3 Juicy melon recipes for summer

Biting into a juicy chunk of melon is one of our favorite summer rituals, but these tender fruits aren’t just for snacking or dessert. Here are three succulent and savory melon recipes to put on your summer entertaining menu.

Watermelon salsa

Especially amazing spooned on top of grilled steak, watermelon salsa is also a delish addition to your chips-and-dip menu. The salty chips and sweet chunks of watermelon are a yum-inspiring pair.

Yields 4 cups

Ingredients:

• 3 cups diced seedless watermelon (try a mix of red and yellow watermelon)
• 2 jalapeño peppers, seeded, minced
• 1/2 cup finely chopped red onion
• 1/3 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro
• Finely grated zest of 1 lime
• Juice of 2 limes
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Mix all ingredients in a medium bowl.
2. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use. You may have to drain excess juice if refrigerated overnight.

Cantaloupe carpaccio

A juicy vegan lunch or a succulent side dish for grilled meats, thinly sliced cantaloupe drizzled with a honey-chive vinaigrette is an refreshing change from the usual fruit salad.

Serves 6 as a side dish

Ingredients:

• 1 (3-pound) cantaloupe, halved lengthwise, seeded
• 1 tablespoon finely grated lemon zest
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1/4 cup white balsamic vinegar
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 1 shallot, minced
• 2 tablespoons minced fresh chives
• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Cut each cantaloupe lengthwise into three wedges, for a total of six wedges. Using a sharp knife, cut cantaloupe wedges lengthwise into very thin slices.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon zest, lemon juice, vinegar, honey, shallot, chives and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Drizzle vinaigrette over cantaloupe and serve.

Honeydew feta salad

Sweet and savory flavors punctuate this juicy melon salad. For a tasty change, swap in cantaloupe or watermelon chunks or make this recipe with a mix of melons.

Serves 8

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh mint
• 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
• 1 tablespoon finely grated orange zest
• 1/4 cup orange juice
• 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 4 cups honeydew balls or chunks
• 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together mint, onion, orange zest, orange juice, vinegar, honey and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Add honeydew and toss to coat. Add feta, tossing to combine, and serve.

More juicy melon recipes for summer

Protein-packed cantaloupe bowl
Chilled watermelon soup
Avocado lime and honeydew salsa