Watermelon Jack O Lantern Fruit Salad (Print Version)

Festive carved watermelon bowl filled with fresh seasonal melon, pineapple, and berries for a colorful Halloween party display.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Watermelon Bowl

01 - 1 large seedless watermelon

→ Fruit Salad

02 - 2 cups cantaloupe, balled or cubed
03 - 2 cups honeydew melon, balled or cubed
04 - 2 cups pineapple, cubed
05 - 1½ cups strawberries, hulled and halved
06 - 1 cup blueberries
07 - 1 cup seedless grapes, halved
08 - 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
09 - 1 tablespoon honey or agave syrup (optional)

# Steps:

01 - Cut a thin slice off the bottom of the watermelon to create a stable base for serving.
02 - On the opposite side, mark and carve a Jack O Lantern face using a small paring knife or pumpkin carving tools. Remove the cut-out pieces.
03 - Slice off the top quarter of the watermelon and set aside.
04 - Scoop out the watermelon flesh with a melon baller or spoon, reserving as much as possible for the salad. Place the carved watermelon shell in the refrigerator to chill.
05 - Remove any seeds from the watermelon flesh and cut it into bite-sized pieces or balls.
06 - In a large mixing bowl, combine the watermelon, cantaloupe, honeydew, pineapple, strawberries, blueberries, and grapes.
07 - Drizzle with lime juice and honey or agave syrup if using, then gently toss to combine evenly.
08 - Fill the chilled watermelon Jack O Lantern shell with the fruit salad and serve immediately.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The presentation alone makes people gasp before they even taste a single bite
  • It is essentially edible art that disappears faster than you can say Halloween in July
02 -
  • Watermelon rind is surprisingly thick, so do not rush the carving process or you might slip and ruin your design
  • The fruit salad needs to go into the shell right before serving, or the bottom pieces will get sad and soggy
03 -
  • Choose a watermelon with a symmetrical shape so your face design sits straight and even
  • Save the prettiest fruit pieces for the top layer where they will be most visible

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