Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

There are many things that remind Southerners of summertime.

At the top of the list, you’ll find a cold, juicy slice of watermelon.

Some love it plain, others witha sprinkling of salt.

Southern Living Watermelon Gazpacho in bowls to serve

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Either way, it’s a delicacy enjoyed by everyone in the South all summer long.

Make the most of this summer staple with these best-ever watermelon recipes.

Watermelon Ice Cream

This rich and creamy ice cream is the prettiest shade of pink.

Watermelon Ice Cream

Credit: Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners

It only requires four simple ingredients: watermelon, sweetened condensed milk, fresh lime juice, and salt.

Watermelon Pie

My, oh mywatermelon pie!

You never knew you needed this summer dessert until now.

Watermelon Pie

Credit: Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Torie Cox

This pie is finished with a mixture of heavy cream and mascarpone cheese that is thick and rich.

Plus, it won’t melt as easily as plain whipped cream in the summer heat.

Watermelon Gazpacho

Cool off with your new favorite chilled watermelon soup.

Watermelon Daiquiri

Credit: Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners

Cucumbers add a welcome crunch and mint adds a refreshing, herby bite to this easy summer side dish.

Spicy Watermelon Refresher

Serrano peppers are used in this cocktail recipe to give your drink some punch.

Smokey tequila reposado and seltzer mellow the heat for a well-balanced cocktail.

Southern Living Watermelon-Basil Sweet Tea in a pitcher to serve with other drinks beside

Credit:Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster

4th Of July Punch

This big-batch watermelon punch is great for summer bashes.

The secret to this punch?

Grilled Watermelon

Grilling the watermelon enhances its natural sweetness and adds a touch of smoky flavor.

Watermelon, Cucumber, and Feta Salad

Credit: Hector Manuel Sanchez; Prop Styling: Lydia Pursell; Food Styling: Toni Brogan

Be sure to sprinkle both sides of the fruit with the sugar and salt mixture.

Without it, the juicy melon won’t char.

Watermelon-Mint Margaritas

Southern Living

Use leftover watermelon to make this slushy summer drink.

pickled watermelon rinds in jars

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Serve chilled with lettuce leaves, if desired or on its own.

Either way, finish the salad with plenty of cracked black pepper.

This big-batch drink is perfect for parties, brunch, or sipping on a porch.

Spicy Watermelon Refresher

Credit: Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

We make watermelon syrup for this summery drink that’s sure to impress.

Your first step is to freeze the watermelon so it makes the perfect, frozen texture.

Watermelon Frose

Pretty in pink in its truest form.

Honeysuckle-Watermelon Cocktails

Credit: Chris M. Rogers; Styling: Lydia Degaris Pursell

you might also mix with your other favorite summer fruits if you’d like!

Fried Watermelon Bites

Have you ever tried fried watermelon?

Now is your chance.

4th of July Punch

Credit: Jennifer Causey

Grilled Watermelon

Credit: Caitlin Bensel

Watermelon-Mint Margaritas

Credit:Southern Living

Tomato-and-Watermelon Salad

Credit: Photo: Oxmoor House

Southern Living Watermelon Sangria in glasses to serve garnished with watermelon wedges, mint leaves, and lime wheels

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Southern Living Watermelon Margaritas in two glasses ready to serve

Credit:Dotdash Meredith

Southern Living Watermelon Sherbet scoops in bowls with mint and lime wedges

Credit:Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Margaret Dickey; Prop Stylist: Christina Daley

Southern Living Watermelon Frosé in a glass to serve with other drinks beside

Credit:Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster

Twain’s Brewpub & Billiards Fried Watermelon Bites

Credit: Tori Allen PR

Southern Living Peppered Melon Salad on a plate to serve with salad, mac and cheese, and chicken

Credit:Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley

Southern Living Watermelon, Mint, Feta, And Fried Peanut Salad in a bowl to serve

Credit:Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Lydia Pursell