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Melon Salad with Rocket, Fennel, and Marjoram

This vibrant melon salad with rocket, fennel, and marjoram is a sophisticated take on a summer classic. By combining three varieties of melon—sweet Charentais, crisp Canary, and juicy watermelon—you create a beautiful contrast of colours and textures. The addition of thinly sliced fennel provides a subtle aniseed crunch, while fresh marjoram adds a floral, herbal depth that elevates the natural sweetness of the fruit.

As a light vegan dish, this recipe is perfect for alfresco dining or as a refreshing side for a garden barbecue. The simple dressing of moscato vinegar and high-quality olive oil draws out the juices from the melon, creating a naturally sweet vinaigrette. Serve this seasonal salad on a large platter to showcase the bright colours, ensuring you drizzle over every drop of the delicious marinating juices before serving.

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Ingredients for Melon Salad with Rocket, Fennel, and Marjoram

  • 1/2 medium Canary melon, rind removed and flesh cut into 1/2-inch pieces (about 850ml )

  • 1/2 medium Charentais melon, rind removed and flesh cut into 1/2-inch pieces (about 850ml )

  • 1/4 small heirloom watermelon, rind removed and flesh cut into 1/2-inch pieces (about 150g )

  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more for seasoning

  • 1 medium fennel bulb, thinly sliced

  • 45ml extra-virgin olive oil

  • 1 1/2 tablespoons moscato vinegar

  • 2 loosely packed cups baby rocket

  • 2 tablespoons fresh marjoram, large leaves torn

How to make Melon Salad with Rocket, Fennel, and Marjoram

  1. In a large bowl, combine the Canary and Charentais melons and watermelon. Sprinkle with the salt and toss to combine.

  2. Add the fennel to the bowl. Drizzle the oil and vinegar over the melons and fennel and gently mix with your hands. Let the melon and fennel marinate in the dressing at room temperature for 10 minutes.

  3. Add the rocket and marjoram to the bowl and toss until just combined. Season with salt. Transfer the salad to a large rimmed serving platter or shallow salad bowl. Pour any juice from the bowl over the top of the salad and dig in.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 16 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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