Berry-Melon Salad
A vibrant and refreshing berry-melon salad featuring sweet strawberries, honeydew, and cantaloupe, dressed with a zesty citrus poppy seed sauce—perfect for summer gatherings or light desserts.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine orange juice, grapefruit juice, lemon juice, cornstarch, vegetable oil, and honey in a saucepan, stirring well.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until thickened and bubbly.
- Stir in poppy seed.
- Cover and chill thoroughly.
- Peel cantaloupes and cut each melon into four 3/4-inch slices.
- Place slices on individual salad plates.
- Combine sliced strawberries and honeydew melon balls.
- Spoon 1/2 cup of strawberry mixture over each cantaloupe slice.
- Spoon the poppy seed mixture evenly over the fruit.
Tips & Substitutions
For a sweeter dressing, consider increasing the honey or substituting with agave syrup. If you're out of poppy seeds, chia seeds can be a great alternative. For extra crunch, add some chopped nuts or seeds. Make sure to chill the dressing thoroughly for a refreshing contrast to the warm summer fruits. This salad pairs beautifully with Fruited Picnic Slaw.
Serving Suggestions
This Berry-Melon Salad is perfect for summer gatherings and can be served as a light dessert or a refreshing side dish. Pair it with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. It also complements a barbecue beautifully, making it a great addition to any summer picnic. Consider serving with a refreshing Fruit Ice Drink.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The fruits may soften, but the flavors will still meld beautifully. Avoid freezing, as the texture of the melons and strawberries will be compromised. Serve cold for the best experience.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Berry-Melon Salad contains roughly 722 calories, with 2g protein, 36g carbohydrates, and 66g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (112% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (49% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 713mg per serving (31% of the Daily Value).
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different fruits in this salad?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute the strawberries and honeydew with other seasonal fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or peaches. Just ensure that the fruits are ripe and fresh for the best flavor.
How can I make this salad vegan?
This recipe is nearly vegan already! To ensure it's fully vegan, simply replace honey with maple syrup or agave nectar. The rest of the ingredients are plant-based and will still create a delicious salad.
Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dressing and cut the melons a few hours in advance. However, it’s best to assemble the salad right before serving to keep the fruits fresh and vibrant. If made too early, the fruits may release juices and become soggy.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).