Best Melon and Prosciutto Salad Recipe – Easy and Delicious

After a long summer day, there’s nothing quite as refreshing as a Melon and Prosciutto Salad that strikes the perfect balance between sweet and salty. This classic Italian-inspired dish combines the juicy sweetness of ripe melons with the delicate saltiness of paper-thin prosciutto, creating a harmony of flavors that dance on your palate.

The first time I made this Melon and Prosciutto Salad for an impromptu gathering with friends, I was amazed at how such simple ingredients could create such an impressive dish. The vibrant colors of orange cantaloupe and pale green honeydew against the pink prosciutto create a feast for the eyes before you even take your first bite.

What makes this dish truly special is the contrasting textures – the crisp spring mix, the smooth, juicy melon, and the tender prosciutto create a sensory experience that elevates this from a simple salad to a gourmet treat. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch or an elegant appetizer for your next dinner party, this Melon and Prosciutto Salad is guaranteed to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Melon and Prosciutto Salad

• ✅ This refreshing Melon and Prosciutto Salad combination takes just 15 minutes to prepare – perfect for busy weeknights
• ✅ The sweet and savory Melon and Prosciutto Salad pairing creates a sophisticated flavor profile with minimal effort
• ✅ A healthy Melon and Prosciutto Salad for lunch that’s packed with vitamins and protein
• ✅ This gourmet Melon and Prosciutto Salad with arugula looks impressive enough for special occasions
• ✅ Easy summer Melon and Prosciutto Salad ideas that require no cooking – perfect for hot days
• ✅ A low-calorie Melon and Prosciutto Salad variation that doesn’t sacrifice on flavor
• ✅ The perfect Melon and Prosciutto Salad for outdoor gatherings that won’t wilt in the heat

Ingredients for Melon and Prosciutto Salad

To make this delightful Melon and Prosciutto Salad, you’ll need these simple, fresh ingredients:

• 1 cup spring mix greens (can substitute with arugula or baby spinach)
• 1/2 cup feta cheese crumbles (goat cheese works beautifully too)
• 1/3 cup slivered almonds (toasted for enhanced flavor)
• 1/3 cup Champagne salad dressing (such as Girard’s® Champagne Vinaigrette)
• 4 slices prosciutto (thinly sliced – ask your deli for paper-thin slices)
• 1/2 honeydew melon, rind removed and cut into wedges
• 1/2 cantaloupe, rind removed and cut into wedges

Dietary Modifications:

• For a dairy-free version, omit the feta or replace with a dairy-free alternative
• For a nut-free option, substitute the almonds with roasted pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds
• For a lower-sodium version, use less prosciutto or choose a lower-sodium variety

How to Make Melon and Prosciutto Salad – Step by Step

Step 1: Prepare the Melons

Slice both the honeydew and cantaloupe in half and remove the seeds. Using a sharp knife, carefully remove the rinds and cut the flesh into 1-inch cubes or thin, elegant wedges depending on your presentation preference.

Step 2: Toast the Almonds

In a small, dry skillet over medium heat, add the slivered almonds and toast for 3-5 minutes until lightly golden and fragrant, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.

Step 3: Arrange the Base

On a large platter or individual plates, create a bed of spring mix greens, distributing them evenly as the foundation of your Melon and Prosciutto Salad.

Step 4: Add the Melon

Artfully arrange the honeydew and cantaloupe pieces over the greens, alternating colors for a vibrant presentation.

Step 5: Incorporate the Prosciutto

Gently drape or fold the prosciutto slices among the melon pieces. The thin slices should have a delicate, almost cloud-like appearance against the bright melon.

Step 6: Add the Finishing Touches

Sprinkle the feta cheese crumbles and toasted almonds evenly over the salad.

Step 7: Dress and Serve

Just before serving, drizzle the Champagne vinaigrette over the entire Melon and Prosciutto Salad. For best results, serve immediately while all components are fresh and at their peak flavor.

