Mariska Hargitay Eats This Hydrating “Treat” 3 Times a Week
SVU fans are going to want to taste Hargitay's go-to delicious snack.
Applauded far and wide for her role as Captain Olivia Benson on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, the beloved Mariska Hargitay has long been admired for her dedication both on and off screen. While Hargitay's passion for survivors and commitment to the squad is well known, fans may be surprised by what the SVU legend eats as a sweet treat.
Mariska Hargitay's "favorite" snack is deliciously healthy
The woman behind the endlessly badass Captain Olivia Benson loves watermelon salad and can't get enough of the fresh, juicy snack. Hargitay revealed her love for the fruit-forward treat during an interview with First magazine, where she dished up some juicy details about her favorite foods and the wellness routine she maintains to play Benson. While watermelon is the star of the show, Hargitay likes to zhuzh it up with some other delicious ingredients like feta cheese and mint. Yum!
"My favorite snack is a watermelon salad with cucumber, feta cheese, mint, and a citrusy dressing," Hargitay revealed. "I have it at least three times a week. It's super hydrating and makes me feel like I'm getting a treat."
Hargitay's snack lineup sounds downright mouth-watering, a light and hydrating dish that keeps her fueled for SVU's endless action. Another one of Hargitay's go-to eats is a staple among health-conscious snackers: apples and nut butter. "Another snack that's super simple is apples with almond butter; it's sweet, but there is protein," Hargitay dished in a 2009 interview with her non-profit, Joyful Heart. "And my decadent snack is really good pears with truffle cheese. Oh, and edamame."
At 61, Hargitay hasn't shown any signs of slowing down, curating a wellness routine that highlights healthy foods and a welcomed balance of mental and physical exercise.
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"Our health is the most important thing, truly, that we have. If we don't have that, we don't have anything," Hargitay explained in 2009. "This time has made me learn how to take care of myself, listen to my body, and know when I have to rest. Women are such amazing multitaskers; it's a blessing and a curse. We want to do it all — and the fact is, we can't! So it's been a lesson for me to stop."
The wellness routine Mariska Hargitay upkeeps to play Benson
Whether Benson is chasing down a perp through the NYC streets or disarming a frenzied gunman, the action sequences of Law & Order keep Hargitay on her toes. For the SVU actress, she implements a blend of physical and mental exercises into her routine to keep her in criminal-fighting shape. Aside from being an avid cardio aficionado — Joyful Heart reports she uses the treadmill during the winter and swims during the warmer months — Hargitay prioritizes strengthening her brain as much as her body.
"I do a bunch of brain games that they say will keep you sharp, like little hand exercises where I tap my fingers," Hargitay told First, adding that her role on SVU keeps her sharp. "Being engaged and having to learn lines also helps because the brain is just a muscle, right?"
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"And as we get older, you cannot over-emphasize the importance of heart health, which contributes to brain health," Hargitay continued. "Exercise is key. I also eat and sleep well. That last one's hard. Somebody told me to stretch before bed, and that helps. So does putting down the phone earlier — another tough one!"
Hargitay's been thriving as she grows older, appearing on The Drew Barrymore Show in 2024 to talk about her excitement over entering her 60s.
"Sixties is the new 50," Hargitay told Barrymore. "But 50 was great because it got me ready for my badass era... As we age, we step into our power. Our focus on what's truly important narrows, and we gain more time and clarity."
Watch Law & Order: Special Victims Unit on Thursdays at 9/8c on NBC and the next day on Peacock.
