This post is sponsored by Sprouts Farmers Market. As always, all opinions and the recipe are my own.
Melon season is officially here! Invite friends or family and make this easy Strawberry Melon Salad. Galia melon is the star of this bright summer dish that serves 4–6.
As a child, I mostly stuck to watermelon and didn’t explore other melons. A few years ago, I discovered a much wider variety—thanks in part to a Melon Mania collaboration with Sprouts and my daughter’s enthusiastic love of Galia melon.
After trying Galia in a jamón skewer recipe, we had leftovers and my daughter kept reaching for more. That started a whole summer of tasting different melons and learning how delicious they can be.
More summertime dishes that work as appetizers or sides: Greek Bruschetta / Roasted Tomato Salsa / Cheeseburger Kebabs / Ramen Noodle and Clementine Salad.
Looking for more summer ideas? Check my Summer Recipe collection on the site!
What is Melon Mania?
Melon Mania celebrates melon season at Sprouts Farmers Market and highlights a range of varieties beyond the familiar honeydew, cantaloupe, and watermelon. Seasonal melons such as Crenshaw, Lemon Drop, and Galia are often available and offer unique sweetness and aroma.
I chose Galia for this salad because I developed a fondness for its fragrant, green flesh after first trying it a few years ago. Shopping at Sprouts makes it easy to find high-quality produce and interesting store-brand products like balsamic glaze that are used in this recipe.
What you’ll need to make Strawberry Melon Salad
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Bowl
- Citrus juicer or reamer
How to make this summery Melon Salad
Cut the Galia melon.
Trim a thin round from the top and bottom of the melon so it sits flat on the cutting board. This makes peeling and slicing safer and easier. Standing it on one trimmed end, run a sharp knife down the sides to remove the skin, following the curve of the fruit.
Cut the peeled melon in half and scoop out the seeds with a spoon. Slice into strips, then dice into roughly ½-inch cubes. Transfer the cubes to a bowl and set aside until you’re ready to assemble the salad.
Put the salad together and serve.
Slice strawberries in half and thinly chop or shred the fresh mint. Add both to the bowl with the melon cubes.
Squeeze the juice of half a lemon over the fruit, straining out any seeds or pith. Sprinkle crumbled feta over the salad and gently toss with tongs or a large spoon.
Finish by drizzling balsamic glaze over the top and serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Erin’s entertaining tips and tricks
Prep the melon ahead: Dice the Galia melon in advance and refrigerate. Toss the fruit with strawberries, mint, feta, lemon juice, and balsamic glaze just before serving. Melon releases juice as it sits; assembling at the last minute keeps the salad from becoming soggy and preserves the glaze’s flavor.
Substitutions:
- Cantaloupe or honeydew work well if you can’t find Galia.
- Swap feta for cotija or omit the cheese for a dairy-free version.
Make your own balsamic glaze: Simmer balsamic vinegar over low heat until it reduces and becomes syrupy. Let it cool before drizzling.
Frequently asked questions
What is a Galia melon?
Galia melon has sweet, green flesh and a netted exterior similar to cantaloupe. It is aromatic, fragrant, and pleasantly sweet. The variety was developed in Israel in the 1970s and was named Galia after the breeder’s daughter. In some regions it is also called a sarda melon.
What is the best way to cut a melon?
For safety and ease, trim a small round from both ends so the melon sits flat. Stand it on one trimmed end, remove the rind by following the curve with a sharp knife, halve the melon, scoop out seeds, and then slice or dice as desired.
How do I choose a summer melon?
A ripe Galia melon gives off a strong, sweet fragrance, and the rind may yield slightly to gentle pressure. When shaken, you might hear the seeds rattle inside. These signs help indicate ripeness and flavor.
When to serve this melon salad
This versatile salad works as an appetizer or side for summer gatherings: barbecues, holiday weekends such as Memorial Day or the Fourth of July, Labor Day, or even a casual weeknight dinner with friends. It’s fresh, easy, and crowd-friendly.
What pairs well with this Strawberry Melon Salad?
- Grilled burgers or Juicy Lucy Burgers
- Baked prosciutto-wrapped chicken
- Refreshing spiked watermelon limeade
- Bacon cilantro lime grilled corn salad
- Strawberry bruschetta for a patriotic spread
Strawberry Melon Salad
Servings: 4–6 | Author: Erin Parker, The Speckled Palate
A light summertime salad featuring sweet Galia melon, fresh strawberries, mint, crumbled feta, lemon juice, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. Bright, refreshing, and easy to make for any warm-weather gathering.
Equipment
- Sharp knife
- Citrus juicer
Ingredients
- 1 Galia melon, cut into ½” cubes (about 3½ cups)
- 1 cup strawberries, halved
- ¼ cup fresh mint, shredded or chopped
- 3–4 tablespoons feta cheese, crumbled
- Juice from ½ lemon
- 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
Instructions
- Trim a thin round from the top and bottom of the melon so it sits flat. Peel the rind by running a knife along the curve of the fruit.
- Cut the melon in half and scoop out the seeds. Slice into strips and dice into ½-inch cubes. Place in a bowl.
- Add the halved strawberries and chopped mint to the melon.
- Juice half a lemon over the fruit, taking care to avoid seeds.
- Sprinkle crumbled feta over the salad and toss gently with tongs or a large spoon.
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze and serve immediately.
Notes
Entertaining tip: Dice the melon ahead of time and refrigerate. Combine all ingredients and add the balsamic glaze just before serving to prevent sogginess.
Nutrition (per serving)
Approximate values: 210 kcal, 46 g carbohydrates, 4 g protein, 3 g fat, 40 g sugar, 4 g fiber, 184 mg sodium.