Prosciutto and Melon
on Jul 18, 2022, Updated Aug 09, 2024
This post may contain affiliate links! For more info, check out our privacy policy.
Truly, this prosciutto and cantaloupe melon recipe is the BEST summer snack, appetizer, starter and even dinner! There is nothing better than a dream juicy cantaloupe, then the salty to sweet combo is absolutely fantastic and the best flavors EVER.
This melon salad is no-cook, no fuss, and comes together in absolutely no time. Check out our Stone Fruit, Burrata & Prosciutto Salad for another seasonal salad!
What is prosciutto e melone (prosciutto and melon)?
Proscuitto e melone is a popular dish from Italy, often eaten in the summertime.
What ingredients do you need for this prosciutto with melon and basil?
Slices of paper-thin prosciutto di parma: The salty bite of the prosciutto pairs so perfectly with the sweet melon! I like to use really thin slices of the prosciutto personally.
Melon: You can use any melon like any ripe orange cantaloupe or honeydew melon!
Acid: For this recipe, I love to use balsamic vinegar, balsamic glaze, balsamic reduction! If you don’t have those, you can also squeeze a lemon or even a splash of vin. Alternatively, you can omit all together and keep it simple with salt, pepper and olive oil.
Fresh basil leaves: We are topping each slice of melon with a basil leave. You can also tuck it in as you’re wrapping it with the ham.
Black pepper and salt, flakey salt to serve
Other ingredients to serve with this recipe
We are keeping it simple with the classic melon, but you can add anything you have on hand, too.
Ingredients like parmesan cheese and fresh mozzarella balls, like ciliegine, would work well with this, or any other fresh herb like mint. Other ingredients like green grapes would add a nice punch to this as well, or any summer tomatoes. You can make this a more involved salad by adding some little gem lettuce or arugula!
Instructions to make this cantaloupe and prosciutto
Cut your pieces of cantaloupe
You’ll start by making melon wedges with your ripe cantaloupe. Slice your melon in half and remove the seeds with a spoon. Then cut again in the center, and then once again into quarters.
Then you will take your knife and cut off the peel this way, by holding the outer edge to scrape across. However, you can also serve this with the peel on, and serve the prosciutto along side!
Wrap your melon
Gather a thin slice of prosciutto and place it down on a board/plate. Begin by placing your melon down on the prosciutto and wrap over until it’s fully wrapped.
Finishing touches
Finish off with basil leaves, olive oil, salt, pepper, and balsamic vinegar or glaze (optional).
Place on a serving platter and enjoy!
Tips, Tricks, and Substitutions
Any variety of melon works really well with prosciutto! Such as green melon, orange cantaloupe, and also watermelon. Others fruits like peaches, plums, and nectarines, also work really well!
While they are both salt-cured and both a ham product, prosciutto is dry-cured in a more humid environment, keeping the pork salty, and more smooth!
Serve on a charcuterie board, toss in salads, crisp up on soups, and more! Start with our Cheesy Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus, or Broccolini & Cheddar Soup with Crispy Prosciutto.
More no cook recipes you’ll love
- Tomato and Melon Gazpacho
- Cherry Tomato Bruschetta
- Italian Chopped Salad
- Ahi Tuna Poke
- Jambon Beurre Sandwich
If you do make this Prosciutto and Melon (first of all, thank you!!), be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Don’t forget to tag me on Instagram and through social media so I can be sure to see what you’re making! If you’d like to stay in touch and get the latest to your inbox, sign up for our Newsletter here as well!
In addition, we can also be found on YouTube, Facebook, and Pinterest!
Prosciutto and Melon
Ingredients
- 1 cantaloupe or honeydew melon
- 1/2 pound paper thin prosciutto , about 8-10 slices
- salt, pepper, olive oil, basil to serve
- balsamim vinegar or glaze to serve, optional
Instructions
- Cut your pieces of cantaloupe. You'll start by making melon wedges with your ripe cantaloupe. Slice your melon in half and remove the seeds with a spoon. Then cut again in the center, and then once again into quarters.
- Wrap your melon. Then you will take your knife and cut off the peel this way, by holding the outer edge to scrape across. However, you can also serve this with the peel on, and serve the prosciutto along side!
- Gather a thin slice of prosciutto and place it down on a board/plate. Begin by placing your melon down on the prosciutto and wrap over until it's fully wrapped.
- Finish off with basil leaves, olive oil, salt, pepper, and balsamic vinegar or glaze (optional).
- Place on a serving platter and enjoy!
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
What brand is the best prosciutto?
Hi Sudi, I love the prosciutto at Eataly (if you live next to any of their locations). Other brands I love are PARMA Prosciutto Di Parma, Volpi, Creminelli and La Quercia! You can also find a local butcher/deli and they should have great prosciutto as well! Hope this help!