The easiest healthy summer side? A melon ball salad! It's fun for summer cookouts and great for kids. (vegan, gluten-free, nut-free)

melon balls in a white bowl on top of a grey and white napkin.

If you are in a pinch and don't know what to make for your next cookout, I guarantee this melon ball salad will be a hit! It's an easy summer side and one that kids and adults both love, because who can resist popping cute melon balls into their mouths?

Why You'll Love This Melon Ball Salad

This side dish is incredibly easy to make and is naturally healthy and hydrating. It's make-ahead friendly and feeds a crowd easily. Add some mint if you want for some extra fresh flavor, or keep it simple.

How To Make a Melon Ball Salad

four image collage showing steps for making a melon ball salad.

To make melon balls, just cut your melons in half and scoop out the seeds if needed (for a cantaloupe or honeydew melon). Then use a melon baller (it's a real thing) or a rounded teaspoon to scoop into the flesh and use a rounded motion with your wrist to cut out a ball. Throw all the melon balls into a bowl (or even the rounded out melon)! That's it!

Which Melon Should I Use?

Any that you have! I typically use watermelon, cantaloupe and honeydew for a nice variety of colors, but use whatever you have on hand. There are so many melon varieties out there now that you can mix and match!

For more delicious summer side dishes that are perfect for summer cookouts, browse these Healthy Summer Sides!

Did you make this recipe? Please leave a star rating in the comments!

Easy Summer Melon Ball Salad

overhead view of melon balls in a white bowl with a gold spoon in it.

Print Recipe

The easiest healthy summer side? A melon ball salad! It's fun for summer cookouts and great for kids. (vegan, gluten-free, nut-free)

Author: Kaleigh
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: varies
Category: salad
Method: no cook
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Honeydew melon
Seedless watermelon
Cantaloupe

Instructions

Wash melons and cut each in half. Scoop out and discard seeds (for honeydew and cantaloupe).
Using a melon ball scooper or a rounded teaspoon, scoop balls out of melon flesh. Place in a large bowl.
Gently mix using a spoon or rubber spatula. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Notes

Use any type of melon you like or have on hand.
To get the best melon balls, push the melon ball scooper as far into the flesh as you can and scoop using a rounding motion with your wrist.
If you want to get fancy, add some fresh mint or a drizzle of honey!

Keywords: melon ball salad, easy summer melon salad