Make the Mighty Melon the Main Event With These 10 Recipes

This simple recipe is tried and true — a classic. Salty, chewy prosciutto with cool and sweet cantaloupe melon is such a great combination. Make it even better with a drizzle of sharp extra virgin olive oil, a sprinkle of finely sliced basil and a dusting of freshly cracked black pepper.

The flavor of the cantaloupe really matters here, so pick a good one. A little citrus, a little salt and a little sugar will just enhance the already sweet and perfumy melon flavors.

A traditional Caprese salad contains tomato, mozzarella and fresh basil. The recipe refreshes the concept by adding cantaloupe balls, also great with basil and mozzarella. Drizzle with balsamic glaze, extra virgin olive oil, salt and pepper for a simple and tasty dressing.

Honeydew is already refreshing, so it’s a great base for a cool, fruity drink. Blend chunks of melon with lime, tequila, sugar and ice. For an even frostier drink, freeze the melon chunks before blending.

Halloumi is a wonderful Mediterranean cheese that grills perfectly. It gets a squeaky, crunchy crust on the outside and stays like a firm mozzarella on the inside. Here, it’s added to a sweet and spicy salad with cantaloupe, strawberries, mint, chives and jalapeno. Dress simply with lime juice.

Gazpacho is a cold soup made from bread and garden veggies, like tomato, bell pepper and cucumber. Substitute sweet cantaloupe melon for sweet heirloom tomatoes and garnish with blueberries and basil for a fun update.

Is this salad too pretty to eat? Chunks of watermelon, honeydew and cantaloupe are laid out in a random grid with feta, tomato, cucumber and avocado. It’s summer on a plate and a work of art, too.

Keep it simple when dressing melon and let the intoxicating sweetness do all the work. Here, a trio of melon balls is dressed with citrus, mint and honey. Basic and beautiful perfection.

Honeydew is delicate with its notes of honey and cucumber, while blue cheese is a little funky. Together, they make a great team, lifting the earthy sweetness of blackberries, along with cucumbers and a mint lime dressing.

Switch up your bubble tea routine (everyone has one, don’t they?) with honeydew in place of the milk tea or matcha. It’s bright, sweet and very refreshing.