Prosciutto and Melon

Bring Italy into your home with this Melon e Prosciutto (melon and prosciutto) recipe! A super quick and simple appetizer using only 2 ingredients: fresh cantaloupe and delicious Italian prosciutto. Ripe and juicy Cantaloupe slices are gracefully wrapped in premium Italian Prosciutto, creating a delightful combination of flavors. This elegant and effortless appetizer is sure to impress your guests and elevate any summer gathering.

Jump to:

• ❤️Why you will love this recipe
• 🥣Equipment
• 📝The Ingredients
• 👩🏻‍🍳How to make prosciutto e melone
• 🍴Serving suggestions
• 🥄Storage
• 🧂Variations
• 💭Frequently asked questions
• More summer recipes to try
• 📖 Recipe
• Never miss a recipe!

When traveling one of the most interesting things for me is not laying at the beach or going shopping, no it is discovering the local food. In my opinion there is no better way in getting to know a foreign place and their culture than by trying their food.

Prosciutto e Melone reminds me of the many visits in Italy during my childhood. Especially the weeks we spent on Elba for a tennis camp. Us kids ate this dish literally every night at dinner for the starter!

This is not really a recipe but a way to enjoy cantaloupe. However, it is a dish so good it has to be shared just like the tomato and mozzarella salad.

❤️Why you will love this recipe

• Flavorful Fusion: The perfect blend of sweet Cantaloupe and savory Italian Prosciutto creates an irresistible taste sensation.
• Simple and Stunning: Impress your friends with this easy-to-make, visually stunning appetizer that won't take up much of your time.
• Refreshingly Light: Enjoy the juicy freshness of Cantaloupe, ideal for hot days or as a light addition to any meal.
• Quick and Convenient: When you're in a rush or have surprise guests, this recipe comes to the rescue.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Be prepared to receive compliments and requests for the recipe from your friends and family; it's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

If you love this recipe, don't miss out on my other Italian-inspired dishes like this Simple Tomato Bruschetta With Basil! Buon appetito!

🥣Equipment

For this recipe you won't need a fully stocked kitchen. Here are the simple tools you'll require:

• Sharp Knife: To effortlessly slice the Cantaloupe, ensuring precision and ease.
• Spoon: For removing the seeds from the Cantaloupe halves, creating a perfect canvas for the flavors to shine.
• Cutting Board: A sturdy cutting surface to safely work on while preparing the ingredients.
• Optional Toothpicks or Cocktail Sticks: If you'd like to secure the Prosciutto around the Cantaloupe, these can come in handy, especially when serving bite-sized portions.
• Serving Platter: For an eye-catching presentation of your appetizer, ensuring it's as delightful to the eyes as it is to the palate.

📝The Ingredients

Here are the simple and delicious ingredients you'll need for our Prosciutto and Melon treat:

• Melon: Choose a ripe and juicy cantaloupe or honeydew melon for the perfect sweetness.
• Prosciutto: Opt for the best Italian prosciutto you can find, with its savory and delicate flavor.

How to choose a good melon at the store:

Choosing a ripe and luscious melon is the key to achieving the perfect balance of sweetness and juiciness in my Prosciutto and Melon recipe. To pick the best melon, keep these simple tips in mind:

• Look for a uniform shape: A ripe melon should have a symmetrical shape without any visible dents or bruises.
• Press the ends: Gently press the ends of the melon with your fingers; a ripe one will yield slightly, indicating it's juicy and ready to enjoy.
• Smell the scent: Bring the melon close to your nose and inhale; a sweet, fragrant aroma is a telltale sign of ripeness.

By following these easy guidelines, you'll be sure to select the perfect melon for this appetizing dish, ensuring a delightful culinary experience for all!

👩🏻‍🍳How to make prosciutto e melone

Here is a quick overview of the recipe steps. Please read the recipe card for the full instructions.

This recipe requires no cooking and is super quick and easy to make.

1. Cut the melon in half and remove the seeds with a spoon.
2. Slice the melon into wedges along the green lines on the rind and remove the fruit from the rind with a knife.
3. Wrap each melon slice with a piece of Prosciutto.
4. Optionally, add toppings or garnish before serving. Enjoy!

Pro tip: Instead of cutting wedges, go for melon cubes. Just wrap those juicy cubes with tasty prosciutto, pop them on cocktail skewers, and voila! You've got a simple and fuss-free party snack that everyone will love!

🍴Serving suggestions

There are various delightful ways to present and enjoy this delectable treat.

• Herbs: Add some basil or mint leaves for an extra burst of taste.
• Balsamic: Drizzle balsamic vinegar, or even better balsamic glaze over the melon. The tangy sweetness of balsamic adds a delightful contrast to the succulent melon and savory prosciutto, elevating the taste to new heights.
• Honey: Drizzle some delicious quality honey over the dish. You should try flavored honey

For a casual and inviting approach, arrange the prosciutto-wrapped melon cubes on a platter or wooden board, allowing guests to help themselves. This presentation encourages interaction and creates a warm, relaxed atmosphere.

