Summer Watermelon Slice (Print Version)

A vibrant summer platter featuring grapes, fresh cheese, and juicy watermelon for easy entertaining.

# Ingredient List:

→ Outer Ring

01 - 1 cup green grapes or pitted green olives

→ Middle Layer

02 - 5.3 oz fresh mozzarella cheese (sliced) or feta cheese (crumbled)

→ Interior

03 - 2 cups seedless watermelon (cubed or balled)
04 - 1 cup seedless strawberries (halved)
05 - 1 tablespoon fresh mint leaves (optional)

# How-To Steps:

01 - Select a large round serving platter and outline a semi-circle or slice shape as a guide.
02 - Arrange green grapes or pitted green olives evenly along the outer edge of the semi-circle to simulate the watermelon rind.
03 - Place sliced or crumbled mozzarella or feta cheese in a neat band just inside the green ring, representing the white part of the rind.
04 - Fill the central space with seedless watermelon cubes or balls and halved strawberries to create the watermelon flesh.
05 - Optionally, scatter fresh mint leaves over the fruit for enhanced aroma and visual appeal.
06 - Present immediately, ideally chilled to maintain freshness.

# Helpful Tips:

01 -
  • It's a showstopper that requires zero cooking skills, just honest arrangement and a good eye for color
  • Everyone gets fooled for a delightful second, thinking you've performed kitchen magic when you've really just celebrated what summer ingredients already are
  • It stays fresh and beautiful for hours, making it the perfect make-ahead centerpiece for any gathering
02 -
  • Temperature matters enormously here. A warm platter can start melting your cheese within minutes, so take the extra time to chill your serving plate in the freezer for at least ten minutes before arranging. This one lesson changed everything for me.
  • Prepare this no more than thirty minutes before serving. The longer it sits, the more the fruit releases liquid that can make the cheese layer look less pristine. I learned this the hard way at my first attempted party.
03 -
  • If you want to add visual intrigue without changing the essence of the dish, scatter a few black olives or blueberries throughout the watermelon center to mimic actual watermelon seeds. It's a small touch that delights people.
  • For a dairy-free version that works beautifully, swap the cheese for a quality vegan alternative. I've had excellent results with cashew-based cheeses that have similar creamy, soft qualities to fresh mozzarella.
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