This elegant summer appetizer combines juicy watermelon with creamy pistachio-crusted cheese balls and a tangy balsamic reduction. Each bite is a refreshing balance of sweet, savory, and nutty flavors — perfect for warm-weather entertaining or as a sophisticated starter for any meal.
Recipe Overview
- Serves: 4
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Chill Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
For the Watermelon Base:
- 4 cups seedless watermelon, diced into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tbsp fresh mint leaves, finely chopped (optional, for garnish)
For the Pistachio-Crusted Cream Cheese Balls:
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp lemon zest
- ½ cup shelled pistachios, finely ground (plus extra for garnish)
For the Balsamic Reduction:
- ½ cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey (optional, for extra sweetness)
