Watermelon with Honey-Lime Ricotta and Pistachios
Growing up in Indiana, I always looked forward to summer.
What kid doesn’t, right? Summer meant no school and that meant lots of warm days and nights filled with fun. I remember playing so hard that when my head hit the pillow, I almost instantaneously fell asleep. Those thoughts and memories make me smile, because I love remembering how easy and wonderful life was then. Summer to me also meant sweet, delicious fruit. And I loved it all, cantaloupe, honeydew melon, peaches, strawberries and WATERMELON!
And I remember that farm stand!
I vividly remember accompanying my mom to a small little farm stand in an area of Indianapolis known as Broad Ripple. A totally random location considering Broad Ripple was more of a shopping/bar-hopping destination, than a place for buying great produce. I have no idea what the name of it was or why it was there, but I just remember sweating it out and asking my mom to “hurry up!” Because the last thing I felt like doing on a warm, summer day, was standing at some farm stand swatting flies and bees out of my face while my mom asked the guy at the stand to pick out a “good one” of every single type of produce on the table. (Love you mom!!!) But usually, during these trips, I begged her to buy melons and usually, she obliged! (LOVE you mom!)
Now that I’m older and buying these types of foods for my family, I can’t help but think of these memories I have.
Those memories make me so incredibly happy. So maybe I love watermelon so much more because of the happy summers spent scarfing down slice after slice of watermelon, all while day-dreaming about the pool or other fun activity lined-up for the afternoon or next day. Or maybe I love it because it reminds me of those special trips with my mom. When it was just the two of us and I felt like we were the only people in the world, and I loved it!
So, while I love watermelon because of the great nutrition it provides, I think I just love it more because of what it signifies – fun, summer, friends, and family!
To honor those memories, I figured out a fun new, way to enjoy watermelon. This little treat is perfect as a snack or makes a great appetizer too. The ricotta spread tastes great on watermelon, but would be wonderful on other fruits as well. So go on out and get yourself a watermelon and try this recipe for Watermelon with Honey-Lime Ricotta and Pistachios!
Pics of Watermelon with Honey-Lime Ricotta and Pistachios
Watermelon with Honey-Lime Ricotta and Pistachios
Description
A delightful snack or treat! Why not top watermelon with honey and lime-infused ricotta cheese!?
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 pound seedless watermelon
- 1/2 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
- 2 teaspoons honey
- 2 teaspoons lime juice
- 1 teaspoon lime zest
- 1/8 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1/4 cup pistachos, chopped
Instructions
- Slice watermelon into 1/2-inch thick slices. Remove rind, then cut watermelon into rounds using a 1 1/2-inch round cookie cutter – you should get about 20 pieces. (If you don’t have a round cookie cutter, just cut watermelon into 1 1/2-inch squares).
- In a bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, honey, lime juice, lime zest and salt.
- Portion about a teaspoon of the ricotta mixture on each watermelon slice and top with chopped pistachios.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 10
- Calories: 39
- Sugar: 5
- Sodium: 46
- Fat: 1
- Saturated Fat: 1
- Unsaturated Fat: 0
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 6
- Protein: 2
- Cholesterol: 4
Great photos, awesome story!! Broad Ripple, sounds so midwest!! I love it! Cheers to watermelon and fun family memories!
Thanks so much Liz. If we’re ever in Indy at the same time, I’ll take you to Broad Ripple. It’s super cute! 🙂
I loved reading your post 🙂 My hubby, daughter and I are watermelon junkies so I’m super excited about this recipe! It sounds so refreshing and your photos are so pretty!
Thanks so much Sonali! I hope you all enjoy it as much as my family liked it! 🙂
Like you when I think of watermelon I think of summer fun and good times w family and friends. Eating watermelon wedges certainly takes me back to my childhood! I love this grown up recipe – everything about it is calling to me. The ricotta with honey and the watermelon are such a perfect pairing. Can’t wait to make it!
Memories are the best, right? Have fun making this one! My little one actually liked the ricotta too!
Oh, I am sure my girls will too!!
Johnnie’s was the name of the stand and it is still there! Loved this, Sara! Thank you!