Watermelon season is from about August to October in the Northern Hemisphere, but this sweet fruit can be now be had year round due to modern day shipping conveniences. This fruit salad basket can be used for many events, such as school meetings, church socials, and spring holiday parties. It is festive, adorable, and delicious.
Ingredients
- One large, perfectly ripe watermelon
- Half of a small cantaloupe
- Half of a small honey dew melon
- Two cups of red grapes
- Half a can of pineapple chunks (optional)
Step 1
Purchase a perfectly ripe watermelon. This is important because although you are using the shell for a "basket", the insides will still be eaten. If the insides are over-ripe, it may be difficult to work with. But, if the fruit is under ripe, your salad will be bland and flavorless, which is not how a fresh salad should taste. When you have any doubts regarding the freshness of a fruit, ask the produce manager at your local supermarket.
Step 2
Mark the top of the melon as shown.
Step 3
With a long, thin bladed knife, cut out the top of the watermelon, leaving the center as handle. After cutting out the handle, begin to make it appear wavy by slowly cutting out semicircles from the skin.
Step 4
Use the melon baller to scoop the flesh out. Put the about half of the melon balls into one bowl. You will be filling the basket with them later. The other half of the melon can be stored or eaten right away - it won't be needed for the fruit salad.
Step 5
Use an ice cream scoop to scrap the inside walls of the watermelon clean.
Step 6
Cut open the other fruits and use the melon baller to remove the "meat" from inside them. You will only need half of the actual meat. Mix the other half of the cantaloupe and honey dew with the leftover watermelon. Afterward, mix the other half of the melon balls with the ones taken from watermelon. Blend well, and add the pineapple and grapes.
Step 7
Serve cold and enjoy!
Tips
- Expecting a large crowd? Instead of eating the other half of the mixed fruits, serve them in a nice bowl after the first batch runs out.
There are lots of things that can be done with watermelons. Try your hand at actual watermelon carving!
Warnings
- Be careful with the knife. It is especially dangerous to use when cutting the handle of the basket.
Things You'll Need
- A thin bladed knife
- A melon baller
- An ice cream scoop
- A marker
