![melons](https://www.besthealthmag.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/how-to-use-melons.jpg?fit=353%2C246)
An easy low-cal snack
Due to melon‘s water content (as much as 90 percent-compare that to, say, a banana, which has 75 percent), they are especially low in calories. One cup (250 mL) of cubes has:
• Watermelon: 48 calories
• Cantaloupe: 57 calories
• Casaba: 50 calories
• Honeydew: 65 calories
Tip: Before cutting into a melon, wash and scrub it with warm water and a clean produce brush.
![cantaloupe](https://www.besthealthmag.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/canteloup.jpg?fit=353%2C234)
1. Melon Soup
Crave a cool soup? Blend cantaloupe with orange juice, a little lime juice, a small knob of ginger (minced) and a pinch of cinnamon. Chill and serve with a dollop of low-fat sour cream or yogurt.
![woman eating watermelon](https://www.besthealthmag.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/healthyrules.jpg?fit=353%2C254)
2. Watermelon Salsa
In a food processor, pulse a can of black beans, a jalapeño pepper, a small sweet onion, a handful of cilantro and a clove of garlic until chopped. Add watermelon cubes and pulse briefly. Serve with grilled chicken, pork or fish.
![melon](https://www.besthealthmag.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/melon.jpg?fit=353%2C234)
3. Melon Kebabs
For a colourful picnic treat, alternate chunks of red and yellow watermelon, orange cantaloupe and green honeydew on bamboo skewers. Keep cool.
![watermelon feta salad](https://www.besthealthmag.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/watermelon-salad-353.jpg?fit=353%2C259)
4. Melon Salad
An easy potluck salad: Toss watermelon chunks with cherry tomato halves, crumbled feta and lots of chopped fresh basil. Sprinkle with pine nuts, if desired. Drizzle olive oil and lime juice overtop.
![melon cup](https://www.besthealthmag.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/melon_353.jpg?fit=353%2C283)
5. Edible Fruit Bowls
Cut a Persian melon or small cantaloupe in half, remove the seeds and use as an individual serving dish for sorbets, frozen yogurt, fresh berries or even a salad.
![honeydew melon](https://www.besthealthmag.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/honeydew-melon.jpg?fit=353%2C242)
6. Starter Salad
Arrange slices of honeydew and avocado on top of mixed lettuce leaves. Drizzle with an olive oil and vinegar dressing.
![smoothie](https://www.besthealthmag.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Smoothie_0.jpg?fit=268%2C194)
7. Melon Smoothie
Purée chunks of honeydew or cantaloupe with a banana, fresh berries and low-fat yogurt.
![watermelon punch](https://www.besthealthmag.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/watermelon-punch.jpg?fit=353%2C283)
8. Sparkling Watermelon Punch
For a quick summertime refresher, purée watermelon cubes until liquid. Pour in an equal amount of still or sparkling rosé wine. Serve over ice with lime slices.
![melon prosciutto](https://www.besthealthmag.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/prosciutto-melon.jpg?fit=353%2C234)
9. Easy Melon Appetizer
To make an Italian-style appetizer, cut a honeydew or cantaloupe into thin slices and remove skin. Wrap each piece with a slice of prosciutto (or cooked ham) and skewer with a toothpick.
![quick food](https://www.besthealthmag.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/quickfood.jpg?fit=353%2C353)
Quick Food
A?sumptuous meal doesn’t have to take all day with this time-saving tomb of tempting ideas that can be prepared in 30 minutes or less. Choose from over 330 kitchen-tested gourmet recipes, from snacks and soups to mains and desserts – each featuring a full-color photo of the finished dish. With cuisines such as Italian, Asian, Mediterranean and more, it’s a tasty treat for all!
Available now in the Best Health Store.
Related:
• The health benefits of melons
• 5 healthy reasons to eat stone fruit
• 10 weird fruits and vegetables from around the world