Photo: moreno0101, Flickr

What's cheap, easily available and delicious? Melon! It's in season, which makes it affordable and readily available. And, forget about relinquishing it to a bowl of fruit salad -- melon has a lot more to bring to the table!

First, think about pairings, and go beyond the typical fruit salad combos. Think about prosciutto, avocado, honey and syrups, herbs like tarragon or basil, regular salads or whatever else comes to mind. Could some honeydew add a new flavor to your favorite smoothie? Can you see yourself chilling out with a watermelon-flavored popsicle?

As is often the case, Martha Stewart has the answer. Over at wholeliving.com, you'll find recipes for everything from Watermelon Gazpacho (a soup that combines delicious veggies with juicy watermelon) to Easy Melon Sorbet (a delicious frozen dessert that doesn't require any special tools beyond a food processor).

Got a favorite melon recipe? Or are you a melon purist, believing that melon should only be eaten fresh and on its own?