pop and juiciness that complements watermelon’s softer crunch. And blueberries contain antioxidants and compounds that benefit the body and brain similar to watermelon. So blueberries make a tasty, refreshing, and healthy addition to watermelon.
Feta Cheese
In terms of non-fruit pairings for watermelon, feta cheese is a popular choice. The salty savoriness of feta serves as an excellent counterpoint to sweet watermelon. The crumbly texture of feta also contrasts nicely with the juicy flesh of watermelon. Feta cheese brings out new savory dimensions in watermelon most people don’t typically notice. It also encourages a more mindful eating experience to enjoy the interplay of flavors. In addition, the classic combination of fruit and cheese pleases the tastebuds. For a new experience, add feta to make your watermelon pop.
Best Watermelon and Fruit Combinations
While the fruits above all pair well with watermelon, certain combinations work especially impressively. These watermelon blends utilize two or more fruits that complement each other for maximum flavor synergy:
Watermelon Mint Limeade
One stellar combination is watermelon, mint, and lime juice. Here the mint adds cooling enhancement, lime provides ideal tartness, and the watermelon delivers main sweetness. Blend watermelon chunks with torn mint leaves, lime juice, and ice. Adjust sweetness as needed with sugar syrup or honey. The mint limeade slushiness perfectly cools off a hot day.
Watermelon Berry Salad
For a refreshing salad, combine diced watermelon, strawberries, blueberries, and feta. The sweet and tart berries will contrast the salty feta and sweeten the watermelon. Use a simple dressing of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper to allow the ingredients to shine. This vibrant berry watermelon salad makes a perfect summer side dish.
Watermelon Strawberry Slushie
Another winning combo is frozen watermelon blended with strawberries. The frozen watermelon adds thick slushiness while the strawberries contribute a richer fruit taste. Strawberries also blend into a smoothie well while retaining texture. Add ice and a touch of honey or agave nectar for sweetness. The result is a sweet icy treat with layers of fruit flavor.
Watermelon Popsicles
For DIY popsicles, blend watermelon with lime or strawberries. Freeze the mixture in popsicle molds for an easy warm weather snack. Kids and adults alike will love the sweet and tangy flavor combos. You can also freeze watermelon mint purees into pops for a cool, soothing effect. Adding fruit takes these popsicles to another level compared to plain watermelon.
Tips for Mixing Fruits with Watermelon
When using fruits in combination with watermelon, keep these tips in mind:
Allow watermelon to lead
Since watermelon is the star, let it shine through as the dominant flavor. Use enough fruit to complement the melon but not overtake it. Taste as you go to achieve the ideal balance.
Mind the seeds
Pay attention when blending watermelon to remove excess seeds, which can contribute a bitter flavor. For a smoother texture, seedless varieties are best for mixing.
Boost other flavors
If needed, incorporate a touch of honey, maple syrup, or sugar to boost sweetness. A squeeze of citrus can also brighten up other fruit flavors.
Play with textures
Keep mixes interesting by including some chunky fruit pieces for contrast along with blended purees. Crunchy ingredients like toasted nuts also add textural variety.
Infuse the watermelon
Soaking watermelon cubes or balls in fruit juices or liqueurs allows flavors to permeate the melon. Infusing overnight results in the most flavor absorption.
Skewer for easy eating
When serving watermelon fruit salads, cut ingredients into cubes or balls and assemble colorful skewers for a fun presentation.
Keep safety in mind
Use fresh fruit and prepare combinations just before serving. Discard any uneaten portions instead of leaving at room temp.
Sample Watermelon Fruit Combination Recipes
Here are a few recipe ideas to inspire you to start mixing fruits with watermelon:
Sparkling Watermelon Lime Fizz
– 3 cups watermelon chunks
– 1 lime, juiced and zested
– 1⁄4 cup honey or agave nectar
– 2 cups sparkling water
Puree watermelon, lime juice and zest, and sweetener until smooth. Pour into two glasses and top with sparkling water. Stir gently and serve over ice.
Watermelon Berry Smoothie Bowl
– 2 cups cubed seedless watermelon
– 1 cup strawberries, hulled
– 1⁄2 cup blueberries
– 1⁄4 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 1 tbsp honey
– Toppings like granola, coconut, mint
Blend watermelon, berries, yogurt, and honey until smooth. Pour into a bowl and top with desired crunchy toppings and fresh mint.
Feta Watermelon Salad
– 3 cups watermelon cubes
– 1 cup strawberries, sliced
– 1⁄2 cup crumbled feta
– 1⁄4 cup chopped mint leaves
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
Toss watermelon, strawberries, feta, and mint together gently. Drizzle with olive oil and vinegar. Let sit 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Watermelon Popsicles
– 2 cups cubed seedless watermelon
– 1 cup strawberries
– Juice of 1 lime
– 1-2 tbsp honey or simple syrup to taste
Blend all ingredients until smooth. Pour into popsicle molds and freeze overnight.
The Best Fruits to Pair with Watermelon
While watermelon on its own is a tasty treat, mixing in other fruits brings out new dimensions of flavor and textures. Fruits that have complementary sweet-tart tastes, crunchy textures, and bright colors are ideal pairings. Our top fruits to mix with watermelon include mint, strawberries, lime, blueberries, and feta cheese. Combining two or more of these fruits results in next-level watermelon creations. Just be mindful to allow the watermelon flavor to lead. With so many refreshing options, you’ll never get bored of enjoying this juicy fruit.