As the days grow longer and a touch of warmth returns to the air, spring is the perfect time to refresh menus with vibrant, seasonal flavours. Watermelon, with its crisp texture and naturally sweet taste, is an ideal choice for cafés, restaurants and retailers looking to entice customers seeking lighter, fresher options. Whether used in sweet dishes or unexpected savoury combinations, watermelon can easily become the highlight of any spring offering.
Below, we share five easy watermelon recipes that showcase just how versatile this fruit can be, helping your business deliver dishes that are colourful, hydrating and bursting with flavour. By incorporating watermelon into your seasonal menus, you can offer something truly memorable to your customers this spring.
1. Watermelon and Feta Salad
A classic for good reason, watermelon and feta salad is a refreshing addition to any spring menu. The combination of juicy watermelon, salty feta and fresh mint creates a perfect balance of flavours that works beautifully as a starter, a light lunch option, or even a vibrant side dish at more casual eateries.
Ingredients:
- Fresh watermelon, cubed
- Crumbled feta cheese
- Fresh mint leaves, torn
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Lime juice
- Cracked black pepper
Method:
Toss the watermelon cubes with crumbled feta and mint leaves in a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and a splash of lime juice before finishing with a generous twist of black pepper. Serve chilled for maximum refreshment.
A dish like this is quick to assemble, making it ideal for busy kitchens that want to offer high-quality plates with minimal preparation. With bold colours and bright flavours, this easy watermelon recipe ticks all the boxes for springtime dining.
2. Watermelon Gazpacho
For a refreshing twist on a classic Spanish dish, watermelon gazpacho offers a chilled, vibrant soup that is perfect for warmer spring days. It is light yet flavourful, making it a clever choice for businesses looking to introduce something a little different to their seasonal menus.
Ingredients:
- Diced watermelon
- Ripe tomatoes
- Cucumber
- Red bell pepper
- Red onion
- Fresh basil
- Olive oil
- Red wine vinegar
- Salt and pepper
Method:
Blend the watermelon, tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper and onion together until smooth. Stir in a little olive oil, a dash of red wine vinegar and season to taste. Garnish with fresh basil before serving well-chilled.
This gazpacho can be made in advance and stored easily, allowing kitchens to serve something fresh without adding pressure during busy service hours. Among easy watermelon recipes, it is a stand-out for its striking presentation and refreshing finish.
3. Grilled Watermelon Steaks
Grilled watermelon might not be the first idea that comes to mind, but it delivers an incredible depth of flavour and a surprisingly meaty texture. This innovative recipe is ideal for cafés and restaurants that want to offer plant-based dishes with a twist.
Ingredients:
- Thick slices of watermelon
- Olive oil
- Sea salt
- Chilli flakes
- Fresh lime wedges
Method:
Brush each watermelon slice lightly with olive oil, sprinkle with sea salt and a pinch of chilli flakes. Grill on high heat for two to three minutes each side until grill marks appear and the edges caramelise slightly. Serve immediately with a squeeze of fresh lime for a touch of zest.
- These ‘steaks’ can be served on their own with a simple salad.
- Alternatively, offer them as a centrepiece for vegan mains, paired with quinoa or grilled vegetables.
With minimal preparation and a fantastic visual impact, grilled watermelon steaks will undoubtedly add a creative element to any spring menu.
4. Watermelon and Prosciutto Skewers
Perfect for cafés, delis and caterers looking for simple yet stylish appetisers, watermelon and prosciutto skewers combine ease of preparation with a sophisticated finish. They are a fantastic addition to spring event menus or as a special on offer for casual grazing boards.
Ingredients:
- Cubes of watermelon
- Thin slices of prosciutto
- Fresh basil leaves
- Balsamic glaze
Method:
Wrap each watermelon cube with a strip of prosciutto and thread onto a skewer, alternating with a fresh basil leaf between each piece. Finish with a light drizzle of balsamic glaze just before serving.
This easy watermelon recipe plays on contrasts – sweet and salty, juicy and dry, soft and crisp. The result is a bite-sized treat that looks as good as it tastes, giving your customers a memorable experience with minimal effort.
5. Watermelon and Coconut Sorbet
A cooling dessert is an essential part of any spring menu, and watermelon and coconut sorbet offers a light, dairy-free option that will appeal to a broad range of customers. It is also a fantastic way to make use of any leftover watermelon that may be slightly overripe for slicing.
Ingredients:
- Seedless watermelon chunks
- Coconut milk
- Fresh lime juice
- Agave syrup (optional)
Method:
Blend the watermelon until completely smooth. Stir in coconut milk and a squeeze of lime juice. Taste and add a little agave syrup if a sweeter finish is preferred. Pour into a shallow container and freeze, stirring with a fork every 30 minutes to break up the ice crystals until you achieve a sorbet-like texture.
- Serve scooped into bowls with a sprig of mint.
- Alternatively, offer as a refreshing palate cleanser between courses.
Among easy watermelon recipes, this sorbet is not only simple to prepare but also highlights the natural flavours of the fruit without overwhelming sweetness.
Bring a Taste of Spring to Your Menu
Adding watermelon-based dishes to your spring offerings is an easy, effective way to capture the spirit of the season and delight customers with vibrant, hydrating flavours. Whether featured in a salad, soup, skewer or sorbet, watermelon’s versatility allows it to shine across a variety of dishes, each bringing something unique to the table.
The success of these easy watermelon recipes depends greatly on the quality of the fruit itself. Businesses looking to impress their customers need watermelons that are consistently sweet, juicy and visually appealing.
Partner with Experts for the Freshest Watermelon Supply
Choosing a trusted supplier ensures every dish you create is based on produce that meets the highest standards.
For premium wholesale watermelons that make seasonal menu planning effortless and inspiring, CM Watermelons is the perfect partner. Their expertise and commitment to quality support cafés, restaurants and retailers across the UK looking to make the most of spring’s vibrant energy. Visit CM Watermelons to learn more today.