9 watermelon drinks and dishes for summer

Watermelon is as intimidating as it is delicious. It's the ultimate summer fruit, yet its refreshing charm can be diluted by the sheer obstacle of dealing with one. Lugging it, chopping it, storing it — it's so daunting.

The hulking melon, like most things in life, is always scarier before you dig in. Quarter it, put your apprehensions aside, and consider your options. These nine recipes make such quick use of a watermelon, you might even want to buy two.

Louisa Shafia's watermelon, mint, and cider vinegar tonic by Genius Recipes

Subscribe to The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

Sign up

Watermelon tomato salad with cumin and fennel by Amanda Hesser

Braised pork belly tacos with watermelon, jicama, and jalapeño salsa by a la Alison

Watermelon paloma by Merrill Stubbs

Watermelon, tomato, and four-herb salad by EmilyC

Spicy, savory & sweet watermelon rind pickles by Nancy Manlove

Watermelonade by Merrill Stubbs

Grilled watermelon by Sodium Girl

Watermelon and goat cheese salad with a verbena infused vinagrette by loli

This article originally appeared on Food52.com: 9 watermelon drinks and dishes for summer

More from Food52...

• Watermelon tomato salad with cumin and fennel
• Louisa Shafia's watermelon mint and cider vinegar tonic
• Watermelon paloma