27 Delicious Ways to Use Leftover Watermelon

It happens every summer. You buy the most beautiful and perfect watermelon the store has to offer, cut it up, and eat half of it before you realize you have a lot of leftover watermelon . Each of these 27 delicious watermelon recipes below offers up a creative recipe for those wondering what to do with leftover watermelon.

Contrary to what some believe, yes, old watermelon does go bad . A whole, uncut ripe watermelon lasts about 10 days in the fridge, but just 2-5 days once cut. If you buy your watermelon pre-sliced, you should have a plan to eat it before it goes bad. Unlike other fruits, old watermelon does not easily show its age—no wrinkles to give away that it's past its prime, and it may go bad before a telltale slime develops.

Related: The Easiest Way to Cut a Watermelon

Since watermelon needs to be eaten quickly once it's cut, use these refreshing ideas so you'll never need to waste your watermelon leftovers! Who knew you could make a spicy salad out of watermelon ? Or what about sipping it in a creative watermelon cocktail ?

Related: 4 Ways To Tell if a Cantaloupe Is Ripe

Other Watermelon Recipes to Try:

• Watermelon Cupcakes
• Watermelon White Claw Grapes
• Grilled Watermelon Salad
• Watermelon Margarita
• Grilled Watermelon Salsa

This summery and refreshing cocktail is the perfect way to cool off. The watermelon margarita features Smirnoff Watermelon Vodka and apricot nectar, adding a fruity flair.

Get the recipe: Watermelon Margarita Recipe

Spicy Watermelon Salad

Add some heat to this sweet treat with a spicy watermelon salad recipe straight from the acclaimed Well+Good cookbook.

Get the recipe: Spicy Watermelon Salad

Grilled Watermelon Salsa

A perfect way to make something savory from your leftover watermelon. You'll want to put this incredible grilled watermelon salsa on everything this summer!

Get the recipe: Grilled Watermelon Salsa

Watermelon Cupcakes

Using pureed fresh watermelon in both the batter and the frosting, your leftover watermelon will be a surefire hit with these refreshing summer fruit cupcakes.

Get the recipe: Watermelon Cupcakes

Baked Watermelon Barbecue Chicken Drumsticks

Chicken drumsticks coated in a sweet and tangy watermelon BBQ sauce and grilled to perfection. A perfect summer meal!

Get the recipe: Baked Watermelon Barbecue Chicken Drumsticks

Watermelon Frosty

This refreshing slush drink is the perfect way to cool off this summer!

Get the recipe: Watermelon Frosty

Watermelon Havarti Bites

These appetizers are just the right size for a summer party starter!

Get the recipe: Watermelon Havarti Bites

Watermelon Granita

This cool and refreshing watermelon treat is perfect for dessert on a summer day!

Get the recipe: Watermelon Granita

The Fuzzy Succulent Watermelon

Looking for the perfect watermelon beverage to sip on this summer? This is the one you want to try!

Get the recipe: The Fuzzy Succulent Watermelon

Watermelon Salsa

This beautiful salsa is perfect for a summer appetizer or for a chicken garnish!

Get the recipe: Watermelon Salsa

Fruity Summer Shrimp Salad with Strawberry Lime Poppyseed Vinaigrette

Juicy, succulent shrimp tossed with sweet watermelon, fresh greens, and a tangy strawberry-lime vinaigrette dressing.

Get the recipe: Fruity Summer Shrimp Salad with Strawberry Lime Poppyseed Vinaigrette

Watermelon Lime Ice Pops

The kids are going to love these juicy ice pops!

Get the recipe: Watermelon Lime Pops

Watermelon Donuts

Keep the oven turned off and watch your watermelon go from fruit to donuts in almost an instant!

Get the recipe: Watermelon Donuts

Watermelon Coconut Aqua Fresca

Naturally sweet and totally refreshing. This drink is about to become a summer staple!

Get the recipe: Watermelon Coconut Aqua Fresca

Orzo Salad with Chicken, Watermelon and Feta

This salad is refreshing, light and filling!

Get the recipe: Orzo Salad with Chicken, Watermelon and Feta

Grilled Watermelon and Halloumi Salad

This beautiful salad is inspired by Mediterranean cuisine!

Get the recipe: Grilled Watermelon and Halloumi Salad

Watermelon Cucumber Cooler

A perfectly refreshing summer sipper for all ages!

Get the recipe: Watermelon Cucumber Cooler

'Otai Coconut Watermelon Popsicles

Enjoy the flavors of the South Pacific in these mouthwatering popsciles!

Get the recipe: Otai Coconut Watermelon Popsicles

Kiwi Watermelon Spritzer

This is the perfect drink to sip on by the pool!

Get the recipe: Kiwi Watermelon Spritzer

Sweet and Salty Greek Watermelon Feta Mint Salad

Sweet watermelon, salty feta, and bright mint make up this beautiful salad!

Get the recipe: Sweet and Salty Greek Watermelon Feta Mint Salad

Skinny Watermelon Limeade

Pureed watermelon and lime juice combine with natural sweeteners for a light and refreshing summer beverage!

Get the recipe: Skinny Watermelon Limeade

Bacon Wrapped Watermelon Bites

Sweet and salty never tasted so good together!

Watermelon Hibiscus Lime Cooler

Not only is this beverage refreshing, it smells amazing!

Get the recipe: Watermelon Hisbiscus Lime Cooler

Fresh Fruit Watermelon Cake

Wow your guests this summer with this light and refreshing watermelon cake!

Get the recipe: Fresh Fruit Watermelon Cake

Summer Melon Salad

A perfect side dish for a summer get-together!

Get the recipe: Summer Melon Salad

Watermelon-Honeydew Popsicles

These popsicles are a perfectly delicious way to cool off this summer!

Get the recipe: Watermelon-Honeydew Popsicles

No-Churn Watermelon Ice Cream

You don't need an ice cream maker to make this creamy watermelon treat!

Get the recipe: No-Churn Watermelon Ice Cream

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