Refreshingly Light

• Watermelon gazpacho makes a revitalizing light lunch or side dish. Remove the skin and seeds from a few tomatoes. Chop half of a watermelon into 1-inch chunks. Peel and remove the seeds from a cucumber. Combine tomatoes, melon, cucumbers, fresh basil, lime juice and a chili pepper in a blender. Puree the ingredients until smooth. Season the soup with salt and pepper and additional lime juice, if desired. Serve chilled with a drizzle of olive oil.

Top It Off

• Watermelon jelly is a decadent topping for biscuits or scones that is smooth and refreshing without being overly sweet. Puree a watermelon and pass it through a fine sieve to remove any pulp. Mix half of the watermelon puree with unflavored gelatin. In a small saucepan, heat the remainder of the juice with a bit of sugar until dissolved. Whisk in the gelatin mix and fresh lemon juice. Place the mixture in a glass bowl and refrigerate overnight before using.

Melon on a Sandwich

• Watermelon may not be the first ingredient that comes to mind when making a sandwich, but its sweet, crunchy texture works surprisingly well on a grilled cheese. Cut thin slices of watermelon and drain on paper towels. Spread stone ground mustard on slices of whole-wheat bread and top with cheddar cheese. Using a griddle or sandwich maker, grill bread until the cheese begins to melt. Open the sandwiches and add a slice of watermelon and a few pieces of arugula, and serve. Watermelon is a sweet and crispy addition to chicken salad. Add mayonnaise, yogurt and lemon juice to chopped cooked chicken. Fold in chopped watermelon and chopped peaches. Season the salad with salt and pepper and serve on slices of thick, rustic bread.

Lush Condiments

• Watermelon sweet and sour sauce is a delicious accompaniment to spring rolls or fried shrimp. Mix together a cup of pureed watermelon, and 1 tablespoon each of rice wine vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil and fresh ginger. Create a tart watermelon relish that pairs well with sausage or kielbasa. Mix together finely diced watermelon, finely chopped onion and finely sliced cabbage. Add rice wine vinegar, a dash of olive oil and honey mustard. Season the relish with salt and pepper.

Seafood and Watermelon

• Fish tacos get an extra burst of flavor when topped with watermelon salsa. Mix seeded and chopped watermelon, finely diced red onion, chopped green onion, a diced jalapeno pepper and a squeeze of fresh lime juice. Blend the ingredients and place into the refrigerator for at least an hour before ready to serve. Shrimp pairs well with watermelon in a pico de gallo. Mix cooked and sliced shrimp with chopped watermelon, finely diced onion, finely chopped garlic, fresh lime juice and spices, such as chili powder and cumin. Blend in finely chopped cilantro and season with salt and pepper. Serve it solo garnished with a lime wedge or use it to top fish tacos.