summer

10 Glorious Ways to Eat Your Weight in Melon

Kelli Foster
Kelli FosterCulinary Producer
I'm a recipe developer, food writer, stylist, and video producer (and The Kitchn's Dinner Therapist), with more than 10 years professional experience. Since graduating from The French Culinary Institute, I've authored 3 cookbooks: Buddha Bowls, Plant-Based Buddha Bowls, and The Probiotic Kitchen.
updated May 1, 2019
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(Image credit: Maria Siriano)

If, like me, your mission every summer is to eat as much sweet, juicy melon as humanly possible, then there’s no reason to stop now. Summer’s not over and there’s still a lot of fresh melon to be had. If you’ve had your fill of eating those thick-cut slices of watermelon out of hand, know that there are still a lot of ways to put one of summer’s sweetest fruits to work.

From watermelon s’mores to two-ingredient sherbet, here are 10 sweet and juicy ways to get your fill of melon.

Just in time for Labor Day, here’s a s’mores reboot to get really excited about. Sandwiched between two graham crackers and smothered with a thick swipe of Cool Whip on each side, here’s how to bring a little whimsy to watermelon — no campfire required.

(Image credit: Meghan Splawn)

If you make one watermelon dessert, let it be this one. It is the creamiest, dreamiest sherbet around, and with two ingredients and no churning it couldn’t be easier to make.

(Image credit: Kimberley Hasselbrink)

This hybrid between fruit salad and pasta salad is a refreshing pick for these lingering hot days. Couscous bulks it up so it’s filling enough for lunch, yet light enough for a side to pair with dinner from the grill.

(Image credit: Apartment Therapy)

Ready to taste cantaloupe’s savory side? This riff on classic tomato caprese partners the ultra-sweet orange melon with red onions, spicy herbs, and creamy, fresh mozzarella for a can’t-miss salad.

(Image credit: Lauren Volo)

Yes, watermelon curry is a thing, and it is totally delicious. If you’re not yet a believer, trust me — it works. It still has its signature sweetness, but spices and aromatics like garlic, cumin, coriander, turmeric, and cayenne add complexity, heat, and flavor to the otherwise one-note fruit.

(Image credit: Maria Midoes)

This is how to make the most of your cantaloupe when it’s at peak sweetness. If you have a melon that’s on its last leg, peel and cube it, then freeze it and use for smoothies later.

(Image credit: Christine Han)

A sweet and fruity caramel sauce is proof there are few things the beloved watermelon can’t do. Slow-cooking transforms watermelon from a once light and bright snack to a thick sauce with rich, deep sweet undertones. It might even remind you of an ultra-ripe summer tomato.

(Image credit: Jeff Roffman)

If you’re heading to a potluck or party, here’s how to bring watermelon that will get people talking. Coated with a light and sweet layer of Swiss meringue, quintessential summer melon is transformed into an impressive and easy dessert.

(Image credit: Jeff Roffman)

By now, you’ve surely had your fill of melon eaten out of hand, so it’s time to take it to the grill. Charred over the hot grates, the melon caramelizes and picks up a subtle smoky flavor. Paired with a sweet and spicy seasoning, grilled watermelon can be an intriguing side dish or a surprising dessert.

(Image credit: Kimberley Hasselbrink)

This is my favorite way to change up my standard pitcher of sangria. While this recipe calls for cantaloupe and honeydew, most any melon will pair nicely with the light, bright tang of limoncello.