Before the sun sets on summer and the height of watermelon season, find new ways to enjoy this refreshing, all-natural sweet treat. We're not talking about adding salt or making a shark carving. Here's to pushing your vision of the watermelon beyond the familiar wedge to a creative and fun way to get the loads of potassium, Vitamin A, and Vitamin C it offers.

Drink It

Pour a shot or two of Watermelon Shooters with a ginger and celery twist with this virgin cocktail recipe from the National Watermelon Promotion Board. The small serving is only 18 calories, but we won't tell if you spike the drink with your choice of vodka or rum.

Sundae's Only

If the banana split is getting old, go for Grilled Watermelon with your favorite frozen treat. Switch the ice cream in the Neely's recipe for frozen yogurt and save a 100 calories or so per serving.

A Summer-y Starter

Start a summer meal with this chilled Watermelon Gazpacho found at Allrecipes.com that will keep your soup lovers cool when the mercury is rising. Only 110 calories per serving.

A Fresh Condiment

Enjoy a half-cup serving of this Watermelon Salsa courtesy of Eating Well with pita chips or over fish or chicken and add only 24 calories.

Sandwiched!

This Smoked Mozzarella Watermelon sandwich from the National Watermelon Promotion Board adds a sweet replacement for the classic tomato. It's a treat at 652 calories a serving, but you can draw down the amount of cheese to lower its impact on your daily calorie count. 

Tossed and Turned

A stir-fry could use some watermelon as this Beef-and-Watermelon Stir Fry recipe from Southern Living shows. Try it over brown rice at 571 calories per serving.

So Cold

You may partake in a frozen treat that boast the flavor of watermelon, but this Watermelon Sorbet from Eating Well is full of the actual fruit adding a nice texture you may not get elsewhere. It's just 78 calories for a one-cup serving.

A Light Lunch

Watermelon Salad found at FoodNetwork.com is Mediterranean-inspired pairing olives, onions, feta cheese, and mint. The per serving analysis works out to 276 calories. Add your favorite nuts such as pecans, walnuts or almonds for extra crunch.

Not-so-Breakfast

You won't need eggs for this fruity breakfast. Try Watermelon Benedict, a beautiful display with granola, kiwi, and yogurt as accompanying ingredients. It's a respectable 324 calories per serving.

Celebration

For the ultimate treat, make a Watermelon Cake from our friends at About.com for your last summer soiree. At 211 calories per slice, be sure you have lots of friends over so you don't have leftovers.

Your thoughts...

What ways off-the-beaten path have you enjoyed watermelon this summer?