4th of July Watermelon Kabobs
15 min
|
easy
|
low-fat
Recipe by Eunice
Introduction
These red, white, and blue watermelon kabobs are the no-fuss Fourth treat: juicy melon, pillowy marshmallows, and a pop of blueberry sweetness on a stick.
Perfect for cookouts and pool parties, they are 3-ingredient, make-ahead, refreshing, and cute enough to double as table decor while I keep the grill hot.
Ingredients (12 servings)
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Ingredients:
- ½ small watermelon, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 24 cubes) small fresh watermelon 0.5 ct small
- 24 large marshmallows large marshmallows 13.33 oz
- 24 fresh blueberries fresh blueberries 1.2 oz
How to Make 4th of July Watermelon Kabobs
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Set up and chill
Clear a clean cutting board, grab cocktail skewers, and chill the watermelon cubes and blueberries for 15 minutes so they stay firm and drip less.
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Cube and dry the watermelon
Cut the watermelon into neat 1 inch cubes if not already cubed, then pat every side dry with paper towels so the marshmallows do not get tacky.
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Stage an assembly line
Arrange bowls of watermelon, marshmallows, and blueberries next to the skewers to keep your movements efficient and clean.
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Skewer with clean technique
Hold the skewer flat on the board and slide on one marshmallow, then one watermelon cube, then one blueberry for each kabob.
Twist the skewer gently as you pass through the marshmallow to avoid tearing, and push through the blueberry across its equator so it grips.
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Cap the point safely
Finish each skewer with the blueberry at the tip so it covers the sharp end and looks polished on the platter.
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Chill and serve
Lay kabobs in a single layer on a parchment lined tray, cover, and refrigerate until serving so everything stays perky and photo ready.
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Optional star shapes
Use a small metal star cutter on 3/4 inch watermelon slabs for a patriotic look, then pat dry and assemble as above.
Substitutions
- Watermelon -> Strawberries
- Swap 1 inch hulled strawberry halves or firm strawberry cubes for the red, which bring a sweeter, jammy bite and hold well on short cocktail picks without leaking juice.
- Marshmallows -> Angel food cake
- Use 1 inch cubes of angel food cake for the white, giving a soft, airy chew that plays beautifully with juicy fruit while keeping the clean red white blue palette.
- Blueberries -> Blue jelly cubes
- Set unflavored gelatin or firm agar with butterfly pea tea for natural blue, cut into 3/4 to 1 inch cubes, and skewer gently for a fun, jiggly blue layer that reads bright on the platter.
Tips
- Dry equals pretty
- Watermelon must be well blotted so the marshmallow stays fluffy and the kabobs do not look slick on the tray.
- Pre poke marshmallows
- Make a pilot hole with a spare skewer so the marshmallow slides on cleanly without squishing.
- Hide the sharp end
- Always finish with a blueberry at the tip to cap the point and give a tidy, professional finish.
- Keep it cold
- Assemble on a chilled sheet pan and serve over a tray set on ice packs if it is a hot backyard party.
- Star cutter strategy
- Cut stars from cold, 3/4 inch watermelon slabs and use the trimmings for agua fresca so nothing gets wasted.
- Flavor pop that keeps colors clean
- A micro-grate of lime zest over the watermelon or a tiny pinch of flaky salt makes the red taste sweeter without bleeding color.
Nutrition Facts *
| Energy | 209 | kcal |
|---|---|---|
| Protein | 3 | g |
| Total Fat | 0 | g |
| Carbohydrates | 51 | g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1 | g |
* Approximate, per serving.
Data source: USDA FoodData Central.
FAQ
- How do I stop marshmallows from getting sticky or soggy next to the watermelon?
- Blot the watermelon thoroughly, keep it cold, assemble in the order marshmallow then watermelon then blueberry, and serve chilled so moisture does not migrate.
- Can I make these ahead?
- Assemble up to 4 hours ahead, cover the tray tightly, and refrigerate, or prep components up to 1 day in advance and skewer within 2 hours of serving for the best texture.
- My blueberries are huge and keep splitting, what do I do?
- Choose firm medium berries and pierce across the equator, not through the stem end, or switch to two smaller berries back to back for a snug fit.
- What can I use if I do not have cocktail skewers?
- Use sturdy toothpicks for bite size kabobs or 6 inch bamboo picks and place two marshmallow watermelon blueberry sets on each for a longer look.
- How do I cut tidy 1 inch watermelon cubes without waste?
- Slice the melon into even planks, cut into strips, then into cubes, and save trimmings for a quick blender slush with lime and a pinch of salt.
- Can I add extra flavor without tinting the colors?
- Drizzle a whisper of honey over the blueberries, dust a little powdered sugar right before serving, or add mint confetti sparingly so the palette stays red white blue.
Serving Suggestions
A chilled lemon yogurt dip or coconut whipped cream on the side adds tang or silk without smearing your red white and blue shine.
For a bigger spread, tray these next to grilled peaches and a bowl of salty pistachios, because that sweet salty contrast makes every bite pop and keeps guests reaching for one more.
More pairings:
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