Watermelon Jack O Lantern (Printable)
Carved watermelon jack o lantern filled with colorful fresh fruit salad
# What You Need:
→ Watermelon Bowl
01 - 1 large seedless watermelon
→ Fresh Fruit
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
→ Dressing
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 to create openings.
03 - Slice off the top quarter of the watermelon and set aside for later use as a lid if desired.
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 for best presentation.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- Its the kind of centerpiece that does double duty as decoration and dessert
- The lime juice keeps everything tasting freshly cut for hours
02 -
- The watermelon shell will sweat if it sits out too long, so keep it chilled until 30 minutes before serving
- Don't carve your face too close to the bottom or the fruit will spill out the mouth
03 -
- A melon baller makes this look much fancier than cubed fruit
- Chill your serving spoon alongside the shell so it stays cold