Simple Layered Melon Berries (Printable version)
Juicy melon slices and sweet berries arranged in colorful concentric circles for a fresh presentation.
# What you need:
→ Melons
01 - 1 small cantaloupe, peeled, seeded, cut into 1/4-inch rounds
02 - 1 small honeydew melon, peeled, seeded, cut into 1/4-inch rounds
03 - 1/2 small seedless watermelon, peeled, cut into 1/4-inch rounds
→ Berries
04 - 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
05 - 1 cup fresh blueberries
06 - 1 cup fresh raspberries
07 - 1 cup fresh blackberries
→ Garnish (optional)
08 - Fresh mint leaves
09 - Zest of 1 lime
# How To:
01 - Using a sharp knife or round cookie cutters, slice melons into even, circular rounds. Optionally, use different-sized cutters to create smaller circles for layering.
02 - On a large serving platter, arrange the largest melon circles in a single layer, alternating colors for visual appeal.
03 - Layer smaller melon rounds atop the larger ones, forming concentric rings with varying melon types for contrast.
04 - Scatter strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries liberally over and between the melon layers.
05 - Garnish with fresh mint leaves and sprinkle lime zest over the arrangement, if desired.
06 - Serve immediately or cover and chill until ready to present.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- It looks like you spent hours arranging it, but honestly, you can have this ready in the time it takes to brew coffee.
- There's no cooking, no baking, no worrying about temperatures or timing, just fresh fruit and a little creativity.
- It works for absolutely everything, breakfast spreads, afternoon picnics, potlucks, or even as a light dessert when you want something sweet but not heavy.
02 -
- Cold fruit tastes better and holds its shape longer, so I always chill my melons for at least an hour before slicing.
- If your melons are different sizes, don't stress. Just use what you've got and adjust the layering, it'll still look beautiful.
- A sharp knife is everything here. Dull blades smush the fruit and make ragged edges, and nobody wants that.
03 -
- If you want perfectly uniform circles, invest in a set of round cutters in graduated sizes. I use mine all the time now, not just for this.
- Save the melon scraps and blend them into smoothies or freeze them for later. Waste not, want not.
- For a little extra wow factor, chill your serving platter in the freezer for 20 minutes before assembling. It keeps everything cold longer.