I collaborated with the Food Mood Girl to create these quick, simple and healthy ideas for National Watermelon Day: a refreshing watermelon salad, watermelon lemonade and an icy treat to share with your favorite pup!
The Urban Farmer’s seed plans were already well underway when he received a phone call from his three-year-old nephew. (You might remember him as the face behind this cake or this cake). “Uncle Kye Kye, do you grow cucumbies? I yike cucumbies!” And now every time I think about cucumbers my heart melts because dammit if that Urban Farmer didn’t scrounge up some organic “cucumby” seeds and plant them. (I also know how to make vegetable requests on the sly now- through the nephew!)
Thanks to Knox, the kitchen counter has seen its fair share of cucumbers, and thanks to my friend Lindsey, aka The Food Mood Girl, I had a new idea for using them. Step aside zucchini! Crisp, cool and refreshing, spiralized cucumbers are what I want to eat from now until pumpkin spice takes over the internet.
This Cucumber Watermelon Salad requires zero precision. If you’re hangry, lethargic, or debating a Chipotle run, you can still do this! Follow your eyes and your taste buds (my taste buds tend to err on the side of more cheese), and voila, you have a healthy, light, refreshing dinner.
If you’re feeling fancy, turn the spiralized cucumbers into little nests and serve a mini version of this on a clean white plate for your next gathering. Heading to a party or hosting guests? Turn the salad combination into a skewer with ribbons of prosciutto or speck for an even saltier-sweet contrast.
Then, check your lease because you’re going to … Dip City!
Recently when working on a photography set, I referred to “the dippers,” as in, “what if we move the dippers to the left corner?” The photographer responded with a blank stare. “Dippers?” That’s when I realized I had released our “at home weirdness” into broad daylight. Dippers, obviously, is the dipping sauce, typically a combination of olive oil, balsamic and fresh basil, best suited, but not limited to, pizza crust dunking. So mix up some “dippers,” and you have yourself a fancy appetizer.
While you’re scooping watermelon, throw some extra spheres into the freezer. Use these instead of ice the next time you crave a frosty lemonade. For a soda replacer that isn’t loaded with sugar, try a combination of fresh-squeezed lemon juice, watermelon ice, fresh cucumber and lemon slices, and top with Sparkling Blackberry Water.
Don’t forget your hot pup in the midst of this watermelon celebration…
Every good pup deserves a little frosty treat on these hot days.
Here’s to healthy three-year-olds who inspire responsible summer meals and happy, obedient pups who deserve a little treat. Be sure to check out my friend Lindsey’s recipes for even more simple, healthy ideas.
Cheers,
About these Watermelon Recipes: These combinations are basic guides, so follow your taste buds and your eyes, and *always consult with your veterinarian about adding real food to your dog’s diet.
Balsamic Cucumber Watermelon Salad
Combine:
1-2 large organic cucumbers, spiralized
1/2 watermelon (or 1 small watermelon), de-seeded and cut with a melon baller
8 oz fresh baby mozzarella
Feta crumbles, to taste
Fresh shredded mint, to taste
Fresh shredded basil, to taste
Top with:
Olive Oil, drizzled on top
Balsamic Vinegar, drizzled on top
Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish
1 organic lemon, zested
Fresh mint sprig
Watermelon Lemonade
In a small pitcher, combine the juice of 1 organic lemon, 6-8 frozen watermelon spheres, cucumber slices, and lemon slices. Top with carbonated water, or your fruit-flavored sparkling water of choice. Garnish with fresh herbs such as mint and/or basil.
Watermelon Bones for Dogs*
Use a bone shaped cookie cutter to cut watermelon, and place in freezer until frosty. Serve a frosty bone to a good pup on a hot day.
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