Pro Tips for Making the Best Melon and Prosciutto Salad

• Choose Ripe Melons: The secret to the best Melon and Prosciutto Salad is using perfectly ripe melons. Look for fruits that yield slightly to pressure and have a sweet aroma at the stem end.
• Quality Matters: Splurge on high-quality prosciutto di Parma or San Daniele for an authentic flavor. The difference in taste is noticeable in such a simple dish.
• Temperature Contrast: Chill the melon thoroughly before assembling, but allow the prosciutto to come to room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving. This temperature contrast enhances the flavor experience.
• Dress It Right: The best dressing for Melon and Prosciutto Salad is light and acidic to cut through the sweetness of the melon and richness of the prosciutto. If you don’t have Champagne vinaigrette, a simple lemon juice and olive oil mixture works beautifully.
• Make It Ahead: You can prepare all components separately up to 24 hours in advance, but assemble the salad just before serving for optimal freshness and texture.

Best Ways to Serve Melon and Prosciutto Salad

This versatile Melon and Prosciutto Salad works wonderfully in multiple settings:

• As an Appetizer: Serve smaller portions on cocktail plates to kick off a summer dinner party
• For Brunch: Pair with our Crustless Quiche for an elegant weekend brunch spread
• As a Light Main Course: Add a slice of crusty bread on the side to make it more substantial
• For a Picnic: Pack components separately and assemble on-site for a gourmet outdoor meal

For colorful Melon and Prosciutto Salad presentation tips, try arranging the ingredients in rows for an attractive “composed salad” look, or stack melon and prosciutto on skewers for an easy-to-eat appetizer version.

Nutritional Information for Melon and Prosciutto Salad

This refreshing Melon and Prosciutto Salad offers a balanced nutritional profile:

• Calories: 210 kcal per serving
• Protein: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fat: 12g (mostly healthy fats from nuts and olive oil)
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 14g (naturally occurring in fruit)
• Sodium: 450mg

This low-calorie Melon and Prosciutto Salad variation is rich in vitamins A and C from the melons, while providing a good source of protein and healthy fats from the prosciutto, feta, and almonds.

Storage & Leftovers

While this fruit and meat salad with Melon and Prosciutto is best enjoyed fresh, you can store leftovers in the refrigerator:

• Assembled Salad: Will keep for up to 24 hours in an airtight container. The greens may wilt slightly.
• Components Separately: Store prepared melon, greens, and prosciutto separately for up to 3 days.
• Dressing: Keep leftover dressing in a sealed container for up to 1 week.

How long does a Melon and Prosciutto Salad last in the fridge? When stored properly, the assembled salad will remain good for about 1 day, though the texture will change slightly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of melon is best for a Melon and Prosciutto Salad?

Cantaloupe and honeydew are traditional choices for a Melon and Prosciutto Salad due to their sweet flavors and firm textures. However, you can also experiment with watermelon or other seasonal melons. The key is to choose ripe, sweet melons that provide a contrast to the salty prosciutto.

Can I use canned melon for a Melon and Prosciutto Salad?

Fresh melon is highly recommended for the best Melon and Prosciutto Salad. Canned melons often lack the texture and fresh flavor that make this salad special. The juicy crispness of fresh melon is an essential element that canned products simply can’t replicate.

How long does a Melon and Prosciutto Salad last in the fridge?

An assembled Melon and Prosciutto Salad will last about 24 hours in the refrigerator, though the greens may begin to wilt once dressed. For best results, store the components separately and assemble just before serving.

What else can I add to a Melon and Prosciutto Salad?

There are many delicious additions to enhance your Melon and Prosciutto Salad:

• Fresh herbs like mint or basil
• A drizzle of high-quality balsamic glaze
• Fresh berries for additional sweetness
• Cucumber for extra crunch
• A sprinkle of cracked black pepper
• Burrata or buffalo mozzarella for a creamy element

Conclusion

This Melon and Prosciutto Salad is truly the perfect marriage of sweet and savory flavors. With its vibrant colors, contrasting textures, and sophisticated taste profile, it’s an impressive dish that requires minimal effort to prepare. Whether you’re serving it as a light lunch on a warm summer day, an elegant starter for a dinner party, or a refreshing side dish with grilled meats, this salad is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

The beauty of this Melon and Prosciutto Salad lies in its simplicity and the quality of its ingredients. By selecting perfectly ripe melons and high-quality prosciutto, you’ll create a dish that’s greater than the sum of its parts.

I’d love to hear how your Melon and Prosciutto Salad turns out! Did you try any variations or add your own special twist? Share your experience in the comments below or tag us in your creations on social media. Happy cooking!

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