Marvelous Melon Salad

Serve 10-12

4 cups watermelon balls

4 cups cantaloupe balls

4 cups honeydew balls

¾ cup coarsely chopped mint leaves

¼ cup granulated cane sugar or sugar substitute

¼ cup water

1 tablespoon lemon juice

¼ cup strawberry liqueur

Carved out watermelon shell, cut lengthwise (optional)

 

1. In a small saucepan, heat sugar and water until sugar dissolves. (Note, a sugar substitute may be used, i.e. Splenda, Equal, Sweet’N Low, NutraSweet, etc.).  Remove from heat and allow simple syrup to cool completely.
2. Transfer simple syrup to a blender and add mint, lemon juice, and strawberry liqueur. Process until smooth.
3. Combine fruit in a large serving bowl. Pour dressing over salad. Toss well.
4. For a special touch, serve salad in a carved out watermelon shell instead of a ceramic or glass serving bowl.