While strolling through the grocery store, all of a sudden that gigantic cardboard box of watermelon obstructs your path.

Whether you knock on the fruit to gauge for ripeness or claim to know a more scientific method, a delicious watermelon is now on the kitchen counter. You love that fruit, and for good reason. Watermelon is chock-full of vitamin C, vitamin A, and lycopene. It can also relieve muscle soreness and lower blood pressure. To make sure none of that precious fruit goes to waste, here are a few recipes you might want to try out.

Watermelon Agua Fresca

Okay, friends. This juice is life changing. It is refreshing and sweet, good for any meal, and a hit at parties. Plus, it requires only minutes to make. All you need is lime, fresh mint, sugar, water, ice, and (of course) watermelon. Blend it all up and keep your fingers crossed that there will be leftovers. You won't be able to get enough.

Watermelon Salsa

Although it's hard to imagine that mango salsa could become any tastier, next time add some watermelon to it. When combined with the heat from a jalapeño, you've got a sweet concoction that soothes the tongue and yet has a kick to it at the same time. Enjoy with a bag of chips or eat a whole bowl plain. No one will judge.

Balsamic Watermelon Chicken Salad

It's the classic strawberry salad with all the basic ingredients: almonds, blue cheese, savory chicken, and syrupy balsamic dressing over spinach. Only difference? Switch out the strawberries for watermelon. The creamy, salty cheese gives the fruit a tang you won't soon forget. Just make sure to be generous with the size of your watermelon chunks ... it keeps you full longer and adds a pop of color to your greens.

Fresh Mint and Watermelon Soda Float

Want to jazz up that watermelon agua fresca with a little ice cream? Before mixing your watermelon and mint together in a blender, add a splash of carbonated water to it. When blended, pour the liquid over some good old fashioned vanilla ice cream and you have a worthy (and healthier) rival to the standard root beer float.

Watermelon Gazpacho

Everyone loves a good bowl of soup. To beat the heat during summertime, though, try your hand at a little watermelon gazpacho. Served cold, this soup is a puréed combination of cucumber, dill, and a touch of tomato. Sprinkle a little feta cheese on top and the result is a light, satisfying meal. Plus, it only dirtied one dish-your blender-you can't beat that!

The post 5 watermelon recipes to make your summer festive and fun appeared first on FamilyToday.

1. When in doubt, don't throw it out

It's always a frustrating feeling when your knife hits the bottom of the peanut butter jar and comes away empty. But wait! Instead of tossing the jar in the trash, run it through the dishwasher. Before leaving for vacation, fill one fourth of the cleaned jar with new peanut butter, place some celery sticks inside, and voila! You have happiness in a bottle, my friends. What's not to love about that?

2. Keep it sweet

When the kids (or you) are feeling cramped and cranky, treat yourself. Go on. Pass out the cookies. To avoid a sugar rush, be sure to indulge in sneakily healthy versions. Stick to recipes with ingredients like applesauce, oatmeal, and craisins. The kids think they're getting dessert...Youwill think you're getting dessert! It's a win-win situation.

Don't have time to make cookies the night before? Bake them earlier in the week and keep them in the freezer until you're ready to go!

3. Make it a poppin' good time

Let's be honest; Popcorn balls are fun, but time consuming. A healthy and less sticky substitute is air popped popcorn drizzled with olive oil. It takes only minutes to create and when divided into sandwich sized baggies, is easy to pass around the car.

4. Spice things up

Have you ever wondered what to do with that lonely can of chickpeas in your cupboard? Try roasting them! All it takes is paprika, garlic powder, salt, and olive oil. Leave it in the oven for a good twenty minutes and you'll be surprised at the easy and delicious snack food you've created.

5. Dish out the dip

Want some good old fashioned dip for your vegetables but want to keep it healthy? Try garnishing some carrot sticks or sugar snap peas with hummus. Whether you make it or buy it, hummus can dress up a number of veggies in no time.

6. Bag some baguettes

There's something satisfying about a little crunch every now and then, but a box of crackers can be pricy and disappears quickly in the car. Solution? Slice some baguettes and toast them in the oven. Dipped in hummus, baguettes make a great snack that will keep you fuller longer than just plain crackers.

7. Put a ring on it

A simple, yet classy choice for your next road trip are apple rings. How it's done: core an apple, slice it thin, and sprinkle cinnamon, cloves, and other spices on top. The best part? They're fun to eat! Plus, there's no need for extra sugar.

8. Save your straws

Whether you forgot the plastic spoons or are afraid of a nasty spill, never understimate the importance of a good straw. Believe it or not, a straw can be a life saver for your little one. Whether it's yogurt or applesauce, straws are a great car ride hack to avoid spills. Something as simple as a straw can ensure you won't be spending your vacation cleaning out the car you arrived in.

9. Juice things up

When the family needs a little pick-me-up, consider passing around juice boxes. The multi-flavor packs are a great way to make sure everyone gets their favorite flavor. Just make sure to look for 100% juice so you aren't drinking excess sugar.

10. And that's a wrap!

Tortillas aren't just for tacos - they also make fabulous finger food! Using peanut butter for a spread, roll up with strawberries, bananas or whatever fruit your heart desires for a less crumbly version of a PB&J. Call it lunch in the palm of your hand or call it bliss, this snack is a cinch.

The post Road tripping? These 10 simple snacks are way more fun than trail mix appeared first on FamilyToday.