Cantaloupe

An old-school ice cream scoop turns out beautiful curls of melon; the pink peppercorn and bay–infused wine syrup keeps things interesting.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

The smoked paprika in this recipe adds depth. Unlike Hungarian paprika powder, which is prepared by drying the chiles in the sun, the Spanish smoked version (like La Chinata brand) is prepared by roasting the peppers over smoldering oak fires before being ground to a velvety powder. Active time: 30 min Start to finish: 30 min

Juicy cantaloupe makes a refreshing salsa for grilled chicken or fish. For a milder salsa, discard all the chile seeds.

A refreshing dessert on its own or spooned over vanilla ice cream. This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

When sweet, succulent jumbo crabmeat comes into season, this is an incredibly simple, light, and refreshing first course that requires no cooking. It can also be used as a main course for a summer luncheon.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

This dessert is a trompe l'oeil, resembling the peel, rind, and flesh of a cantaloupe.

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Spooning this conserve over yogurt makes a light, sweet summer dessert.

Part of the allure of this very grown-up dessert is its texture, which is softly set, rather than bouncy like Jell-O.

Whether your produce is peak-season or just so-so, this smart recipe will make it shine.

A simple combination of shallots, chile, and loads of acid, fat, and salt transforms any mediocre melon into something juicy and joy-inducing. Feta helps too.

Inspired by traditional Chinese smashed cucumber salad, this sweet and salty version features crunchy Hami melon.

A classic combination of melon and cured meat gets upgraded with the addition of briny olives and buttery nuts.