Wonderful Watermelon: A Sensational Summer Tribute

Labor Day is this Monday and with it comes the unofficial end of summer. We’ve had a glorious couple of months, but we all knew it couldn’t last forever. As summer vacation comes to a close, we’d like to encourage folks to send this wonderful season off in style.

Not sure how you should mark the occasion? Celebrate Labor Day weekend with the epitome of summer foods: watermelon. This tasty treat can be done up in hundreds of unique and delicious ways. Grill it, mash it, blend it, chop it, and more – friends and family will be thrilled. Check out our fun recipes below and say goodbye to summer with a salute to watermelon.

With Feta – Not only do these appetizers look and taste amazing, they’re also exceptionally easy to make. Chop your watermelon, add a sprig of mint, cube your feta, and skewer. You can drizzle with balsamic vinegar if you want to knock your guests’ socks off (or not, it’s your call).  

Image via Bites Of Bri

With Prosciutto – Here’s a dish you don’t see every day: melon and prosciutto salad. Another sweet and savory creation (if you haven’t noticed, feta and watermelon pair very well together) this is a lovely summer meal. It’ll keep everyone cool and satisfied.

Image via Lynsey Loves Food

With Chicken & Blue Cheese – Not one for feta or prosciutto? They aren’t for everyone. That’s why we’ve got this tasty chicken, blue cheese and watermelon creation. Placed on a bed of spinach this is a delicious and healthy combination.

Image via Pinch Of Yum

With Basil – Expecting vegetarian, vegan or gluten intolerant visitors? We’ve got you covered. This watermelon basil salad has the crunch and flavor to satisfy many, while keeping most dietary restrictions in mind. Plus, it’s a snap to make!

Image via Oh, Sweet Basil

Jerky – You’ve heard of beef jerky and pork jerky, but watermelon jerky? This is definitely one of the most creative ways we’ve heard of cooking with watermelon. But it’s also incredibly simple and yummy. All you need is a food dehydrator and a watermelon and you’re good to go.

Image via Dash Of Butter

Grilled – Have you ever grilled a watermelon before? Something sort of magical happens. This recipe calls for the melon to be grilled with mandarins and honey, which caramelizes as it heats up (yum!). Sprinkle with granola and yogurt if you want, or just eat this sweet treat on its own.

Image via Capture By Lucy

Sorbet – The final days of summer always seem to be the hottest. You think the end of August and beginning of September will start to see chillier temperatures, but it just gets hotter. If you’re trying to beat the heat this weekend here’s a recipe that’s sure to help. Watermelon sorbet is so simple. All you have to do is freeze a cubed watermelon, blend it, let it set in a pan, and refreeze it.

Image via Pure Wow

Sangria – Watermelon, strawberries, lemons, wine, and vodka combine to create a sensational summer cocktail. Sipping these bad boys on your porch is the perfect way to say goodbye to summer.

Image via Show Me The Yummy

Mojitos – Sangria not your thing? Try making watermelon mojitos. We already know from our salad and skewer recipes that watermelon and mint make a lovely couple. Add a little rum and see what happens! (As Martha would say, it’s a good thing!)

Image via Martha Stewart

Jell-O Shots – We saved the best for last! These Jell-O shots are totally adorable and delicious. They’re a bit more work than some of our other recipes, but you can be sure they’ll add a splash of fun to every party!

Image via BuzzFeed

We hope these fun and flavorful watermelon recipes help you celebrate the last long weekend of the summer in style. If you try your hand at any of these dishes make sure to share snaps of your creations with @HomeShows on Twitter and Instagram!

Some of you may be dreading fall’s arrival, but we’re excited. Summer is fabulous, but fall means the start of home show season! To celebrate the start of this lovely time, we’re offering 2-for-1 tickets to the Marketplace Events homes how of your choice! Visit our Facebook ticket deals to learn more! Happy Labor Day from our family to yours!

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Veg Out! 10 Sensational Summer Salads

Why is it that the final days of summer always seem to be the hottest? Everyone wants to soak up the last bit of the season, but scorching temperatures tend to dictate what we can and can’t do – especially when it comes to meals. Most, (ourselves included), will avoid cooking in this heat. Having the oven on for hours, broiling a roast, doesn’t do anyone any favors. It contributes to the temperature of the home, making it considerably warmer, and a pot roast isn’t really the most refreshing meal after a long day in the heat.

Ordering in every night may be convenient and doesn’t require any cooking, but we’ve got an even better idea: summer salads! Check out these delicious, nutritious, and best of all cool, recipes and save your money and your waistline. We’ve got ten tasty salads that you and your family are sure to enjoy. Check them out below!

Tomato, Cucumber & Avocado – Seems like avocado’s being added to everything these days, and for good reason! This veggie is yummy and crazy good for you. Pair it with some cherry tomatoes, cucumber, feta cheese, and light dressing, and you’ve got yourself a seriously awesome salad.

Image via Green Valley Kitchen

Spinach & Tortellini – We love this unique pasta salad. It’s creamy, crunchy, and filling. Bring it to a potluck, or keep it all to yourself. We’re sure this dish will be a hit, whatever the crowd.

Image via 3 Boys Unprocessed

Grilled Peach & Arugula – We’re big fans of sweet and savory combinations, and this salad mixes these flavors well. Not only does it look beautiful with its blend of green, blue, peach, and white, but it tastes great.

Image via Two Peas And Their Pod

Strawberry Avocado Couscous – Ah couscous, the dish so nice they named it twice (sorry, little couscous humor for you). Anyway, this salad has everything: grains, veggies, and fruit. Best of all? This dish is a snap to make!

Image via Damned Delicious

Roasted Chickpeas & Zucchini – Ok, this recipe does call for roasting, and you know what that means: turning the over on. If it’s way too stinking hot for that, save this salad for fall. Trust us, it’s worth the wait.

Image via Pinch Of Yum

Ramen Noodle – Skip the roasting in this recipe to save on time and also so you don’t sweat to death. We find the noodles to be plenty crunchy on their own. This cute east meets west creation is totally delicious and super simple to make.

Image via Gimme Some Oven

Israeli Salad – This is one zesty treat. Finely chopped cucumbers, onions, peppers, and tomatoes combine with olive oil and lemon to create a truly refreshing dish. Top with chicken, or don’t, it’s up to you.

Image via Feasting At Home

BLT Pasta Salad – Who doesn’t love BLTs? Adding bacon makes just about any dish better. Instead of your traditional bacon, lettuce, tomato on bread, throw out those buns, do a little chopping, and add some pasta. It’s such a fun variation on this classic sandwich.

Image via Baker By Nature

Spicy Sweet Potato – This unique dish combines sweet potato, beans, tomatoes, avocado, and a little bit of heat. No, we’re not talking about turning on your oven, it’s time to hit the spice rack instead. Cumin and chili powder kick this dish up a notch, and we’re digging it.

Image via Frugal Living Mom

Blackberry Bacon Blue Cheese – Not only is this salad fun to say (who doesn’t love alliteration), it’s also fun to eat. Blackberries, bacon, and blue cheese combine in the ultimate sweet and savory salad. What a sublime dish!

Image via The Recipe Critic

We hope these delicious salads help keep you and your family fed and cool for the rest of the 

summer. Have a favorite salad we didn’t feature here? Share the recipe and some snaps of it with @HomeShows on Twitter and Instagram. We’re always looking for new dishes to try!

Speaking of cool ideas, here's another: get your Marketplace Events Home Show tickets early to save big! Right now, you can get 2-for-1 tickets on Facebook. Treat a friend or family member to the show - we can't wait to see you there!

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