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 is always a hit at our summer gatherings, bringing smiles and excitement from kids and adults alike.
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 This recipe always brings my family together as we eagerly dig in and enjoy the colorful fruit display.
Notes
For a tropical twist add mango or passion fruit. 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. Always verify all packaged products for potential allergens.
Save This Watermelon Shark Bite Board is sure to impress and delight your guests with its creativity and fresh flavors.
Common Questions
- → How do I carve the watermelon shark mouth?
Slice off a thin base piece so the watermelon sits flat. Cut about one-third off one end at an angle, then scoop out the flesh to create the mouth opening. Carve jagged teeth along the edge carefully using a paring knife.
- → What fruits are best for filling the watermelon shark?
Use a colorful mix like green and red seedless grapes, blueberries, strawberries, kiwis, orange segments, pineapple chunks, blackberries, cantaloupe, and honeydew balls for a vibrant presentation.
- → Can I prepare the board in advance?
Chop the fruits ahead of time but carve the watermelon shark close to serving to keep freshness and shape intact. Arrange fruits just before guests arrive.
- → What tools are needed to create the shark display?
A paring knife for carving details, a large sharp knife for slicing, and a melon baller for shaping fruits enhance the assembly. Toothpicks secure the eyes and accents.
- → How to make the eyes of the watermelon shark?
Attach apple or banana slices as the white part of the eyes above the mouth opening and secure a blueberry at the center with toothpicks for a realistic look.