8 Tasty Melon Recipes That Are Super Refreshing

We often overlook melon, relegating it to filler in fruit salads. But these bright, juicy fruits are incredibly versatile, and can add subtle sweetness to all kinds of dishes. With all the different types of melon available, you can enjoy a mix, or stick to your favorite. Fashion them into pretty orbs and skewer, toss slices into savory salads, blend into a smoothie — there are endless ways to enjoy melon. 

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You asked: What melon is the healthiest?

All melons have nutritional value. A cup of cantaloupe has nearly all of your day’s vitamin C and more than the recommended daily amount of vitamin A. Honeydew has a similar amount of calories per cup (around 60), with about half of the day’s vitamin C, and it also offers fiber, folate, and vitamin B6. Watermelon is slightly lower in calories and has lycopene, a cancer-fighting antioxidant. All have a high water content and are rich in potassium, so they’re hydrating and good for healthy blood pressure levels.

Here are 8 delicious ways to incorporate more melon into your diet all day.

1. Spicy Melon Ricotta Toast

Top whipped ricotta with a sweet-spicy mix of cantaloupe, jalapeno, mint, chili flakes, and pepper, all on toasted sourdough, and get ready for a flavor explosion. This would make a tasty breakfast or a nice light lunch.

Try this recipe from Camille Styles.

2. Cucumber Melon Salad

Cucumber and melons are in the same botanical family, so it makes sense they work well together in a refreshing salad. With pickled red onion, fresh basil, and a light, simple vinaigrette, this salad would pair well with grilled meat, fish, or chicken.

Try this recipe from Running to the Kitchen.

3. Melon Caprese Salad

In this twist on the classic Caprese salad, juicy melon stands in for tomatoes, creamy burrata takes over for regular mozzarella, and there’s fresh mint (along with basil) and prosciutto as well. The creative trick of serving it in individual glasses is a fun trick, but you can spread all of the ingredients on a platter, if you prefer.

Try this recipe from Half Baked Harvest.

4. Cantaloupe Granita

A slushy granita is such a refreshing treat, and this one features bright cantaloupe (though you could use a different melon, or a combo). Swap honey for the sugar, if you like — and we’d add a pinch of salt to brighten the flavor. Also, try an unsweetened iced tea instead of the water, such as a mint or chamomile.

Try this recipe from This Healthy Table.

Related: 5 Anti-Inflammatory Fruits to Stock Up On

5. Watermelon Gazpacho

Watermelon adds a welcome sweet edge to gazpacho, which is like a salad in a blender. With bell pepper, tomato, cucumber, and jalapeno, this chilled soup is savory and a little spicy, and the perfect starter or side on a warm day. Top it with chopped avocado just before serving.

Try this recipe from Love and Lemons.

6. Melon Prosciutto Skewers

We’ll be serving these cute, colorful appetizers at every get-together for the spring and summer. With melon balls, mozzarella, prosciutto, and fresh basil, and a balsamic drizzle, they’re like mini individual Caprese salads on a stick.

Try this recipe from Regain Your Sparkle.

7. Cantaloupe Smoothie

Just when we thought we’d tried every kind of smoothie, here comes this one, featuring cantaloupe. We love the unexpected combo of the melon with protein-rich yogurt and creamy banana. Add a pinch of cardamom for a twist.

Try this recipe from Jar of Lemons.

8. Layered Triple Melon Popsicles

There’s nothing more fun on a hot day than a popsicle — especially one that looks fancy like these layered ice pops. Plus, they have a secret: They have no added sugar. Simply puree each melon with a touch of electrolyte-rich coconut water, layer in pop molds, and get ready for refreshing, healthy ice pops kids and adults alike will love.

Try this recipe from A Magical Mess.

Read next: 8 Juicy, Refreshing Fruit Salad Recipes