With the watermelon harvest at its peak, it is no surprise that July has been designated National Watermelon Month signifying the height of summer in America.

While some might argue that fresh watermelon is best simply cut up and eaten, we have a few other ideas! We used this versatile fruit, as well as its cantaloupe, mango, and honeydew relatives, in some amazingly light and refreshing melon recipes that will have you looking at watermelon in a whole new way.

Give these summer melon recipes for cocktails, salads, and appetizers a try at your next gathering and let us know what you think!

6 refreshing melon recipes

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1. mango lemon & watermelon cocktail

savor the flavor. Succulent mango and juicy watermelon are muddled with lemon juice and rum in this beautifully blended cocktail that is just as refreshing and delicious as it sounds.  Your mixture may be a little thick, so be sure to strain your concoction before pouring it into your glass.

watermelon-basil-salad-everydaydishes2. watermelon, basil and feta cheese appetizer

an unexpected trio. When Cheryl said watermelon and feta together, we were skeptical-but it turns out this salty, sweet, and fragrant combo is absolutely delish! Served on skewers in a martini glass for added flair, it looks like your run-of-the-mill watermelon got a total makeover!

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3. watermelon cocktail

blended to perfection. We tagged-in Chef Josh again to improvise a cocktail that turned out so incredible, we simply had to share it. Spiked with tequila, anise liqueur and blood orange bitters, this colorful and naturally sweet watermelon cocktail absolutely screams summertime!

frozen-melon-lime-cocktail-cherylstyle_TH4. frozen melon lime cocktail

tequila & lime with a twist. For all you tequila fans out there, this recipe is for you! Fizzy, low carb lemon-lime soda combined with muddled melon, lime juice, and tequila makes for a delightfully refreshing cocktail. Sounds great, right? Well, the party really starts when you add our frozen spiked melon balls instead of ice cubes.

bacon-melon-salad-with-feta-cheese-cherylstyle-TH5. bacon melon salad with feta cheese

a beautiful combo. We are constantly impressed by the unique flavor combinations that Cheryl comes up with, and this simple salad starring sweet cantaloupe, crisp bacon, and salty feta is no exception.  This fantastic side dish can be thrown together in a flash and will make a beautiful, colorful addition to any meal.

watermelon-spritzer-cherylstyle6. watermelon spritzer

a happier happy hour. Watermelon has never been one of the fruits you think about for  cocktails–until now that is! Muddled with vodka and cranberry juice, and mixed with fizzy club soda, watermelon is the star of this refreshing beverage that will keep your guests coming back for more.

Cheryl Najafi | CEO & Creative Catalyst | Everyday Dishes & DIY “To choose the best watermelon, give it a good tap. Higher pitched “thunks” indicate a greener melon and lower pitched “thunks” indicate a riper melon.” – Cheryl