8 Unexpected Ways to Cook With Coconut Water (That Your Kids Will Love!)

If you've jumped on the coconut water bandwagon, you're already aware of its hydrating powers, and maybe your kids have even become fans too. But what many devotees haven't thought of just yet is life for your favorite drink beyond the box or bottle. From smoothies to salad dressing and even easy marinades, coconut water packs a punch. It's flavorful and packed with significantly more potassium, sodium, magnesium, and calcium than most fruit juices.

Here, eight clever ways to add a taste of the tropics to your next culinary endeavor! Source: Flickr user bking

Spicy Peanut Noodles

Spicy Peanut Noodles

Tots who can handle a little spice will slurp these peanut noodles right up. Turn them into a complete meal with the addition of grilled shrimp, chicken, steak, or tofu. Source: Flickr user lonbinder

Coconut-Water Rice

Coconut-Water Rice

And for your less adventurous eaters, all it takes to transform old-fashioned white rice to coconut-water rice is swapping out tap water with coconut water. Source: Flickr user stevendepolo

Banana Pineapple Smoothie

Banana Pineapple Smoothie

Williams-Sonoma's banana pineapple smoothie is a healthy way to start the day, or beat that 4 p.m. slump! Source: Flickr user emiline220

Kale and Summer Fruit Salad

Kale and Summer Fruit Salad

The coconut water in this fresh and healthy kale and Summer fruit salad recipe from ZICO is in its all-natural vinaigrette. Source: ZICO Premium Coconut Water

Sweet Potato Quinoa Soup With Coconut Water

Sweet Potato Quinoa Soup With Coconut Water

The rich flavors of sweet potato and coconut meld beautifully in this hearty, healthy soup. Source: Flickr user anamnesiss

Flourless Chocolate Cake

Flourless Chocolate Cake

Even if you don't fancy yourself a baker, this flourless chocolate cake comes together in just a few easy steps, and it gets a bright lift from the inclusion of coconut water. Source: ZICO Premium Coconut Water

Chicken and Mango Skewers

Chicken and Mango Skewers

This ZICO fave screams Summer. Chicken and mango skewers employ coconut water in two ways — the chicken is marinated in it, and it's splashed into the refreshing mango salsa. Yum! Source: ZICO Premium Coconut Water

Berry Cashew Parfait

Berry Cashew Parfait

There are two surprises in this good-for-you parfait: the cream is made out of cashews, and coconut water enhances the flavor. Source: Circle of Moms