10 Ways to Cook with Melon

We love melons because it’s enough to just cut up a few slices and serve them as a snack on a hot summer’s day. As for the rest, there are so many ways to cook with them. Here are 10 recipes that can be enjoyed any time of day.

1. Honeydew Breakfast Toast

Honeydew served on toast is the perfect start to the day. Spread a mixture of cheeses and chia seeds on toasted bread, and then top with thin slices of melon. As a final touch, add a drizzle of honey and a basil garnish. It’s a fruity breakfast that pairs well with your morning cup of coffee.

2. Vanilla Melon Jam

It’s easy to turn leftover melon into a homemade jam. Vanilla and ginger for the aroma, some lime juice, and of course sugar, are all the ingredients you require to make it. And by adding some balsamic vinegar to the mix, you get a delicious chutney that’s perfect when paired with grilled meat.

3. Savoury Watermelon Pizza

This recipe that takes watermelon and prepares it like a pizza is sure to please. The fruit slice, which serves as the base, combines its delicate and sweet taste with more pronounced toppings like onions, goat cheese and Kalamata olives. Garnish with basil and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar reduction. It’s original and delicious!

4. Two-Melon Salsa

You’ll need a cantaloupe and leftover watermelon to make this salsa, the perfect companion to grilled meat. The mixture includes tomatoes and bell pepper and has a touch of tang thanks to the addition of wine vinegar, lemon zest and juice. Let it sit in the refrigerator for at least an hour to let the flavours develop.

5. Watermelon and Mint Mocktail

If you’re ever not in the mood for an alcohol-based cocktail during happy hour, this mocktail is a refreshing option to sip on while taking in the nice weather. This simple recipe involves blending melon with mint. Strain the mixture before pouring it into glasses, and then fill them up with an equal amount of sparkling water. Cheers!

6. Melon Gazpacho

Use two types of melon, honeydew and Charentais, the latter with its sweet and fragrant orange flesh, to prepare this intoxicatingly scented gazpacho. Blend the melons with bell pepper, onion, chili pepper and fresh herbs. Add sparkling wine to the mixture and then refrigerate for 2-3 hours before serving. Garnish each bowl with small pieces of lemon and a mint leaf.

7. Veal and Watermelon Burgers

Grilled meat and watermelon make a surprising pair in this recipe that’s unanimously enjoyed. Prepare the patties along with a mix of pesto and hot sauce and, once cooked, place them on buns that have been generously spread with a herb-infused sour cream. Garnish with melon slices and fennel leaves and dinner is served!

8. Grilled Tomato and Melon Skewers

Combining cantaloupe, honeydew and cherry tomatoes, these skewers are a great accompaniment for grilled fish. Marinate the fruits in a mixture of balsamic vinegar and maple syrup before tossing them on the grill. Drizzle with a balsamic vinegar reduction, sprinkle with fresh thyme and serve.

View the Recipe:

9. Melon and Sparkling Wine Verrine

Sparkling wine is one of the ingredients in this colourful summer dessert that takes only 15 minutes to prepare. The recipe combines the white, green, orange, yellow and red flesh of five different melon varieties. Use a melon baller to scoop and then place them in a glass vessel before pouring in the sparkling wine. Simply decorate with mint leaves before serving.

10. Two-Melon Mousse

This velvety and refreshing treat will make kids happy and satisfy anyone’s sweet tooth. The recipe combines two gelatin-based mousses, one made of orange melon and the other with green melon. Serve the fruity and fluffy treat in ramekins or pretty glasses, and garnish with melon balls.

To learn about the different types of melons available, as well as how to store and serve them, check out this article:

https://www.iga.net/en/products_to_discover/fresh_produce/melons