What is a melon baller?

A melon baller, also called a Parisienne scoop, is a small spoon-like utensil that's used to cut ball-shaped pieces of melon. Essentially, you insert the tool into the melon, twirl it in a full circle, and you get a perfect little sphere of melon! You can find them at any kitchen supplies stores.

How do I tell if a watermelon is ripe?

A ripe watermelon will have a large yellow spot and will feel heavy and sturdy. Knock on the watermelon – if it sounds nice and hollow, it's likely at peak ripeness. If it sounds dull (or feels soft), pass.

How do I tell if a cantaloupe is ripe?

If it's green, it's not ripe. It will be firm to the touch but not completely hard, and it should smell sweet. If it smells bad, don't buy it.

How can I tell if honeydew is ripe?

The skin will be more yellow than green, and if you press on the bottom, it will feel slightly soft.

Melon Salad with Strawberries and Mint

Description

There's nothing more refreshing than perfectly ripe, in-season melon. This melon strawberry salad is fresh, delicious, and fun to make!

Ingredients

Scale

Salad:

3 cups watermelon (diced or use melon baller)
3 cups sliced strawberries
2 cups cantaloupe (diced or use melon baller)
2 cups honeydew (diced or use melon baller)

Lime Mint Dressing:

¼ cup freshly squeezed lime juice
1 tsp agave or honey
⅛-¼ tsp sea salt
3 tbsp finely chopped fresh mint
1 ½ tbsp finely chopped fresh basil

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Instructions

To make the dressing, whisk together 1/4 cup lime juice, 1 tsp agave, 1/8 to 1/4 tsp salt. Then add in 3 tbsp chopped mint and 1 1/2 tbsp chopped basil and stir gently. Set aside while prepping the rest of the ingredients so the mint and basil have a chance to flavor the dressing.
For the salad, use a melon baller to carve balls out of watermelon, honeydew, and cantaloupe melon. You should keep scooping until you have 3 cups of watermelon balls, 2 cups of cantaloupe balls, and 2 cups of honeydew balls. Don't discard scraps - either eat them on their own, or add them to a smoothie or juice!
Slice the strawberries lengthwise into thin round circles. Add the strawberries and balled fruit to a mixing bowl and pour the dressing over the top. Gently stir to coat fruit, and then transfer to a serving bowl or platter. Store in the refrigerator until ready to eat. Enjoy!

Notes

Melon baller is optional: If you're pressed on time, just cut the melons into cubes instead of balling them.

Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge until ready to serve. It keeps well for up to 3 days, but this strawberry melon salad tastes best when eaten the same day it's made. It also tends to get soggier the longer it sits.

Agave: agave is a neutral sweetener that really helps tie this salad together. If you don't have any, you can sub with another liquid sweetener like honey.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: No cook
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 Salad
Calories: 195
Sugar: 28.2 g
Sodium: 158.1 mg
Fat: 4.4 g
Carbohydrates: 35.3 g
Fiber: 4.3 g
Protein: 7.5 g