We absolutely love watermelon in our family and love to get them again and again all summer long. The only trouble is that even with a big-time watermelon loving family like ours, and as absurd as it is to think that possibly any precious watermelon could go to waste, it has happened a time or two. I wanted to share some ideas for using up an entire watermelon so that it can all be enjoyed in many different ways. There are some delicious ideas for a couple new ways to try watermelon that you might not have tried before.

Here are 4 ideas to use up an entire watermelon:

1. Make a watermelon salsa. 

Mangoes aren’t the only fruit that are great in salsa. Watermelon adds a beautiful, sweet element to salsa and has a wonderful texture to add as well. Simply chop the watermelon into very small pieces with onions, bell and jalapeno peppers, lime juice, cilantro and a hefty dash of salt and pepper. Crack open a bag of good tortilla chips and enjoy a refreshing new spin on salsa.

2. Turn it into two giant fruit bowls. 

I guess this tip doesn’t really help you eat all the watermelon, however, it sure makes for a beautiful presentation for you to then devour all of it with plenty of guests who will ooh and ahh at your beautiful display. Simply cut your watermelon in half lengthwise, scoop all the watermelon out and chop it all up, add whatever other chopped fruit you are wanting for a beautiful fruit salad--pineapple, grapes, cantaloupe, honeydew, etc.  Add all the fruit to the two watermelon bowls, serve and wait for the ringing of applause.

3. Grill your watermelon.

Have you tried grilled fruits before like peaches, plums or pineapple? If you haven’t, you really ought to because it makes the perfect sweet but healthy summer treat. Watermelon tastes absolutely delicious grilled and it is so easy! Simply fire up your grill, cut your watermelon into wedges, brush with olive oil and sprinkle generously with salt and pepper. Place it on the hot grill for about 90 seconds per side. Serve with crushed chili and a drizzle of lime juice and honey. There are so many flavors here--it is like a party in your mouth.

4. Make the classic watermelon feta salad.

The pairing of sweet watermelon, salty feta, and bright mint makes for such a lovely and easy salad. Simply chop watermelon into bite-size pieces, mix with lemon juice and olive oil, add chopped mint, and top with feta cheese. To really brighten up all the flavors in the salad, add the zest of a lemon as well.

What are your favorite ways to use up a big bowl of leftover watermelon? Please share your thoughts in the comments below.