Star Watermelon & Blueberry Salad

Today I can't wait to share with you an adorable fruit salad - just in the time for this wonderfully festive Fourth of July week. And the best news is that it's pretty darned easy. 

Watermelon is completely in season right now, and has always been something I can't satisfy the craving for, even if I've probably eaten more than my fair share. My favorite thing about watermelon is that very first slice right down the middle of the melon. When you first slice open up that beauty and the beautiful smell of fresh watermelon fills your senses, it's incredible.

For this salad, instead of the usual "slice and serve" deal, I decided it would be cute to follow the Fourth of July theme I've been seeing all over Pinterest. When I saw the star watermelon slices with the bright blue berries in a bowl, I knew I would just have to try it.

Unfortunately, I don't have a star cookie cutter. If you have one, use it. If you don't, you can do what I did for absolutely zero cost: cut out a star in heavy paper or cardboard, tape it everywhere so its completely waterproof, and use the cutout to trace stars in your watermelon slices with a knife. Again, if you have a cookie cutter star, use the heck out of it. It will cut about 15 minutes off the time it takes to make this salad. But you, as I, could survive without one. 

I chose to serve this beautifully patriotic salad in a white bowl to complete the typical red, white, and blue trio. I actually found the bowl at the DI (secondhand store) for $1 total. It's Food Network brand, and costs about $35 brand new. I'm kind of obsessed with it.

All ready for the Fourth? Now you are :)

Be safe out there, and don't start yourselves on fire now.

Star Spangled Salad
yields about 8-10 servings

ingredients:
1 large seedless watermelon
12 oz fresh blueberries, washed and de-stemmed
*optional: honey-lime dressing

tools
cutting board
large kitchen knife
star cookie cutter
white serving bowl

method:
1. Slice watermelon into large circle slices (think ham steaks) about 1/2 inch thick. Be careful as you get to the smaller ends of the watermelon, especially if the rind is slippery.
2. Using your knife, remove the rind (all white and green parts) from the watermelons slices.
3. With your star cutter, punch out about 4 stars per slice. Save the trimmings. Repeat.
4. Place all the random shaped watermelon pieces in the bottom of the bowl. Sprinkle with half the blueberries. Next, layer the star watermelon pieces and sprinkle with the remaining blueberries.
5. Place in fridge for about an hour before serving.

idea from: whit & whisle