Working delicious and nutritious fruits into your diet is important year-round, but it’s hard to deny that they taste best on a summer day. In particular, watermelon seems to be a favorite during the hottest months of the year, mostly because of its ability to simultaneously fill you up and hydrate you without the worry of bloating. The vibrant fruit can be enhanced on its own with spices like Tajín or salt, while others prefer to mix it into a salad with other fruits and vegetables. Elsewhere still,  a sudden surge in watermelon sandwich recipes is popping up online. If you haven’t already, you’ll want to try at least one of these this summer!

It’s unclear exactly where the watermelon sandwich originates from, although Canada’s Campbell’s Cross Farm has certainly helped popularize the foodie trend. The family’s late Nonna Pina hated to waste ingredients from her garden when cooking for her family, so she made good use of her bountiful harvest by putting thick-cut slices of watermelon between two slices of crusty Italian bread. If you’re ever in Ontario, take advantage of the opportunity to try Nonna’s recipe, but in the meantime, you can find one that’s easy to make at home.

Breadless Watermelon Sandwich Recipe

As people continue to look for alternative ways to get their sandwich fix without going overboard on carbs, watermelon has risen as the perfect solution. In this recipe from Tennessee Home & Farm, see how you can use the popular summer fruit to satisfy your cravings.

Ingredients:

• 8 slices of seedless watermelon (roughly 4-by-6 ½ inches thick)
• 2 cups of bread-and-butter pickles
• 2 cups fresh basil, chopped
• 16 slides of fresh mozzarella cheese, ¼-inch thick

Instructions:

1. Evenly distribute pickles in an even layer across half of the watermelon slices.
2. Sprinkle basil over your pickles.
3. Layer mozzarella cheese on top of the basil; Tennessee Home & Farm’s recipe advises four slices per sandwich.
4. Use the remaining pieces of fruit to finish your watermelon sandwich.
5. Press a decorative pick into each end to secure your meal before cutting diagonally and digging in.

Watermelon Feta Sandwich

The watermelon feta salad has been seen on Pinterest for years now. These days, some foodies are making a few simple switches to the classic recipe, turning it into a flavorful watermelon sandwich.

Ingredients:

• ½ watermelon sliced crosswise
• 1 block of feta cheese sliced into thin pieces
• Fresh mint or basil garnish (optional)
• Balsamic glaze (optional)
• Tajín (optional)

Instructions

1. Use a circular shaped cookie cutter to make circles out of your watermelon; squares or triangles will also work.
2. Lay your fruit on a serving platter, and sprinkle with Tajín to enjoy a spicy experience.
3. Add cheese to half of your watermelon slices, and allow the feta to crumble naturally if it wants to do so.
4. Top with the remaining fruit to make your watermelon sandwich, and drizzle on some balsamic glaze if you’re craving something sweet.
5. For more visual appeal, finish the dish with fresh mint or basil and keep cold until ready to serve.

Grilled Halloumi & Watermelon Sandwich

Ingredients:

• Hamburger buns
• Halloumi Cheese, sliced in halves
• 4 ½ inch thick watermelon slices
• Pesto (find the Cob’s recipe to make your own here)
• 4 tsp Grapeseed oil
• 1 tsp Kosher salt
• 1 tsp Cracked black pepper
• 1 tsp Unsalted butter (for toasting bun)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your BBQ to a high heat setting.
2. Brush grapeseed oil over your halloumi and watermelon before seasoning with salt and pepper.
3. Sear until golden brown on both sides (roughly 2-3 minutes).
4. Lightly butter and toast your buns on the BBQ, if desired.
5. Brush both sides of the buns with pesto.
6. Layer halloumi slices on the bottom bun, add in watermelon, then finish with the top half of your burger bun.