Melon

If your watermelon isn’t very sweet, force it to be savory by adding peppery radishes and a quick vinaigrette. With mint strewn all over, it's super-refreshing.

Aguas frescas, water-based fruit drinks, are a cool way to make your fresh fruit go further—especially in the summertime when you might have a larger watermelon than you know what to do with, or peaches that are starting to shrivel.

The perfect romantic-comedy homage in a drink—a little sweet, a little bitter, and HOT. 

This refreshing blended drink is inspired by ayran, doogh, and lassi. Yogurt makes it tangy and creamy; white pepper gives a touch of earthy heat.

Watermelon contains natural sugars and plenty of liquid, which make this smoothie light and refreshing. The fresh mint gives it that je ne sais quoi that you might not be able to pinpoint right away, but which makes the flavor a total standout. 

Think of this smoothie-like sipper as a base, then start riffing. Try blending mild red pepper flakes with mango, finely grated ginger with pineapple, or cucumber and mint with honeydew.

Sweet, juicy tomatoes and watermelon are soul mates—and they both need salt, spice, and fat to reach their full potential. Here, a turmeric- and cumin-infused coconut oil provides all of that and more.

This all-green salad gets a kick from serrano, ginger, and just a hint of fish sauce. Keep the melon ice-cold for maximum contrast.

Seek out a slightly underripe cantaloupe for this salty-sweet, crunchy, and juicy summer side; firmer flesh makes it easier to slice into ribbons.

A quick vinaigrette gives watermelon chunks a bit of extra brightness, perfect for pairing with charred ribs and sweet cherry tomatoes.

This ribbon salad is evidence that you need a mandoline in your life. The shaved cucumber and melon will release some liquid and lose a bit of crunch after they’re dressed, so toss everything together just before serving.

This boldly flavored fruit salad is a welcome accompaniment to any grilled main.

This technique is nothing short of amazing—even if you're finicky about your pickles.

This showstopper is a kaleidoscope of colors, a treasure chest of nutrients . . . yet not a berry to be seen. Winter fruit has its merits: Kiwi is an excellent source of vitamins C and K (the latter is needed for blood clotting), not to mention digestion-enhancing fiber. Reddish-orange persimmons contain twice the dietary fiber of apples, plus more potassium, calcium, iron, manganese, and antioxidants. Cantaloupe and honeydew both provide potassium and are super hydrating—helpful for the winter months when you might be stuck indoors amid dry, re-circulated air. Dressed in a tropical coconut kefir-and-mint vinaigrette, it's a pleasure for all of the senses.

While the ingredients for this sweet, salty, and savory salad can all be prepped ahead, the greens should be tossed through just before serving so they stay bright and crisp.