Melon Caprese Salad
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.
[bctt tweet="Melon Caprese Salad: easy to make this ultimate summer fruit salad via @tspbasil"]
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Melon 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)
- ½ small seedless watermelon, chopped or shaped into little balls (about 2 cups)
- 1 cup grape tomatoes
- 12 ounces fresh mozzarella balls
- ⅓ cup fresh basil leaves, torn
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vingear
- ¼ 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?
I love caprese salad!!! Love that you took this to a whole new level 🙂
Thanks Rachel - caprese salad lovers unite!
I LOVE caprese salad, and I love the addition of melon here! Wow!
I think we need to start a caprese salad lovers club 🙂
I love watermelon, basil, and feta in the summer- so salty, sweet, and fresh!
Yes – another great combo! I use ricotta salata instead of feta at times – a bit less tangy but still so good 🙂
amen to being able to fry an egg outside! This heat! But I dooo love my watermelon, so anything involving it, I'm down for!
xoxo Sarah Grace, Fresh Fit N Healthy.
Well, I guess we can't be neither as hot as Florida 🙂 Actually today it's only 75 (back up to 90s tomorrow) and it almost feels cold - crazy!)
I've been on a caprese kick lately! From burgers to salads to bruschetta, caprese is where it's at! Pinning this beautiful recipe so I can remember to make it for my friends BBQ this weekend!
ooh - love the idea of caprese ingredients as burger toppings - YUM! LMK if you make it 🙂
My mouth is literally watering just looking at this post! This Caprese Salad looks so amazing, Deanna. I'm thinking it would be fun to try putting this salad in skewer-form for a fun party appetizer!
Oooh - love the idea of skewering it for a party - what an easy appetizer!
this looks so refreshing! i want this for my dinner tonight 🙂
Thanks Dixya - let me know if you try it out 🙂
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 🙂
woah this is a great take on caprese salad! I think it's been better than the regular version!
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!
this looks sooooooo good. i love caprese in general but never tried it with melon balls. love love love it.