Watermelon Basket Summer Delight (Printer-Friendly)

Impressive carved watermelon filled with mixed fresh fruits and citrus honey dressing

# What You'll Need:

→ Fresh Fruits

01 - 1 large seedless watermelon
02 - 2 cups seedless grapes, green or red
03 - 2 cups cantaloupe, balled or diced
04 - 2 cups pineapple, diced
05 - 1 cup strawberries, hulled and halved
06 - 2 kiwis, peeled and sliced

→ Citrus-Honey Dressing

07 - 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
08 - 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
09 - 1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint leaves

# How-To Steps:

01 - Slice 1/4 inch off the length of the watermelon to create a flat base for stability.
02 - Mark handle and basket outline on watermelon. Carefully cut out handle and remove top pieces to expose flesh.
03 - Scoop watermelon balls using melon baller or cut into bite-sized cubes. Reserve in large bowl.
04 - Pat inside of watermelon basket dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
05 - Mix watermelon balls, grapes, cantaloupe, pineapple, strawberries, and kiwis in large mixing bowl.
06 - Whisk together lime juice, honey, and mint in small bowl. Drizzle over fruit and toss gently to coat.
07 - Transfer mixed fruit into carved watermelon basket carefully.
08 - Refrigerate until ready to serve. Garnish with extra mint if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • You get to play with your food while carving something genuinely impressive
  • The fruit stays perfectly chilled inside its own natural container
  • It's the conversation piece that does the work for you at any gathering
02 -
  • Room temperature fruit absorbs dressing better than cold fruit straight from the fridge
  • The basket will start weeping if you fill it more than two hours before serving
  • A serrated knife gives you more control than your chef's knife for the carving part
03 -
  • Ball your melons the night before and store them separately for faster day-of assembly
  • The dressing can be doubled if you love fruit salad that's properly coated and glossy

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