3 Refreshing Watermelon Recipes for a Stronger Immune System
As the weather warms up, we’re entering watermelon season. Nothing tastes like summer like this refreshing fruit. Not only is it delicious, but it also enhances your immune system! It's hydrating (hydration is critical for immunity), has an incredible 21% of your vitamin C RDI (vitamin C supports immune strength) and is a rich source of cucurbitacin E (a compound that acts as both an antioxidant and an anti-inflammatory). These watermelon recipes put a spin on this classic fruit so you can enjoy it as a delicious meal and not just a picnic snack.
This watermelon recipe offers antioxidants plus lots of healthy fats.
Ready to start your journey through these immunity-enhancing watermelon recipes? While the watermelon is flavorful, the true star of this delicious breakfast treat are the chia seeds. They’re high in fiber and protein, and are also a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids. These fats are important for immune function and also help to battle chronic inflammation in your body.
1 1/2 cups fresh watermelon, cubed
1 cup frozen strawberries
1 frozen banana
1/2 cup of your favorite plant-based milk
Juice from one lime
1 Tbsp organic chia seeds
Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Enjoy!
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This watermelon salad recipe draws its inspiration from Greece and Italy, and it's both filling and refreshing.
Researchers have linked the Mediterranean diet with improved markers of immune strength. This cool salad draws its inspiration from Greece and Italy, and it's both filling and refreshing. The basil and mint add a layer of texture and flavor, while the vinaigrette adds a surprising level of complexity to the palate.
DRESSING
2 tbsp local, organic honey
2 tbsp lime juice
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Salt
SALAD
1/2 watermelon, peeled, cubed
2 cups cubed cucumber
15 fresh mint leaves, torn
15 fresh basil leaves, torn
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
Whisk the dressing ingredients together with a pinch of salt to taste and set on the side.
In a big mixing bowl, combine the salad ingredients. Toss in the dressing and stir to coat all the watermelon. Enjoy!
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If you've never considered firing up the barbecue to enjoy watermelon, you're missing out!
If you’ve never thought about grilling watermelon, you’re missing out. Cooking watermelon on the barbecue grill brings out this fruit’s sweetness thanks to natural caramelization, which pairs nicely with the salty seasonings in this dish. Sweet, salty and warm -- the perfect way to end a summer evening and complete your journey through these watermelon recipes.
1 tablespoon reduced-salt soy sauce or tamari
1 tablespoon Sriracha chili sauce
1 tablespoon honey
1 garlic clove, minced
4 cups of watermelon, cubed
20 raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 medium red onion, chopped into 1-inch pieces
Salt and pepper
First, make your kabob marinade. Combine the first four ingredients, plus half of the cubed watermelon, in a blender and blend until smooth. Pour the contents into a saucepan and bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and simmer for 15 minutes. Set it aside.
On skewers, add the shrimp, onion and watermelon cubes in alternating fashion. Sprinkle with some pepper and coarse salt, then barbecue for four minutes on each side or until the shrimp is cooked.
Remove from the grill and brush with the marinade and enjoy! This pairs great with brown rice, and you can use the extra marinade as a drizzle on the rice, on a side salad, or anything else your imagination desires!
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1. Breakfast: Watermelon Chia Smoothie
This watermelon recipe offers antioxidants plus lots of healthy fats.
2. Lunch: Mediterranean Watermelon Salad
This watermelon salad recipe draws its inspiration from Greece and Italy, and it's both filling and refreshing.
3. Dinner: Savory Watermelon Kabobs
If you've never considered firing up the barbecue to enjoy watermelon, you're missing out!