Quick answer
Yes, watermelon can be mixed with many other fruits to create delicious and nutritious fruit salads, smoothies, juices, and more. Some fruits that pair well with watermelon include strawberries, blueberries, mango, pineapple, grapes, kiwi, peaches, plums, and citrus fruits like oranges and grapefruit. The sweet flavor and juicy texture of watermelon complements and balances out other fruits nicely.
What fruits go well with watermelon?
There are many fruits that go great with watermelon and provide complementary flavors, textures, colors, and nutrients:
Berries
Berries like strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries add great color and flavor contrast to watermelon. Their sweet-tart taste balances the melon’s sugary sweetness. The soft juicy texture also complements watermelon’s crispness.
Tropical fruits
Tropical fruits like mango, pineapple, kiwi, papaya, and guava have bright, acidic flavors that cut through watermelon’s richness. Pineapple and mango especially pair well, as their enzymes help tenderize and bring out the melon’s juices.
Stone fruits
Peaches, plums, nectarines, apricots and cherries add texture contrast and subtle tartness. Their firm flesh and skin provides nice bites with the watermelon’s softer pulp. Ripened stone fruits help counterbalance extremely sweet watermelon.
Citrus fruits
Oranges, grapefruits, lemons, limes, clementines, and tangerines add zesty citrus juice that counters the melon’s sweetness. They also provide vitamin C. The acidic juice from citrus fruits brings out the watermelon flavor and adds complexity.
Grapes and melons
Seedless red or green grapes complement watermelon’s texture and sweetness. Pairing watermelon with honeydew, cantaloupe or other melons provides varying flavors and textures in one fruit salad. The mix of juices keeps the melon from getting too cloying.
Pomegranate
Pomegranate arils – the juicy red seeds – add pleasant tartness, crunchy seeds, and extra nutrients like antioxidants. The striking color contrast of red pomegranate with the melon flesh and black seeds is beautiful too.
What fruits should you not mix with watermelon?
While watermelon combines tastily with many fruits, there are a few that may not make the most appetizing partnerships:
Avocado
Even though it’s technically a fruit, the rich creaminess of avocado clashes with juicy, crisp watermelon. The flavors and textures don’t complement each other well.
Coconut
Like avocado, coconut is high in fat, which doesn’t mesh well with watery, low-fat watermelon. The textures are also quite different. And the flavors are opposing, with coconut being more milky and slightly savory.
Persimmon
This fruit can be astringent, especially when unripe. When paired with watermelon, the persimmon’s dry, puckering qualities won’t balance out the melon’s juiciness.
Rhubarb
While rhubarb is often used in fruit recipes, it is very tart and not especially juicy. The stalks’ fibrous texture and sour taste overwhelm the light sweetness of watermelon.
Tomato
Although culinarily tomatoes are treated like fruits, their tangy flavor, lower sugar content, and pulpiness don’t complement most melons. The tastes and juices just don’t meld together well.
Tips for combining watermelon with other fruits
Here are some tips for successfully mixing and serving watermelon with other fruits:
- Wash, peel, deseed, and chop all fruits into similar sized pieces for even texture and flavor in each bite.
- Toss cut fruit gently together in a bowl to mix – avoid mashing.
- If making a fruit salad, add a splash of fruit juice or liquor like rum, vodka, or triple sec to enhance flavors.
- Sweeten with a mild flavored syrup or drizzle of honey if needed to balance tart fruits.
- For smoothies and juices, blend the melon with sweeter fruits and juice from citrus or pineapple.
- Combine fruits just before serving to prevent the melon flesh from getting soggy.
- Store fruit salads in the fridge, tightly covered, for no more than 2 days.
Nutritional benefits
Pairing watermelon with other fruits allows you to enjoy a variety of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants in one serving. Here are some of the key nutrients provided:
| Fruit | Key Nutrients |
|---|---|
| Watermelon | Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Potassium |
| Strawberries | Vitamin C, Manganese, Folate |
| Blueberries | Vitamin K, Vitamin C, Manganese |
| Pineapple | Vitamin C, Manganese, Copper |
| Kiwi | Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Potassium |
| Orange | Vitamin C, Folate, Potassium |
Creative recipes with watermelon and other fruits
Watermelon mixes deliciously into these recipes using a variety of fruit partners:
Watermelon berry salad
Toss cubed watermelon and berries with lime juice, mint, and honey or agave nectar. This sweet, colorful salad makes a perfect summer side.
Tropical watermelon smoothie
Blend watermelon, mango, pineapple, Greek yogurt, and lime juice for a frothy, refreshing drink.
Fruit skewers with watermelon
Thread cubed watermelon alternating with grapes, pineapple, strawberries, and peach chunks to make a colorful fruit kabob.
Watermelon citrus salad
Mix diced watermelon with segments of orange and grapefruit, toss in lime juice and fresh basil.
Frozen watermelon and grape pops
Puree watermelon with green grapes and lime, then freeze in popsicle molds for a cool summertime treat.
Fruit salsa with watermelon
Dice watermelon, mango, peach, and kiwi. Toss with diced jalapeno, cilantro, lime juice for a unique chip dip.
Melon fruit salad medley
Combine cubed watermelon, cantaloupe, honeydew and grapes. Drizzle with honey and mint.
Sangria with watermelon
Add diced watermelon and citrus slices to red or white wine for a fruity sangria punch.
Conclusion
Watermelon’s sweet, juicy flavor lends itself well to mixing and matching with many other fruits. Berries, tropical fruits, stone fruits, grapes, and citrus all make great partners for watermelon in salads, smoothies, skewered snacks, and more. Combining fruits allows you to create colorful, nutritious mixes while enjoying a variety of flavors and textures in one dish. Watermelon adds hydration and a nutritional boost to any fruit medley or recipe. Experiment to find your own favorite fruit fusions with watermelon.