There’s no time like a hot summer picnic to let your patriotic spirit show. These all-American snacks featuring a classic favorite fruit – watermelon – are the perfect solution for nearly any summertime celebration.
Watermelon is a patriotic picnic staple for countless reasons, not the least of which is that it’s a beloved treat that many people associate with memories from childhood. However, nostalgia isn’t the only reason adults are just as likely to gravitate toward watermelon at a summer event. It’s sweet, cool and refreshing flavor also makes it a favorite for all ages.
Easy Summer Thirst Quencher
A simple fruit-infused water can give your summer event an instant upgrade in no time at all. Add extra dimension and complexity to the flavor by adding some of your favorite herbs like basil and mint.
Watermelon-Infused Water
• 2 cups watermelon balls or cubes
• 1 cup other fruit, such as berries
• herbs, such as basil or mint
Place watermelon, fruit, and herbs in a pitcher and cover with water. For best flavor, allow chilling in the refrigerator at least 30 minutes before serving.
• 1 cup watermelon, plus three pieces diced watermelon
• whipped cream, for serving
In pint canning jar, layer blueberries, yogurt, and 1 cup watermelon. Top with whipped cream and garnish with three diced watermelon pieces.
Note: To make ahead or make thicker, drain Greek yogurt on paper towels to absorb some liquid.
Patriotic Fruit Salad
• 1 watermelon
• honeydew
• blueberries
Slice 1/4 inch off the bottom of watermelon, lengthwise, to create a stable base.
Use a pencil to draw zig-zag lines for basket opening. Using a paring knife, make cuts through the rind.
Carefully remove the top section, pull out large chunks of flesh and cut them into 3-by-3-inch squares.
Trim 3/4-inch thick slices off squares to use for cutting out stars with 1 1/2-3-inch, star-shaped cookie cutters.
Use ice cream scoop to remove flesh from the inside basket and cut scoops into quarters for fruit salad. Place in bottom of the basket. Add honeydew and blueberries; stir to combine.
Cut out white stripes from honeydew.
Garnish top of fruit salad with watermelon stars, honeydew stripes, and blueberries.
Find more ideas for incorporating watermelon into your summer festivities at watermelon.org.
