Watermelon & Pistachio-Crusted Cream Cheese Balls with Balsamic Drizzle

Introduction

This dish is a refreshing blend of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors that feels gourmet yet simple to make. Juicy watermelon serves as the fresh base, topped with creamy pistachio-crusted cheese balls and finished with a sweet balsamic drizzle. It’s light, elegant, and perfect for summer gatherings, holiday appetizers, or when you want to impress guests with minimal effort.

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)

How to Make