This summer Melon Salad is a delightful blend of juicy melons and fresh herbs! It’s quick, easy to make, and ideal for summer potlucks or BBQ burgers!
Table of Contents
This deliciously fun and fresh melon salad is both light and satisfying. It is a refreshing salad that’s perfect for hot summer days. The juicy watermelon, sweet cantaloupe, and honeydew melon are extra fun when scooped into small round balls using a melon baller, but they are just as tasty when cut into small cubes if you don’t have a small scooper handy.
The fruit on its own is fantastic, but the combination of lime juice, honey, and fresh mint in the dressing adds a refreshing tangy lime dressing that enhances the sweet fruit. It’s a simple melon salad that’s easy to make and guaranteed to be a huge hit at any gathering.
For more summer salad recipes, check out my Grilled Peach Salad, Heirloom Tomato Salad with Burrata, Caprese Salad, Peach Panzanella Salad, and Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing!
What You’ll Need
Scroll down to the recipe card below this post for ingredient quantities and full instructions.
- Fresh Watermelon – Juicy and refreshing, seedless watermelon works best.
- Sweet Cantaloupe – Adds a sweet and slightly punchy flavor.
- Honeydew Melon – Offers a mild and sweet taste.
- Lime Juice – Provides a tangy balance to the sweet melons.
- Honey – Adds a touch of sweetness to the dressing.
- Fresh Mint Leaves – Enhances the freshness and adds a hint of coolness.
How to Make Sweet Melon Salad
- Prepare melons. Use a melon baller to scoop out bite-sized balls from the watermelon, cantaloupe, and honeydew melon. If you don’t have a melon baller, simply cut the melons into cubes. Combine the melon balls in a large bowl.
- Make dressing. In a small bowl or mason jar, whisk together the juice of 2 limes, ¼ cup honey, and 2-3 tablespoons of chopped fresh mint. Ensure the ingredients are well combined to create a tangy and sweet dressing.
- Combine and serve. Pour the dressing over the melon balls in the large bowl. Gently toss the melons to coat them evenly with the dressing. Be careful not to mash the melon balls while mixing. Serve the melon salad immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Recipe FAQ’s
Absolutely! Adding English cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, crumbled feta cheese, or even salty prosciutto can add extra flavor and texture.
If you plan to prepare the salad in advance, store the melon balls and dressing separately. Combine them just before serving to keep the melons crisp and the flavors vibrant.
The salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Tips for Success
- Select ripe melons with a sweet aroma and a slight give when pressed. Good melons will ensure the best flavor and texture for your salad. For a good watermelon, I like to give it a good thump and listen to how it sounds. A ripe watermelon will have a deep, almost hollow sound rather than a dull thud.
- Make sure to taste the dressing before adding it to the salad. Adjust the lime juice and honey to achieve the perfect balance of tangy and sweet.
- Add the mint just before serving to keep its flavor bright and fresh. Mint can lose its potency if added too early.
- Using a melon baller creates a visually appealing salad with bite-sized balls of melon. If you don’t have one, neatly cut cubes will also look great.
What to Serve with Melon Salad
This melon salad is the perfect accompaniment to BBQ burgers. The sweetness of the melons complements the savory flavors of the burgers, creating a balanced meal.
Pair the salad with grilled chicken for a light and healthy summer meal. The fresh herbs and tangy dressing will enhance the flavor of the chicken.
Serve this melon salad alongside a classic caprese salad for a colorful and refreshing spread. The combination of fresh fruit and savory ingredients is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
This salad is a great option for summer potlucks. It’s easy to transport, and the bite-sized pieces make it convenient for guests to enjoy.
Substitutions and Variations
- Make a cucumber melon salad by adding cool cucumbers for a refreshing twist. A good rule of thumb when combining seasonal ingredients is “what grows together goes together”.
- Watermelon feta salad can be made by replacing honeydew and cantaloupe with more watermelon and adding creamy feta cheese for a savory touch. You can also use goat cheese or fresh mozzarella for a different creamy texture.
- For a more savory salad, include salty prosciutto or tangy feta to balance the sweetness of the melons.
- Try different herbs like fresh basil leaves or cilantro instead of mint for a different flavor profile.
- Incorporate other sweet fruits like cherry tomatoes or fresh berries to make a fruit salad with additional color and taste.
- Lemon juice can be used as alternatives to lime juice.
More Easy Salad Recipes You’ll Love
- Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
- Creamy German Cucumber Salad
- Easy Orange Pomegranate Salad recipe with an Orange Vinaigrette
- Classic Bacon Broccoli Salad
- Zucchini Salad
- Seafood Pasta Salad
- Spring Salad with Strawberry Balsamic Vinaigrette
- Watermelon Salad Recipe with Basil and Feta
Summer Melon Salad
Ingredients
- 1 small watermelon (about 4 cups)
- 1 cantaloupe (about 4 cups)
- 1 honeydew melon (about 4 cups)
Dressing
- Juice of 2 limes (about 3 to 4 Tablespoons)
- ¼ cup honey
- 2-3 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
Instructions
- Slice melons in half. Clean out the seeds from the cantaloupe and honeydew. Use a melon baller to scoop out balls of each type of melon. If you don't have a melon baller, you can simply cut the melons into cubes.1 small watermelon, 1 cantaloupe, 1 honeydew melon
- Combine lime juice, honey, and mint in a bowl. Whisk together, then pour over the melon balls and toss gently. Refrigerate until ready to serve.Juice of 2 limes, ¼ cup honey, 2-3 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
Notes
- Store: Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This salad is best enjoyed within a couple of days.
- Make Ahead: If you plan to prepare the salad ahead of time, store the melon balls and dressing separately. Combine them just before serving to keep the melons crisp and the flavors vibrant.
