The ultimate summer salad – Insalata Caprese – with a refreshing fruit twist of watermelon and cantaloupe.
School officially ended on Tuesday at noon, the husband is out of town, the 8 year old doesn’t start camp until next week and you could pretty much fry an egg on the sidewalk for the past 10 days.
This all calls for a short and sweet post featuring a short and sweet recipe.
I pretty much eat a variation of the caprese salad (tomato, fresh mozzarella, basil and olive oil) all summer long. It’s easy, no-cook, refreshing, in season and so versatile.
Make it into a Simply Grilled Tomato Basil Pizza or a Grilled Potato Zucchini Caprese or a Portable Picnic Cherry Caprese or a No-Cook Summer “Lasagne.”
Or a fruit salad in this case.
I’ve included a recipe but you really don’t need one – just use whatever type of melon – or summer stone fruit like peaches, plums, cherries, nectarines – you have on hand tossed with tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil, olive oil, balsamic vinegar and a little salt & pepper.
Done.
Melon Caprese Salad: easy to make this ultimate summer fruit salad via @tspbasil Click To Tweet PrintMelon Caprese Salad
- Yield: 8-10 servings. 1x
Description
The ultimate summer salad – Insalata Caprese – with a refreshing fruit twist of watermelon and cantaloupe.
Ingredients
- 1 cantaloupe, seeded and chopped or shaped into little balls (about 2 cups)
- 1/2 small seedless watermelon, chopped or shaped into little balls (about 2 cups)
- 1 cup grape tomatoes
- 12 ounces fresh mozzarella balls
- 1/3 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vingear
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Dash of coarse salt
Instructions
- Mix together watermelon and cantaloupe in a large colander over a large bowl. Let sit for about 10 minutes to drain extra juice. Save juice for drinking or smoothies and add melon back to empty large bowl.
- Add remaining ingredients and toss gently. Serve immediately.
Recipe note: If you got the grill going, first grill slices of melon and then cube and toss with rest of ingredients. (This grilled watermelon salad rocked my summer menu last season!)
Shopping for melons: Cooking Light’s got you covered with their Guide To Melons and Favorite Melon Varieties (I’m now on the look out for White Wonder Melon.)
Do you like caprese salads? What’s your favorite way to serve fruit in the summer?
dixya @food, pleasure, and health
Tuesday 24th of May 2016
this looks sooooooo good. i love caprese in general but never tried it with melon balls. love love love it.
Elizabeth Shaw
Tuesday 24th of May 2016
This is such a pretty recipe! I wish I could enjoy this too, but since I'm allergic, I will have to whip this up for Mr CEO! He's on a watermelon kick right now with training so it perfect for his meal plan!
rachel @ athletic avocado
Tuesday 24th of May 2016
woah this is a great take on caprese salad! I think it's been better than the regular version!
EA-The Spicy RD
Wednesday 24th of June 2015
Genius idea! We are big time Caprese Salad eaters at my house, but I've never thought to pair it with melon. This sounds so refreshing and delicious! Hope life mellows out and cools off for you soon my friend :-)
Dixya @ Food, Pleasure, and Health
Friday 19th of June 2015
this looks so refreshing! i want this for my dinner tonight :)
Deanna Segrave-Daly
Friday 19th of June 2015
Thanks Dixya - let me know if you try it out :)