Make the perfect melon sago dessert drink with this easy recipe! This refreshing, all natural, and delicious fruit recipe is a favorite with bouncy tapioca and melon balls swimming in a creamy mix of milks of choice. This melon tapioca recipe is a bit like a deconstructed melon ice cream with the icy texture, super chilled fruit, and natural sweetness in every bite.
Updated on October 25, 2025
Table of contents
What is Melon Sago?
Melon sago or melon tapioca recipe is a chilled dessert made with sago or tapioca pearls, fresh melon, and a creamy base, typically coconut milk or evaporated milk. There is always lots of ice so this fruity punchbowl recipe is super cold and icy! The key is to make perfectly cooked tapioca pearls so your recipe is amazing.
The combination of the chewy sago pearls and the sweet, juicy melon creates a delightful texture and flavor that’s perfect for warm weather or whenever you crave a healthy, fruit treat.
You can use cantaloupe or honeydew to make melon sago such as in my melon sa malamig recipe and honeydew drink recipe.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Uncooked Tapioca Pearls – or sago if you can access it (usually available at a Filipino grocery store); follow package instructions
- 1/2 Fresh Melon – about 4 cups (Honeydew or cantaloupe works best) balled with a melon baller or shredded with a fruit shredder
- 1 can Real Coconut Milk or Evaporated Milk -14 oz
- 1/2 cup Regular Condensed Milk – or vegan coconut condensed milk; you can adjust to sweetness preference
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 1 small pinch Salt
- Water – for boiling sago pearls
- Ice Cubes – for serving
Equipment
- Can Opener
- Melon Baller
- Big Bowl
- Mixing Spoon
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Sago Pearls
- Boil the Water: Bring a pot of water to a boil. You’ll need plenty of water to ensure the sago cooks evenly. Use a 10:1 ratio pearls to water.
- Cook the Sago: Add the sago pearls to the boiling water. Stir occasionally to prevent them from sticking together. Boil about 10-15 minutes then remove from heat and steep for an additional ten minutes, or until the sago pearls turn translucent. Follow package instructions for best results.
- Rinse and Drain: Once cooked, drain the sago pearls and rinse them under cold running water to remove excess starch. Set aside.
Prepare the Melon
- Cut the Melon: Use a melon baller to create as many melon balls as you can and also, save the melon juice.
- Chill the Melon: Place the melon in the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the rest of the dessert.
Make the Creamy Base
- Combine the Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the coconut milk or evaporated milk with condensed milk, vanilla, and pinch of salt. Mix very well.
Assemble the Dessert
- Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked sago pearls, chilled melon balls, and the sweetened milk mixture.
- Stir Well: Mix everything thoroughly to ensure the sago and melon are evenly distributed.
Serve Right Away
- Add Ice Cubes: Put lots of ice in the bowl or into individual serving cups and serve the melon sago with a long spoon.
Tips for Perfect Melon Sago
- Use Ripe Melon: The sweetness of the melon is crucial for the overall flavor. Make sure to use ripe, sweet melon.
- Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the amount of sugar based on your preference. Some melons are naturally sweeter and may require less added sugar. A tip to find sweet melon is to smell the end of the melon for a sweet smell and the skin of the melon should be smoother and creamy colored.
- Serve Immediately: Melon sago is best served immediately after assembling to enjoy the fresh flavors and textures.
Important! If you use regular dairy for the melon sago please serve right away so the enzymes in the melon do not react with the protein in the dairy.
Variations
- Mango Sago: Replace the melon with ripe mango for a tropical twist. Even add nata de coco for more texture such as in mango bango.
- Mixed Fruit Sago: Combine melon with other fruits like strawberries or kiwi for a colorful and flavorful variation.
- Healthier Option: Use low-fat milk or almond milk to reduce the calorie content.
- Colorful: Use BOTH honeydew and cataloupe for a yummy, colorful version.
If you enjoyed this guide, be sure to share it with others and leave a comment below with your thoughts or any variations you’ve tried. Happy eating!
EASY Melon Sago Dessert
This all natural and delicious fruit recipe is a favorite with bouncy tapioca and melon balls swimming in a creamy mix of milks of choice for an icy dessert drink.
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Servings: servings
Calories: 374kcal
Equipment
- Big Bowl
- mixing spoon
Ingredients
- ½ cup Uncooked Tapioca Pearls or sago if you can access it; follow package instructions
- 4 cups Fresh Melon Honeydew or cantaloupe works best balled with a melon baller or shredded with a fruit shredder
- 1 can Real Coconut Milk or Evaporated Milk 14 oz; or almond milk
- ½ cup Regular Condensed Milk or vegan coconut condensed milk; you can adjust to sweetness preference
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 1 small pinch Salt
- Water for boiling sago pearls
- Ice Cubes for serving
Instructions
Prepare the Sago Pearls
- Boil the Water: Bring a pot of water to a boil. You’ll need plenty of water to ensure the sago cooks evenly. Use a 10:1 ratio pearls to water.½ cup Uncooked Tapioca Pearls, Water
- Cook the Sago: Add the sago pearls to the boiling water. Stir occasionally to prevent them from sticking together. Boil about 10-15 minutes then remove from heat and steep for an additional ten minutes, or until the sago pearls turn translucent. Follow package instructions for best results.
- Rinse and Drain: Once cooked, drain the sago pearls and rinse them under cold running water to remove excess starch. Set aside.
Prepare the Melon
- Cut the Melon: Use a melon baller to create as many melon balls as you can and also, save the melon juice.4 cups Fresh Melon
- Chill the Melon: Place the melon in the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the rest of the dessert.
Make the Creamy Base
- Combine the Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the coconut milk or evaporated milk with condensed milk, vanilla, and pinch of salt. Mix very well.1 can Real Coconut Milk or Evaporated Milk, ½ cup Regular Condensed Milk, 1 tsp Vanilla Extract, 1 small pinch Salt
Assemble the Dessert
- Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked sago pearls, chilled melon balls, and the sweetened milk mixture.
- Stir Well: Mix everything thoroughly to ensure the sago and melon are evenly distributed.
Serve Right Away
- Add Ice Cubes: Put lots of ice in the bowl or into individual serving cups and serve the melon sago with a long spoon.Ice Cubes
Notes
- Use Ripe Melon: The sweetness of the melon is crucial for the overall flavor. Make sure to use ripe, sweet melon.
- Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the amount of sugar based on your preference. Some melons are naturally sweeter and may require less added sugar. A tip to find sweet melon is to smell the end of the melon for a sweet smell and the skin of the melon should be smoother and creamy colored.
- Serve Immediately: Melon sago is best served immediately after assembling to enjoy the fresh flavors and textures.
Nutrition
Nutrition Facts
EASY Melon Sago Dessert
Amount per Serving
Calories
374
% Daily Value*
Fat
10
g
15
%
Saturated Fat
6
g
38
%
Polyunsaturated Fat
0.3
g
Monounsaturated Fat
3
g
Cholesterol
39
mg
13
%
Sodium
181
mg
8
%
Potassium
818
mg
23
%
Carbohydrates
60
g
20
%
Fiber
3
g
13
%
Sugar
42
g
47
%
Protein
11
g
22
%
Vitamin A
8315
IU
166
%
Vitamin C
36
mg
44
%
Calcium
383
mg
38
%
Iron
1
mg
6
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
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