23 Ways I’m Using Summer Melons Before They’re Gone

I’ve been on a bit of a melon kick this summer, and I’m not even trying to stop. When they’re cold and ripe, there’s nothing better to eat straight out of the fridge. But turns out, melon can actually do more than be the filler fruit no one touches at brunch. From drinks to salads to skewers, I’ve been using it in way more meals than I expected. It’s fresh, fast, and somehow works with everything from bacon to feta to margaritas.

Mango Melon Soup

This chilled soup comes together quickly and tastes like actual relief on a hot day. The pickled cucumber and prosciutto skewers give it a salty, tangy bite that makes it feel more like a full dish than a drink in a bowl. It’s a smart way to use up extra melon when you’re over smoothies but still want something cold.
Get the Recipe: Mango Melon Soup

Cucumber Melon Salad

Crisp cucumber, sweet cantaloupe, and sharp pickled onions come together in a fast salad that actually holds its own next to grilled meat. It’s the kind of no-cook side you need when turning on the stove sounds like a bad idea.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Melon Salad

Melon Mozzarella Prosciutto Skewers

Melon and prosciutto is a classic for a reason, and adding mozzarella gives it just enough to feel like a full appetizer. These skewers are easy to assemble and hold up well on a snack board or backyard table.
Get the Recipe: Melon Mozzarella Prosciutto Skewers

Watermelon Bacon Salad

Sweet watermelon and salty bacon play off each other with crunch from greens or veggies mixed in. This is a good one when you’re looking for something different but still easy to throw together with what’s in the fridge.
Get the Recipe: Watermelon Bacon Salad

Watermelon Lime Slushie

Frozen watermelon, strawberries, lime, and coconut water make this drink light and refreshing without the need for anything fancy. A perfect way to finish off leftover melon and cool down fast.
Get the Recipe: Watermelon Lime Slushie

Fresh Watermelon Bites with Whipped Feta

These are easy to prep, perfect for grabbing by hand, and work for everything from pool snacks to party trays. Watermelon and whipped feta hit that sweet and salty combo that somehow never gets old.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Watermelon Bites with Whipped Feta

Frozen Melonball Cocktail

This drink keeps things light, cold, and a little bit nostalgic in the best way. You get melon flavor without anything too sweet, and it’s easy to double or triple for a crowd. Perfect for late afternoon when people start circling the cooler again.
Get the Recipe: Frozen Melonball Cocktail

Watermelon Fruit Pizza Cake

Fresh watermelon slices replace the crust, then get topped with yogurt, whipped cream, and fruit. It’s simple, fun to look at, and makes a good dessert when it’s too hot to bake anything.
Get the Recipe: Watermelon Fruit Pizza Cake

Fresh Mozzarella Watermelon Skewers with Honey Lime Drizzle

These skewers are built for summer gatherings where you want to serve something quick that still looks put-together. The honey lime drizzle ties everything together without making it feel like dessert.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Mozzarella Watermelon Skewers with Honey Lime Drizzle

Cantaloupe Melon Salad

This one’s all about simplicity. You don’t need more than a knife and 15 minutes to put it together, which makes it a great call when you need something fresh and fast to take to the pool or pack for the beach.
Get the Recipe: Cantaloupe Melon Salad

Cucumber Melon Salad with Mint Honey Lime Dressing

Cool cucumber and melon work perfectly with a quick honey lime dressing, and feta adds just enough salt to balance the sweetness. It’s one of those salads that makes it easy to eat more melon without repeating the same thing every time.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Melon Salad with Mint Honey Lime Dressing

Watermelon Feta Salad with Basil and Cucumber

This salad hits all the right notes with crunchy cucumber, juicy watermelon, and salty feta. Basil gives it a little extra without overcomplicating anything. It’s a good pick when you need a side that’s fresh but not boring.
Get the Recipe: Watermelon Feta Salad with Basil and Cucumber

Watermelon Gazpacho Recipe

Light, chilled, and a little sweet, this gazpacho is an easy way to use up watermelon that’s getting too soft. It doubles as lunch or a starter when it’s too hot to eat anything heavy.
Get the Recipe: Watermelon Gazpacho Recipe

Fresh Watermelon Salad with Corn and Mango

This one’s packed with juicy summer fruit and just enough lime to pull it together. It’s great for potlucks, BBQs, or whatever’s happening in the backyard when you need something that looks like you tried.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Watermelon Salad with Corn and Mango

Watermelon Margarita

A few ingredients and a blender are all you need for this drink. It’s quick to make and has enough fresh watermelon flavor to feel like summer in a glass without going overboard on sweetness.
Get the Recipe: Watermelon Margarita

Watermelon Agua Fresca

This is the kind of drink you keep in the fridge all week. It’s light, hydrating, and comes together in minutes with just watermelon and water. No need to overthink it.
Get the Recipe: Watermelon Agua Fresca

Watermelon & Marinated Tofu “Feta” Skewers

These skewers balance salty tofu and sweet melon in a way that actually works. They’re quick to prep, easy to serve, and don’t need to be cooked—great for when you’re trying to stay cool and still use up what’s left of the melon.
Get the Recipe: Watermelon & Marinated Tofu “Feta” Skewers

Summer Antipasto Platter

This no-cook platter pulls together a mix of snacks that require almost zero effort. Add melon, cheese, and whatever you’ve got sitting around and call it dinner, lunch, or anything in between.
Get the Recipe: Summer Antipasto Platter

Midori Melon Margarita

This cocktail swaps in Midori for a little extra melon flavor. It’s a fun change from the usual margarita and easy to batch for a group. Great for slow summer evenings when no one wants to move much.
Get the Recipe: Midori Melon Margarita

Melon Cucumber Ribbon Salad with Melon Vinaigrette

This salad uses thin ribbons of honeydew and cucumber to keep things light and refreshing. The melon vinaigrette ties it together without making it too sweet. It’s a good way to get through extra melon without just chopping it into chunks.
Get the Recipe: Melon Cucumber Ribbon Salad with Melon Vinaigrette

Roasted Beet and Watermelon Salad with Goat Cheese

This salad has sweet watermelon, earthy roasted beets, peppery greens, and creamy goat cheese. It sounds fancy but comes together easily, and the flavors actually work. It’s a solid dish when you’re trying to use up melon but want something with more substance.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Beet and Watermelon Salad with Goat Cheese

Refreshing Strawberry Watermelon Rosé Sangria

This drink combines watermelon, strawberries, and rosé for a summer cocktail that’s as easy to drink as it is to throw together. Great for get-togethers or just because it’s hot.
Get the Recipe: Refreshing Strawberry Watermelon Rosé Sangria

Watermelon & Yogurt Popsicles

Frozen watermelon pops coated in Greek yogurt and crushed pistachios are simple, refreshing, and great for kids or adults. These help knock out leftover melon in a way that actually feels like a treat.
Get the Recipe: Watermelon & Yogurt Popsicles