It’s important to stay hydrated during the summer, but that doesn’t mean you can only get your hydration from water. Whether you’re hanging out by the beach, relaxing by the pool or playing a few rounds of soccer, you need to look after yourself. Take breaks, drink water and eat hydrating foods… like watermelon! This popular melon is a summer staple. But have you ever served it with salt?
Southerners love to put salt on watermelon, and while it may sound strange, we’re here to explain why. (And it’s not even the most fun way to eat watermelon.)
Why You Should Put Salt on Watermelon
You’ve probably heard this a million times before, but adding a bit of salt to something sweet will actually make it sweeter. That’s why you’ll often add a pinch of salt to chocolate chip cookies or brownies. Sweet and salty go together extremely well. Think sea salt mocha cookies or mango and Tajin. There’s a reason sweet and salty desserts are so popular!
This is because salt works to cover anything bitter. By taking the bitter taste out of a food, the sweetness will become more apparent. Salt also helps to replenish electrolytes in the body as well, something we often lose through sweat. Not only that, spreading some salt on your watermelon will make it taste juicier—trust me, it works!
What Type of Salt Works Best?
Regular table salt works just fine, but larger flakes work even better. You can cover more surface area with sea salt or Himalayan salt as opposed to table salt. You may also find the flavor intensified with bigger salt flakes.
What Other Fruit Can I Salt?
Since salt works to combat bitterness, it’s best to focus on fruits that have a touch of bitter flavor. Grapefruits are a wonderful example, as well as green apples or even cantaloupe. It’s also a common trend to salt pineapple. Adding a little salt and washing it off can make your mouth not so tingly. It’s science!
Experiment a little and see what works best for you. You never know until you try!
Savory Ways to Enjoy Watermelon
Spicy Shrimp & Watermelon KabobsMy three sons can polish off a watermelon in one sitting. Before they dig in, I set aside a few slices to make these zesty shrimp kabobs. —Jennifer Fisher, Austin, Texas
Juicy Watermelon SaladThis fruit salad has such a surprising yet fabulous mix of flavors that friends often ask for the recipe. Combine seedless watermelon varieties in yellow, red and pink for a colorful twist. —Heidi Haight, Macomb, Michigan
Grilled Watermelon GazpachoThis is the perfect starter for a summer dinner or a lunch meal. It's cool and tangy with a whole lot of great grilled flavor. If you like a little more spice, just add more jalapenos. —George Levinthal, Goleta, California
Yellow Squash & Watermelon SaladI always enjoy taking this healthy option to parties and potlucks, and people really seem to appreciate it. No oil is necessary for this salad; the lemon juice combines with the feta to lightly coat the bright, fresh ingredients. —Camille Parker, Chicago, Illinois
Summer Splash Chicken SaladWhen it’s too hot to eat inside, I head out to the patio. Shred some rotisserie chicken and toss with mango, watermelon and grapes for an ooh-ahh healthy chicken salad. —Barbara Spitzer, Lodi, California
Ancho Garlic Steaks with Summer SalsaThe first time I tasted this, I was amazed how well the blueberries and watermelon went with the peppery steak. Use whatever fruits are in season so you can serve this anytime. —Veronica Callaghan, Glastonbury, Connecticut
Watermelon and Tomato SaladYou cannot beat this light and refreshing salad on hot summer days. The combination of watermelon, cilantro, lime and tasty heirloom tomatoes is just unusual enough to keep folks commenting on the great flavor—and coming back for more! —Be Jones, Brunswick, Missouri
Watermelon CupsThis lovely appetizer is almost too pretty to eat! Sweet watermelon cubes hold a refreshing topping that showcases cucumber, red onion and fresh herbs. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Watermelon and Spinach SaladSummer's the perfect time to toss up this watermelon salad. You'd never expect it, but spinach is awesome here. Eat it and feel cool on even the hottest days. —Marjorie Au, Honolulu, Hawaii
Watermelon Rind Pickles"Waste not, want not" has always been smart advice—especially when it produces picked watermelon rind that's so refreshing. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Tomato-Melon Chicken SaladNothing says summer like picking watermelon, tomatoes and raspberries, then tossing them together in a salad. The addition of grilled chicken makes it a satisfying summery meal. —Betsy Hite, Wilton, California
Quick Watermelon SalsaOn hot days, this sweet combo of watermelon, pineapple and fresh cilantro has everything you want. The flavors blend beautifully, it’s pretty, and it comes together in no time. —Betsy Hanson, Tiverton, Rhode Island
Minty Watermelon-Cucumber SaladCapturing the fantastic flavors of summer, this refreshing, beautiful watermelon-cucumber salad will be the talk of any picnic or potluck. —Roblynn Hunnisett, Guelph, Ontario
Updated: May 19, 2023
