Prawns with Melon

Prawns with Melon is a fresh and light dish that works perfectly as a starter or a quick lunch. The sweetness of the fruit balances the savoury taste of the seafood beautifully. It is very easy to prepare and requires no actual cooking if you use pre-cooked prawns. This combination is particularly refreshing during the summer months when melons are at their peak.
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Photo of the finished dish for the recipe Prawns with Melon

Why prawns with melon is a favourite

You will enjoy how quickly you can put together prawns with melon for any occasion. The texture of the juicy fruit paired with tender prawns creates a satisfying mouthfeel. It is a healthy choice that feels sophisticated without needing many ingredients or complex techniques. This simple dish is great for hosting because it looks elegant on the plate.

Follow these simple steps for prawns with melon

Step 1
Prepare melon: Cut the melon in half and remove the seeds with a large spoon. Slice the fruit into wedges or use a melon baller to create small spheres. Place the melon pieces into a large mixing bowl.
Step 2
Mix dressing: Squeeze the juice from the lime into a small container. Add the olive oil along with a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk the liquid together until it is well combined.
Step 3
Combine ingredients: Add the cooked king prawns to the bowl with the melon pieces. Pour the lime and oil dressing over the prawns with melon. Toss everything gently so the dressing covers all the components without bruising the fruit.
Step 4
Garnish and serve: Tear the fresh mint leaves into smaller pieces by hand. Scatter the herbs over the top of the dish just before serving. Enjoy the salad immediately while it is fresh and cool.

Good advice for making prawns with melon

Choosing a ripe melon is the most important part of making prawns with melon. Look for a fruit that feels heavy for its size and has a sweet aroma at the stem end. If the melon is not sweet enough the dish might taste a bit flat. You can use different types of melon like honeydew or galia for a slightly different flavour profile. Make sure the prawns are completely thawed and patted dry if you are using frozen ones. This prevents the dressing from becoming too watery. Chill the fruit in the fridge before preparing the salad to make it even more refreshing.

Adding a tiny bit of chilli flakes can give the dish a nice heat if you prefer some spice. Keep the prawns cold until the very last moment to ensure food safety and maintain the best texture.

You might also enjoy cod brandade, salmon wrap or salted almonds.

Ingredients

servings
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  • 250 g cooked king prawns
  • 1 whole cantaloupe melon
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 fresh lime
  • 5 g fresh mint leaves
  • 1 pinch sea salt
  • 1 pinch black pepper

Cooking time

Kitchen tools

Nutrition information

NUTRITIONper serving
  • Energy:1088 kJ / 260 kcal
  • Fat:8 g
  • - of which saturates:1.5 g
  • Carbohydrates:23 g
  • - of which sugars:20 g
  • Protein:25 g
  • Fibre:2 g
  • Salt:850 mg

People also ask

You should keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It is best to eat the Prawns with Melon within 24 hours because the melon will release water over time. The texture of the prawns is also best when eaten fresh.
Yes you can use frozen prawns as long as they are fully defrosted before use. Make sure to drain them well and pat them dry with a paper towel. This ensures that your Prawns with Melon does not become soggy from excess moisture.
Cantaloupe is a popular choice for this recipe because its orange flesh looks beautiful with the prawns. Honeydew also works well if you want a milder and sweeter taste. Any ripe and firm melon will make this dish delicious.
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4.7 / 5 - (24 ratings)