This post is sponsored by Watermelon.org, however all opinions, content and enthusiasm remain my own.

Watermelon is a wonderful thing, anyway you slice it! For years I enjoyed my watermelon plain, un-adorned, naked, au naturale or however else you care to describe it – just watermelon. And, while that is still probably my favorite way to enjoy a ripe watermelon bursting with sweetness, I realized that these people who were putting salt on watermelon and other seasonings might be on to something. 

Variety IS the spice of life after all, so rummaged through my pantry and fridge shelves pulling out all my favorite recipe flavor boosters. Hmmm, what would be good on watermelon? What are the best spices for watermelon? Read on to discover Four Ways to Season Watermelon that Will Blow Your Mind.

Now, this isn’t my first rodeo using my favorite fruit in unique watermelon recipes – check out these rides into crazy flavor town:

• Watermelon Tomato Jicama Salad with Tajin Honey Dressing
• Thai Style Shrimp Ceviche with Watermelon Rind Noodles
• Keep Austin Weird Beef, Veggie, Watermelon Stir Fry

However, as delicious as these unique watermelon recipes are, they are a little more complex and time-consuming than just shaking or drizzling a seasoning or two on watermelon. But, in no time you can be enjoying flavor-boosted fruit thanks to these Four Ways to Simply Season Watermelon that Will Blow Your Mind. And, while a sweet watermelon is best (check out these tips for picking the best watermelon), adding simple seasonings like a variety of spices, citrus zest, salty sauces (like soy sauce) and more is also a good way to revive a bland melon that didn’t quite make the cut. 

Look at all these crazy flavor-boosters I tried on watermelon!

Lemon & Salt Watermelon: Simply take a lemon and use a citrus zester to take off all the yellow part of peel (avoiding the white pith, it can be bitter). Sprinkle lemon zest over watermelon, squeeze some fresh lemon juice on top and then finish seasoning with coarse sea salt. 

Sesame, Ginger & Soy Watermelon: Sprinkle sesame seeds (white or black) on watermelon and sprinkle with ground ginger. Serve with salty soy sauce for an extra punch of flavor.

Cinnamon Vanilla Watermelon: Cube or ball up watermelon, keeping just a bit of the juice. Stir in ground cinnamon to taste and a few drops of vanilla extract and drizzle back on watermelon. The taste will totally surprise you, amazingly good! Note, flavor ideas are “to taste” but I did approximately 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (plus a little extra cinnamon sprinkled on top) and a few drops of vanilla for 4 cups of watermelon balls.

Tajin Jalapeno Watermelon: Sprinkle Tajin (a Mexican chili-lime-salt condiment) over watermelon and garnish with fresh jalapeno slices. If you can’t find Tajin, just use a bit of chili powder, a few squeezes of lime juice and coarse sea salt.

I still love plain watermelon, but it’s always fun to change it up now and then – especially when watermelon makes a daily appearance on the family menu from April to October! I hope you enjoy one or all of these different ways to season watermelon. It amazing how spices for watermelon and other simple ingredients can make such a big taste impact! 

You will notice from the photos that how to cut a watermelon is entirely up to you, there are many options! I like to cut a watermelon these ways: 1) watermelon slices; 2) watermelon balls; 3) watermelon cubes; and 3) watermelon sticks – also called watermelon fries by my kids!

Do you have a favorite way to season watermelon other that just using salt on watermelon? Also, when it comes to how to cut a watermelon, how do YOU do it? Share in the comments – XOXO, Jennifer