If you're hosting a more formal gathering, consider threading the melon cubes onto cocktail skewers for an elegant and convenient finger food option. This sophisticated display not only adds visual appeal but also makes it easier for guests to enjoy our Prosciutto and Melon without any mess.

🥄Storage

While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can store any leftovers for later enjoyment. Simply wrap the remaining portions in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. Store the dish in the refrigerator, and it should stay good for up to 1-2 days.

🧂Variations

While cantaloupe beautifully complements prosciutto, there's a bounty of other tantalizing options to explore. Indulge in the delightful world of sweet and salty pairings that have been cherished in Italy for ages.

Here are more ideas to tantalize your taste buds:

1. Pears: The natural sweetness and juiciness of ripe pears perfectly complement the savory prosciutto. Try wrapping thin slices of prosciutto around pear wedges for an elegant and scrumptious treat.
2. Peaches: Embrace the summer vibes with juicy peaches, which harmonize beautifully with prosciutto. Grill or roast peach halves and wrap them with prosciutto for a delightful combination of flavors and textures.
3. Melon Medley: Mix and match various melon varieties like honeydew, watermelon, and cantaloupe. The colorful assortment paired with prosciutto creates a delightful and refreshing fruit platter.
4. Pineapple: Experience a tropical twist by combining the sweet tanginess of pineapple with the saltiness of prosciutto. Grill pineapple slices and wrap them with prosciutto for a mouthwatering tropical appetizer.
5. Apricots: Ripe and juicy apricots make for an irresistible pairing with prosciutto. The soft, velvety texture of apricots complements the delicate saltiness of the ham, creating a delightful flavor contrast.
6. Grapes: For a simple yet crowd-pleasing combination, serve prosciutto alongside clusters of sweet and juicy grapes. The burst of sweetness from the grapes perfectly balances the savory prosciutto.
7. Figs and Goat Cheese: Elevate the prosciutto pairing with luscious fresh figs and creamy goat cheese. Stuff halved figs with goat cheese and wrap them with prosciutto for an elegant and delightful appetizer.
8. Asparagus: Roasted or grilled asparagus spears wrapped in prosciutto offer an exquisite blend of flavors, making it an excellent choice for a gourmet side dish or appetizer.
9. Mango: Unleash the tropical magic with sweet and juicy mango slices wrapped in prosciutto. The tropical fruit adds a burst of flavor that complements the prosciutto's savory notes.
10. Nectarines: Enjoy the sweet juiciness of ripe nectarines paired with the subtle saltiness of prosciutto. Grill or slice nectarines and wrap them with prosciutto for a delightful summer treat.

With these creative ideas, you can embark on a delightful culinary journey, exploring various sweet and savory combinations that celebrate the timeless magic of prosciutto!

💭Frequently asked questions

Q: Can this recipe be made ahead of time?

es, you can prepare the prosciutto-wrapped melon cubes ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. However, it's best to add any additional toppings or garnishes just before serving to maintain their freshness. Make sure you serve the dish at room temperature as the fruit will taste much better than when completely cold.

Q: What is prosciutto?

A: Prosciutto is a type of Italian dry-cured ham that is thinly sliced and known for its savory and delicate flavor.

Q: Can I use different types of melons for this dish?

A: Absolutely! While the recipe mentions cantaloupe, you can use other sweet melon varieties like honeydew or watermelon for equally delicious results.

Q: Can I serve this as a main dish or is it only an appetizer?

A: While it's commonly served as an appetizer or finger food at gatherings, you can also enjoy it as a light and refreshing main dish, especially during hot summer days.

Q: Are there any vegetarian alternatives for prosciutto in this recipe?

A: Yes, if you prefer a vegetarian version, you can use thinly sliced roasted or grilled zucchini or eggplant as a flavorful alternative to prosciutto.

Q: Can I add any additional seasonings or spices to enhance the flavors?

A: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with various seasonings such as freshly cracked black pepper, chili flakes, or a sprinkle of sea salt to elevate the taste according to your preferences.

Q: Can I prepare this dish for a large party or gathering?

A: Yes, this recipe is perfect for entertaining a crowd! You can easily scale up the ingredients and assemble the prosciutto-wrapped melon cubes on platters or skewers for a visually appealing and convenient party snack.

Q: Are there any wine or beverage pairings that complement this dish?

A: Prosciutto and melon pair wonderfully with light and crisp white wines like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. For non-alcoholic options, consider serving sparkling water with a hint of lemon or cucumber for a refreshing pairing.

More summer recipes to try

📖 Recipe