July 4th: 6 Yummy watermelon recipes with a Latin twist

Watermelons are at their peak right now. The refreshingly sweet and delicious fruit is also good for you. Watermelons are perfect for sharing because unless you are getting one of those mini-watermelons (which I love), you probably aren't going to be able to finish a whole watermelon on your own. At least not in one sitting.

Readmore ¿Qué más?: 5 Easy Latin foods for July 4th! (RECIPES)

Watermelon is a great option for a 4th of July party. You can serve it as is, sprinkle it with some chile like I do, or make any one or all these six mouthwatering watermelon recipes with a Latin twist. You and the watermelon will be the life of the party.

Image via Thinkstock

Watermelon scallop ceviche

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National Watermelon Promotion Board

Genius pairing of watermelon and scallop ceviche!

Ingredients:

1 cup watermelon puree
1/2 cup fresh lime juice
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon premium vodka (optional)
1/8 cup minced fresh parsley
1 tablespoon minced fresh chives
1 dash salt and pepper to taste
1 pound sushi grade fresh sea scallops

Get the full recipe directions at National Watermelon Promotion Board.

Watermelon piña colada

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National Watermelon Promotion Board

This just looks like a party in a glass, doesn't it. Also, it doesn't have to have alcohol, but it can.

Ingredients

2 cups watermelon puree
1/2 cup chunked pineapple
1/2 cup vanilla yogurt
3 cups ice
2 tablespoons cream of coconut
rum (optional)

Get the full recipe directions at National Watermelon Promotion Board.

Easiest watermelon paletas

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National Watermelon Promotion Board

This is just a ridiculously simple and clever idea.

Ingredients

Watermelon slices, cut to triangular wedge shapes, about 1/2 to 1-inch thick
Popsicle sticks

Get the full recipe directions at National Watermelon Promotion Board.

Watermelon salsa

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National Watermelon Promotion Board

This is a great variation on a salsa fresca recipe!

Ingredients

3 cups seeded and chopped watermelon
1/2 cup green peppers
2 tablespoons lime juice
1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
1 tablespoon green onions
2 tablespoons jalapeno peppers

Get the full recipe directions at National Watermelon Promotion Board.

Agua fresca

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National Watermelon Promotion Board

It just doesn't get more refreshing than watermelon agua fresca.

Ingredients

1 cup finely chopped watermelon
7 cups coarsely chopped watermelon
6 cups watermelon juice
1/2 cup sugar
1 lime large and juiced
1 serving water (if needed)

Get the full recipe directions at National Watermelon Promotion Board.

Watermelon toasted jalapeno and shrimp pico de gallo

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National Watermelon Promotion Board

This looks like pico de gallo married a shrimp cocktail and lived happily ever after. Love!

Ingredients

2 tablespoons canola or vegetable oil
1 tablespoon minced seeded jalapeno
3 tablespoons minced fresh shallots
1 tablespoon minced fresh garlic
1 teaspoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon ground cumin
3 limes (juice squeezed from the limes)
2 cups minced watermelon
2 cups chopped, cooked, cooled, and peeled and deveined shrimp
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1 cup diced roasted red pepper ground black pepper to taste

Get the full recipe directions at National Watermelon Promotion Board.