Prosciutto And Melon

For a perfect sweet and savory appetizer or snack, Prosciutto And Melon will be sure to satisfy your taste buds.

The pairing of prosciutto and melon, popularized in Italy, dates back to medieval times. It was thought that balancing hot, cured meat with cold, juicy fruit was beneficial for one’s health. Today, we don’t have to travel to the Mediterranean to savor this delightful combination. It’s the perfect summer appetizer or snack, but it’s refreshing enough to enjoy year-round.

While some appetizers require multiple steps and hours of preparation, a platter of prosciutto and melon is a quick, easy recipe that’s remarkably delicious and sure to be a hit at your next party. Take it from me, this is one that’s visually impressive. I wrapped long melon spears in cured ham at my Memorial Day barbecue, and the platter was clear in no time! For a bite-size option, you can wrap small prosciutto pieces around cantaloupe cubes and securing them with toothpicks. Mix together an Aperol spritz and dig in for a taste sensation that rejuvenates your palate!

Is Prosciutto And Melon Healthy?

Melons are suitable for most diets, as their high water content helps keep carbohydrates and calories low. Cantaloupe is also rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as potassium, fiber, and antioxidants.

Prosciutto may be high in sodium, but it’s also a good source of protein, iron, zinc, and vitamin B12. Authentic prosciutto is typically made both with and without nitrates, which are preservatives that can increase the risk of certain health problems. Since it is a calorie-dense processed meat, it’s best to consume it in moderation.

Take Prosciutto And Melon To The Next Level

You don’t need to do much more when you have an appetizer as perfect as this. With that said, sometimes you want to customize your recipe. One take on this appetizer includes creamy mozzarella cheese or burrata cheese. Take fresh, small mozzarella balls and attach them with a toothpick to the melon and prosciutto cubes. You can also thinly slice long strips of mozzarella for melon wedges, as pictured below. Wrap the meat around the cheese and fruit for a creamy, sweet bite.

I also love to drizzle balsamic vinegar over the prosciutto and melon. Something about that sweet, tangy sauce complements the salty meat perfectly. If balsamic isn’t your thing, you can drizzle honey over the wedges instead. These variations on the original recipe are all fun, but remember the key elements. You need your foundation of fresh and juicy cantaloupe and thinly sliced prosciutto.

Serving Suggestions

Create a stunning antipasto platter with prosciutto and melon as the centerpiece. I like to surround this appetizer with different cheese, raw veggies, and various cured meats. You could also consider other easy-to-eat fruit appetizers like Fruit Kabobs.

I love to create a theme and offer other wrapped appetizers. In this case, my favorite pairings are Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp and Bacon-Wrapped Dates. They both offer different levels of sweet and salty flavors. For other appetizers to offer your guests, try Oven-Baked Mozzarella Sticks with marinara sauce or Deviled Eggs. No matter what else you serve, make sure your guests have a cool, crisp Wine Spritzer in one hand!

Recipe