Need to cool down this summer? Then try our scarlet-hued Watermelon Fruit Salad with juicy cherries and fragrant mint it makes a refreshing summer dessert or is just great to snack on!
How to pick the perfect watermelon
This popular summer fruit may be mostly water but it is still loaded with nutrients.
In our family we usually pick our melons by tapping and if the sound is hollow then into the shopping cart it goes. It can be a bit hit or miss but we usually get it right eight times out of ten ?.
Other things to look for when choosing watermelons ...
- A bright yellow field spot. The field spot is where the melon touches the ground, it ranges in colour from white to orange-yellow. Choose a melon that is creamy yellow or darker in colour as they are sweeter.
- Look for webspots and sugar spots. These are the light-brown weblike markings you see on your watermelon. This is where the bees have touched the flowers when pollinating them. They are sweeter melons because there has been more pollination. The dark sugar spots are where sugar seeps out and also indicates sweetness.
- Choose the girls. Did you know that there are male and female watermelons? The males are longer and females are rounder. The male varieties are watery and the female are sweeter. What do you prefer?
- The Goldilocks factor. Not too big, not too small, but average is just the right size to choose here. Just make sure that it feels heavy for its size as this also means that it is ripe.
- Duller is better. Shiny and glossy are not your friend when it comes to melons, as this means that they are underripe so look for a matte dull appearance instead.
- Look at the tail. If you are lucky enough to see a watermelon with its tail intact then choose one that has a dried tail, the green ones mean that it has been picked recently and may not be ripe.
HOW TO PREPARE A WATERMELON
For A whole watermelon
- Wash the outside of the melon, lay it flat on a chopping board and cut off both ends.
- Cut it in the middle to make two manageable pieces.
- Then stand each piece up and with a sharp knife cut off the rind.
- Start from the top down to the bottom. Keep slicing until you start to see the pink flesh.
- Lay the peeled watermelon flat and cut into bite-sized cubes.
For Half or Quarter oF a watermelon
- Wash the outside of the melon, cut it in half, then into quarters.
- Carefully run a sharp knife between the white rind and pink flesh, and slice from one side to the other.
- Cut into slices vertically, then slice horizontally for bite sized pieces.
DO I Have To Use cherries in this salad?
If you would like to make this salad but can’t find any cherries without maxing out your credit card then feel free to replace with strawberries, blueberries or any other berry that you fancy.
Another alternative would be to use grapes - red or green or both you choose!
You Will Need...
HOw To Make Watermelon Fruit Salad
1PREPARE WATERMELON
Cut you melon into bite-sized cubes.
2PREPARE REMAINING INGREDIENTS
Wash your all your cherries, remove the stems and pits using a cherry pitter if you have one, then cut them in half.
Wash the mint, shake and pat dry then strip the leaves from the steps.
3ASSEMBLE SALAD
Place everything in a large mixing bowl and mix well to combine.
Arrange in a salad bowl and keep chilled in the fridge until you are ready to serve.
Can I make it Ahead?
Absolutely, in fact it is best if you make it an hour or two before serving as it truly is wonderfully refreshing when served cold.
What Can I serve it with?
I personally just love this salad on its own as a refreshing summer dessert but it is also wonderful served with a lime sorbet, coconut ice-cream or with some whipped cream.
Some other great Fruit Salads to Try
Recipe Card
Equipment
- Sharp knife
Ingredients
- 2 kg watermelon (without the rind, approximately half small seedless 4.41 lb)
- 300 grams cherries (approximately 10.58oz)
- ½ cup mint
Instructions
- Wash the outside of the melon, lay it flat on a chopping board and cut off both ends Cut it in the middle to make two manageable pieces.
- Then stand each piece up and with a sharp knife cut off the rind. Start from the top down to the bottom. Keep slicing until you start to see the pink flesh.
- Lay the peeled watermelon flat and cut into bite-sized cubes.
- Wash your all your cherries, remove the stems and pits using a cherry pitter if you have one, then cut them in half.
- Wash the mint, shake and pat dry then strip the leaves from the steps.
- Place everything in a large mixing bowl and mix well to combine.
- Arrange in a salad bowl and keep chilled in the fridge until you are ready to serve.
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