We are hitting peak watermelon season, and this watermelon pizza is a delicious way to enjoy it. The recipe offers a sweet, healthy treat that’s refreshing and nutritious. Watermelon contains higher levels of the antioxidant lycopene than any other fresh fruit or vegetable, and it’s an excellent source of vitamin C.
This watermelon pizza is perfect for 4th of July bashes, neighborhood potlucks, any day barbecues, and hot days at the pool. Plus, it takes just minutes to whip up. In fact, you can make the slices almost as fast as guests grab them! Almost.
Dairy-Free Watermelon Pizza “Sauce”
The sauce is actually dairy-free yogurt, and I have a few suggestions:
Choose a Greek-style dairy-free yogurt as a runnier yogurt might drip off the slices! I like Coyo for desserts like this, which is the thickest of the bunch, it’s also paleo-friendly and vegan-friendly.- But some regular dairy-free yogurts can be thickened. The more natural brands can be drained to make a “yogurt cheese.” It tastes incredible! For this recipe, you only need to let it drain for about 12 hours. See my dairy-free yogurt cheese recipe.
- Dairy-free creme fraiche is another delicious option, and it does exist! I have a recipe for it in the 2nd edition of Go Dairy Free (just out!). It’s just lightly tangy and has a creamy, barely sweet flavor that is wonderful on fruit.
- I’ve put coconut cream as an option, which will work beautifully. You can sweeten it a touch, or spread it on as is. But make sure you keep the cream cold right up until you spread it on. For details on coconut cream, see my coconut milk guide.
Kids Can Make It!
All ages can help to spread the “sauce” and decorate the watermelon pizza. Kids old enough to handle cutting can also slice the strawberries. But leave the watermelon slicing to teens and adults. Those big melons can be a beast and might roll.
This recipe with photo was kindly shared with us by the National Watermelon Promotion Board.
Special Diet Notes: Watermelon Pizza
By ingredients, this recipe is dairy-free / non-dairy, egg-free, gluten-free, grain-free, optionally nut-free, peanut-free, optionally soy-free, vegan, plant-based, vegetarian, and optionally paleo.
- 1 watermelon, cut into 1-inch thick round slices
- Dairy-Free Greek-style yogurt or coconut cream (see my "sauce" suggestions in the post above)
- Shredded or flaked coconut (optionally toasted)
- Blackberries
- Blueberries
- Strawberries, sliced
- Slivered almonds (omit for nut-free)
- Fresh mint (optional)
- Lay a watermelon slice cut side down on a cutting surface. Spread the yogurt or coconut cream to cover the fleshy part of watermelon, leaving room to hold each slice by the rind.
- Sprinkle with the coconut, berries, and almonds. Optionally garnish with fresh mint.
- Cut the watermelon into 6 to 8 slices to serve.
- Repeat with remaining watermelon slices to make as many fruit pizzas as desired.
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3 Comments
Can’t believe I’m just finding this now that we’re moving toward winter BUT I’m pinning for next summer! This looks like a fabulous treat for kids instead of a sugary treat! Can’t wait to make it!
This is the most awesome summer desert I have seen this year so far. It’s so simple and easy it makes you wonder why we haven’t seen this more often. I am more than eager to prepare this for some friends over the weekend. Thank you Alisa for sharing this.
Right? It’s so fun! I hope you get the chance to enjoy it.