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Vegan Herbed Melon & Olive Skewers

Vegan Herbed Melon & Olive Skewers — Summer Appetizer Recipe

Grab a cold drink and a shady spot — we’re making Vegan Herbed Melon & Olive Skewers, the effortless, colorful summer appetizer that looks fancy but takes almost no sweat. I first made these for a rooftop BBQ, and people kept coming back for “just one more.” Spoiler: they never stopped. This recipe stays 100% vegan, bright, and party-proof. Why you’ll love these skewers
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 24
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Calories: 58

Ingredients
  

  • For the Lime Mint Oil
  • 0.5 oz / 14 g fresh mint leaves plus extra for serving
  • Zest of ½ a lime
  • ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt plus more for serving
  • 3 tablespoons / 45 ml extra-virgin olive oil
  • For the Watermelon Skewers
  • 24 bamboo cocktail skewers
  • 24 Kalamata olives pitted, for threading
  • 24 fresh mint leaves
  • 2 –3 Persian cucumbers or 2–3 zucchini or 1 English cucumber, peeled into long ribbons
  • About ¼ watermelon cut into 24 1-inch cubes
  • Lime mint oil for drizzling
  • Lime wedges for serving
  • Bold tip: Use ripe firm watermelon so the cubes hold on the skewer without turning mushy.

Equipment

  • Cutting board and chef’s knife (sharp knife = safer and faster)
  • Y-peeler or mandoline (for cucumber/zucchini ribbons)
  • Small saucepan and slotted spoon (for blanching mint)
  • Ice bath (bowl of ice water)
  • Mini food processor or mortar and pestle (to make the lime mint oil)
  • 24 bamboo cocktail skewers (or metal if you prefer)
  • Serving platter (long wooden board looks gorgeous)
  • I use a mini food processor because I hate hand-chopping herbs. IMO, it’s worth the tiny cleanup.

Method
 

  1. Make the Lime Mint Oil
  2. Bring a small saucepan of water to a boil. Prepare an ice bath nearby.
  3. Blanch mint leaves for 10 seconds (yes, just 10). Scoop them into the ice bath immediately to preserve that vibrant green.
  4. Drain and pat dry the mint. Transfer it to your mini food processor.
  5. Add lime zest, salt, and olive oil. Process until smooth. Taste and adjust salt if you want more punch.
  6. Chill or set aside. You may make the oil ahead — it holds in the fridge for a couple days.
  7. Why blanch the mint? Blanching prevents oxidation and keeps the oil bright green. Looks better, tastes fresher. Simple science, zero drama.
  8. Assemble the Watermelon Skewers
  9. Prepare your veg and fruit: Peel cucumber into long ribbons with a y-peeler or mandolin. Cut watermelon into 24 1-inch cubes.
  10. Thread the skewer in this order: Kalamata olive → fresh mint leaf → folded cucumber ribbon → watermelon cube. Repeat until you’ve made 24 beautiful skewers.
  11. Arrange on a platter. Drizzle lime mint oil lightly over the skewers and sprinkle a pinch of sea salt if desired. Serve with lime wedges.
  12. Presentation tip: Place skewers in a fan or row on a wooden board and drizzle oil right before serving so they stay fresh-looking.

Notes

Nutrition information (per serving — 1 skewer)

  • Calories: 58 kcal
  • Total Fat: 2 g
  • Saturated Fat: 0 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 1 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
  • Sodium: 11 mg
  • Carbohydrates: 3 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Protein: 0 g
Note: These numbers remain estimates. They help you plan, but don’t stress the small stuff — enjoy the skewers.