Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Healthy and Refreshing: Made from fresh watermelon, these “fries” are hydrating and packed with nutrients.
- Kid-Friendly: The fun fry shape makes it an appealing snack for children.
- Easy to Prepare: With minimal ingredients and simple steps, you can whip up this snack in no time.
- Versatile Dipping Options: The accompanying strawberry yogurt dip adds a delicious touch, but you can also experiment with other dips.
Ingredients
- Half of a large watermelon
Strawberry Yogurt Dip Ingredients
- 1 cup vanilla yogurt
- 1 cup fresh strawberries
- 1-2 tablespoons honey
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
-
Prepare the Watermelon Fries:
- Cut the watermelon in half, then slice into round discs about 1/2 inch thick.
- Cut each disc into semi-circles.
- Using a crinkle cutter, slice each semi-circle into fry-shaped sticks.
- Remove any rind and arrange the watermelon fries on a serving tray.
-
Make the Strawberry Yogurt Dip:
- In a blender, combine vanilla yogurt, fresh strawberries, and honey.
- Blend until smooth.
- Taste and adjust sweetness by adding more honey if desired.
- Pour into a serving bowl and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Approximately 12 servings
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
Variations
- Fruit Dip Alternatives: Substitute strawberries with other seasonal fruits like blueberries or mangoes.
- Spicy Kick: Sprinkle Tajín seasoning or a chili-lime blend over the watermelon fries for a zesty flavor.
- Herbal Garnish: Add fresh mint or basil leaves for an aromatic touch.
- Alternative Melons: Try using cantaloupe or honeydew melon in place of watermelon for a different taste experience.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftover watermelon fries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
- Dip Storage: Keep the strawberry yogurt dip refrigerated in a sealed container for up to 2 days. Stir before serving.
- Note: It’s best to prepare only the amount you plan to consume, as cut watermelon can become soggy over time.
FAQs
How do I choose a ripe watermelon?
Look for a watermelon that feels heavy for its size, has a uniform shape, and a creamy yellow spot on its underside, indicating ripeness.
Can I use frozen strawberries for the dip?
Yes, thaw the strawberries before blending to achieve a smooth consistency.
What if I don’t have a crinkle cutter?
A regular knife works fine; the crinkle cutter is mainly for presentation.
Is there a vegan alternative for the yogurt dip?
Use plant-based yogurt and substitute honey with agave syrup or maple syrup.
How far in advance can I prepare this snack?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the dip a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator.
Can I add other fruits to the platter?
Absolutely! Fruits like cantaloupe, honeydew, or pineapple pair well with the dip.
What other dips can I serve with watermelon fries?
Consider chocolate hummus, coconut lime dip, or a simple honey-lime drizzle.
How do I prevent the watermelon from becoming too watery?
Pat the cut watermelon pieces dry with a paper towel before serving.
Can I serve this at outdoor events?
Yes, but keep the dip chilled and serve the watermelon immediately after cutting to maintain freshness.
What can I do with leftover watermelon rind?
Watermelon rind can be pickled or added to smoothies for extra fiber.
Conclusion
Watermelon fries with strawberry yogurt dip offer a delightful and healthy twist on traditional snacks. They’re easy to prepare, customizable, and perfect for any occasion. Enjoy this refreshing treat with family and friends!
Watermelon Fries with Strawberry Yogurt Dip
Watermelon fries are a delightful and healthy twist on traditional snacks, perfect for summer gatherings or as a refreshing treat. This recipe involves cutting fresh watermelon into fry-like sticks and pairing them with a sweet and tangy strawberry yogurt dip.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the watermelon fries:
- Half of a large watermelon
For the strawberry yogurt dip:
- 1 cup vanilla yogurt
- 1 cup strawberries
- 1–2 tablespoons honey
Instructions
-
Prepare the Watermelon Fries:
- Slice the watermelon in half, then cut into 1/2-inch thick round discs.
- Halve each disc to create semi-circles.
- Using a crinkle cutter, slice each semi-circle into fry-shaped sticks.
- Remove any rind and arrange the watermelon sticks on a serving platter.
-
Make the Strawberry Yogurt Dip:
- Combine the vanilla yogurt, strawberries, and honey in a blender.
- Blend until smooth.
- Taste and add more honey if desired.
- Transfer the dip to a serving bowl and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Notes
- Dip Variations: Substitute strawberries with other seasonal fruits like blueberries or mangoes. Greek yogurt can replace vanilla yogurt for added protein, and non-dairy alternatives work for a dairy-free option.
- Seasoning Options: For a spicy kick, sprinkle Tajin or chili-lime seasoning on the watermelon fries. Alternatively, a dash of kosher salt and a squeeze of lime juice offer a zesty flavor.
- Garnish: Fresh mint leaves not only enhance the presentation but also complement the watermelon’s sweetness.
- Alternative Fruits: This method works well with other melons like cantaloupe or honeydew, and even fruits like mango.
