Last week, we kicked off our Summer Favorites series with one of my all-time favorites—homemade peach ice cream. If you've followed me for very long, you know I'm just a little obsessed with peaches! This year, I was lucky enough to receive some amazing Georgia peaches from a new friend, and they made the perfect start to our July series.

This week, we're moving on to another fruit that simply says summer to me... watermelon.

When I think back to summers growing up, I can still picture everyone sitting outside with a big slice of watermelon. Juice running down our arms, sticky hands, seeds everywhere, and absolutely no one cared. We were too busy laughing, talking, and making memories together.

To this day, nothing feels more like summer than fresh, juicy peaches and watermelon.

The only problem? Sometimes we can't eat an entire watermelon before it starts getting a little too soft. Instead of letting it go to waste, here are two of my favorite ways to use those last few cups.

🍉 Fresh Watermelon Salsa

This sweet and savory salsa is perfect with tortilla chips, served over grilled (or maybe fried) chicken, or alongside burgers at your next backyard cookout.

Ingredients

  • 3 cups diced watermelon
  • 1 medium tomato, diced
  • ¼ cup finely diced red onion
  • 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Gently combine all of the ingredients in a bowl. Refrigerate for about 20–30 minutes to let the flavors come together before serving.

Tip: This salsa is best enjoyed the same day it's made.

🍧 Bonus Recipe: Watermelon Slush

If you've already cubed and frozen your watermelon, you're just minutes away from a refreshing summer treat!

Kids absolutely love these, and honestly... adults do too.

Ingredients

  • 4 cups frozen watermelon cubes
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • ½ cup ice (if needed)
  • 1–2 teaspoons honey (optional)

Directions

Blend until smooth. Add a splash of water if it's too thick or a few extra frozen watermelon cubes if you'd like it thicker.

Pour into your favorite glass and enjoy immediately.

Bonus Tip

Before your watermelon gets too soft, cut it into cubes and freeze them in a freezer bag. They're perfect for slushes, smoothies, or even tossing into a glass of lemonade on a hot Texas afternoon.

Our Summer Favorites menu is coming together!

✅ Week 1: Homemade Peach Ice Cream
🍉 Week 2: Fresh Watermelon Salsa & Watermelon Slush
🍗 Week 3: My Husband's Favorite—Crispy Fried Chicken
🥔 Week 4: Creamy Mashed Potatoes, Fried Green Tomatoes & Easy Skillet Cornbread

I hope you'll join me each Friday this month as we build a meal that's full of family favorites, summer memories, and good old-fashioned comfort food.

Now I'd love to know...

What's your favorite way to enjoy watermelon? Are you a "slice it and eat it" person, or do you have a favorite recipe?