Save A playful and refreshing summer fruit platter featuring a carved watermelon shark filled with juicy fruits, perfect for parties and kid-friendly gatherings.
This recipe always delights my family and guests with its creative twist on fruit serving.
Ingredients
- Watermelon Shark: 1 large seedless watermelon, 2 blueberries (for eyes), 2 slices of apple or banana (for eye whites), 1 small paring knife (for carving)
- Fruit Filling & Board Garnish: 2 cups seedless green grapes, 2 cups seedless red grapes, 1 pint blueberries, 1 pint strawberries hulled and halved, 2 kiwis peeled and sliced, 2 oranges peeled and segmented, 1 cup pineapple chunks, 1/2 cup blackberries, 1 cup cantaloupe balls or cubes, 1 cup honeydew balls or cubes, fresh mint leaves (optional for garnish)
- Extras (optional): 1 cup gummy fish or sharks (for decoration), 1/2 cup mini marshmallows (to mimic bubbles)
Instructions
- Prepare the Watermelon Shark:
- Slice a thin piece off the bottom of the watermelon so it sits flat. Cut about 1/3 off one end at an angle to create the sharks mouth opening. Scoop out the flesh from the cut section reserving it for the fruit filling. With a paring knife carve jagged teeth along the edge of the mouth. Use toothpicks to attach apple or banana slices for the eyes above the mouth and secure a blueberry in the center of each.
- Assemble the Fruit Board:
- Dice reserved watermelon flesh into bite-sized pieces. Fill the inside of the sharks mouth with a mix of watermelon grapes berries and orange segments to look like shark bait. Arrange the remaining fruits and melon balls around the shark on a large tray or board alternating colors and shapes for visual appeal. Scatter gummy fish or marshmallows if using and garnish with fresh mint leaves.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately providing small tongs toothpicks or forks for easy fruit picking.
Save My kids love gathering around this board and picking their favorite fruits, making snack time fun and interactive.
Notes
For a tropical twist add mango or passion fruit. If making ahead prep fruit in advance but carve the watermelon shark just before serving for best freshness. Serve chilled for extra refreshment. Pairs well with a citrusy white wine or sparkling lemonade.
Required Tools
Large sharp knife, Paring knife, Melon baller (optional), Cutting board, Large serving platter or board, Toothpicks
Allergen Information
Contains None of the major 8 allergens. If adding gummies or marshmallows check labels for gelatin or allergens. Always verify all packaged products for potential allergens.
Save This watermelon shark bite board adds a splash of creativity to any summer party and keeps everyone refreshed.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do you carve the watermelon shark mouth?
Slice about one-third off one end of the watermelon at an angle to create the mouth opening, then use a paring knife to carve jagged teeth along the edge.
- → Which fruits work best for the filling?
Seedless green and red grapes, blueberries, strawberries, kiwi, oranges, pineapple, cantaloupe, honeydew, and blackberries create vibrant flavor and colors.
- → Can this board be prepared ahead?
Fruit can be prepped in advance, but carve the watermelon shark just before serving to maintain freshness and shape.
- → What tools are needed for carving?
A large sharp knife for initial cuts and a smaller paring knife for detailed carving are essential; a melon baller is optional for shaping fruits.
- → How to keep the fruits fresh and appealing?
Serve the platter chilled and garnish with fresh mint leaves to enhance freshness and aroma.