Melon Salad
This Melon Salad is the epitome of a fresh summer salad that is perfect for so many occasions. Featuring a medley of watermelon, cantaloupe, and honeydew, this Melon Salad has as an impressive of an array of different flavors as it does colors. The addition of lime juice, lemon juice, honey, and fresh mint provides an even greater depth of taste.
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Melon Salad is a great, healthy treat that will quench your thirst and stomp out any sugar cravings in a fresh, clean way. This is so simple to make and you can easily make a large helping with just a few melons. It is perfect to make a big bowl for the kids on a hot day, and it's especially great for summer playdates. Cookouts and barbecues are also a great occasion for this Melon Salad.
When you make this Melon Salad you can either ball or cube the melons. You also have some freedom to add or omit any melons of your choosing. If you are looking for something a bit more exotic, add in canary or Galia melons.
Why You'll Love this Recipe:
Refreshing and vibrant: A cool, juicy mix of watermelon, cantaloupe, and honeydew, perfect for warm days.
Naturally sweet: The fruit's natural sugars shine with just a hint of honey and citrus.
Simple and quick: Just cut, mix, and chill, ready in under 15 minutes.
Bright citrus dressing: Lemon and lime juice add a tangy contrast that makes every bite pop.
Fresh mint flavor: Adds an aromatic, cooling touch that elevates the salad.
Perfect for gatherings: A colorful, crowd-pleasing side for picnics, brunches, or barbecues.
Light and healthy: Hydrating, low in calories, and full of vitamins for a feel-good dish.
Ingredients to Make Melon Salad:
- watermelon. Choose seedless watermelon for easier prep and less mess. Make sure it's chilled before slicing for the most refreshing texture.
- cantaloupe. Adds rich sweetness and a soft, juicy bite. Ripe cantaloupe should have a sweet aroma and slightly soft rind.
- honeydew. Balances the mix with its mild, cooling flavor. Look for one that feels heavy for its size and slightly sticky at the stem end.
- lemon juice. Adds brightness and a subtle tang that enhances the natural sweetness of the melon.
- lime juice. Provides a refreshing citrus note that pairs beautifully with mint.
- honey. Lightly sweetens the dressing and helps the citrus juices coat the fruit evenly. Maple syrup or agave can also be used.
- fresh mint. Brings a clean, cooling flavor that ties the salad together, use fresh leaves and chop finely for even flavor distribution.
How to Make Melon Salad:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the watermelon, cantaloupe, and honeydew.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, lime juice, and honey until smooth.
- Pour the dressing over the melon mixture and toss gently to coat the fruit evenly.
- Sprinkle the chopped mint over the top and toss lightly again to distribute.
- Chill for 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors blend.
- Serve cold, garnished with extra mint if desired.
Recipe Notes & Tips:
- Use chilled fruit: Cold melon makes the salad extra refreshing and helps it stay crisp.
- Cut evenly: Try to keep the melon balls or cubes roughly the same size for a balanced presentation and texture.
- Adjust sweetness: Taste the fruit first, if it's very sweet, you can reduce the honey slightly.
- Don't overdress: Add just enough citrus-honey dressing to lightly coat the fruit without making it soggy.
- Add the mint last: Stir in the mint just before serving to keep it bright and fresh.
- Make ahead: You can prep the melon and dressing up to 12 hours in advance; combine just before serving.
- Presentation tip: Serve in a clear glass bowl to show off the vibrant colors, or in hollowed melon halves for a fun summer touch.
- Flavor twist: Add a sprinkle of lime zest, a pinch of sea salt, or a handful of crumbled feta for a sweet-savory contrast.
Serving Suggestions:
How to Store:
Refrigerator: Store leftover melon salad in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Stir gently before serving, as some juices may collect at the bottom.
Freezer: Not recommended, melons lose their texture and become watery once thawed.
Make ahead: For best results, prepare the dressing and cut the melon ahead of time but keep them separate. Combine and add mint just before serving for the freshest flavor.
FAQs:
Yes! Pineapple, kiwi, or berries all work well and add even more color and sweetness.
Absolutely, if your fruit is very sweet, the citrus juice alone will be enough to balance the flavors.
Fresh mint is highly recommended for its vibrant flavor, but if needed, use just a pinch of dried mint, it's much stronger.
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Melon Salad
Ingredients
- 2 cups watermelon, balled
- 2 cups cantaloupe, balled
- 2 cups honeydew, balled
- ¼ cup lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons lime juice
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 3 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the watermelon, cantaloupe, and honeydew.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, lime juice, and honey until smooth.
- Pour the dressing over the melon mixture and toss gently to coat the fruit evenly.
- Sprinkle the chopped mint over the top and toss lightly again to distribute.
- Chill for 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors blend.
- Serve cold, garnished with extra mint if desired.
Nutrition
Notes
- Use chilled fruit: Cold melon makes the salad extra refreshing and helps it stay crisp.
- Cut evenly: Try to keep the melon balls or cubes roughly the same size for a balanced presentation and texture.
- Adjust sweetness: Taste the fruit first, if it's very sweet, you can reduce the honey slightly.
- Don't overdress: Add just enough citrus-honey dressing to lightly coat the fruit without making it soggy.
- Add the mint last: Stir in the mint just before serving to keep it bright and fresh.
- Make ahead: You can prep the melon and dressing up to 12 hours in advance; combine just before serving.
- Presentation tip: Serve in a clear glass bowl to show off the vibrant colors, or in hollowed melon halves for a fun summer touch.
- Flavor twist: Add a sprinkle of lime zest, a pinch of sea salt, or a handful of crumbled feta for a sweet-savory contrast.
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