Many people consider watermelon their favorite summer fruit, but did you know that some people consider it a vegetable? Watermelon is related to cucumbers, squash, and pumpkins, planted from seeds, and grown as a vegetable crop. The outer rind of watermelon is often stir-fried, stewed, and pickled as a vegetable. Botanically, however, watermelon is considered a fruit, and it is delicious in salads, chilled soup, and just as is.

Whether you consider it a fruit or a vegetable, watermelon is a healthy food. Though mostly water, the fruit is packed with vitamins and minerals, including antioxidants like vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin B6 and potassium, magnesium, and fiber. It is high in lycopenes, phytonutrients that aid cardiovascular and bone health. Even the seeds are good for you – roasted watermelon seeds contain lots of magnesium, iron, and copper. For more on the health benefits, see A True Summer Superfruit: Watermelon and Its Health Benefits.

Of course, most of us love watermelon because it is cool, juicy, sweet, and refreshing. Need some pointers on what to do with a watermelon. Watch this video on The Easiest, Fastest Way to Cut a Watermelon. Every part of the watermelon can be used, including the rind and seeds. Get some ideas and inspiration in 5 Ways to Use Juicy Watermelon This Summer and 12 of the Most Unique Things to Do With Watermelons. As if that wasn’t enough, here are 7 more spectacular recipes with watermelon you will want to make this summer.

Summer is upon us and staying hydrated is at the top of the list. Plain water is great but this Watermelon Cherry Cooler is healthy and delicious. Made with fresh basil and mint, this drink will keep you cool and refreshed all summer long.

Fresh fruit and lemonade on a hot summer day is probably the best combination since PB&J in the schoolyard. These Fresh Fruit Lemonade Pops have strawberries, mango and watermelon for a summer treat that is as pretty as it is delicious.

Amazingly refreshing, this Watermelon Gazpacho is the perfect summer meal. Sweet watermelon and spicy jalapenos make this chilled soup a flavor sensation. Spiralized beet noodles add even more color and texture and makes this dish light but satisfying at the same time.

This Red, White and Blue Salad offers a double dose of watermelon because the juicy fruit is in the salad as well as in the dressing. Watermelon, jicama and blueberries are tossed with a light watermelon vinaigrette for a dish that’s perfect for your next 4^th of July party.

Summer has barely begun but you don’t have to wait until August to enjoy this End of Summer Smoothie. It’s made with all the fresh tastes of summer – watermelon, berries, kale, peaches and oranges – for a healthy and yummy drink anytime of the year.

This Summer Watermelon Salad will be your new favorite summer salad. It has watermelon, mixed greens and lots of healthy nuts and seeds. The watermelon vinaigrette is slightly sweet with no refined sugars for clean eating.

The combination of cold watermelon, melon, and some rosé wine is so tempting and thirst-quenching. This beautiful Watermelon Rosé Drink is perfect to sip while watching a sunset with company or to serve at a mixer or party.

Making melon balls is fun, and everyone loves a fruit basket carved out of a whole watermelon. There are so many ways to enjoy this healthy, juicy, and happy-looking fruit all summer long.

Learn How to Cook Plant-Based Meals at Home

Reducing your meat intake and eating more plant-based foods is known to help with chronic inflammation, heart health, mental well-being, fitness goals, nutritional needs, allergies, gut health, and more! Dairy consumption also has been linked to many health problems, including acne, hormonal imbalance, cancer,  prostate cancer, and has many side effects.

For those of you interested in eating more plant-based, we highly recommend grabbing our favorite plant-based cookbooks and downloading the Food Monster App — with over 20,000 delicious recipes, it is the largest plant-based recipe resource to help reduce your environmental footprint, save animals, and get healthy! And, while you are at it, we encourage you to also learn about the environmental and health benefits of a plant-based diet.

Here are some great resources to get you started:

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