This melon and prosciutto salad an easy to make and delicious salad once melons are in season. It is the perfect blend of sweet and salty. Made with fresh thyme, mozzarella, and white balsamic vinegar this makes for the perfect dish for the season.
Once melons are in season this is one of my favorite ways to eat them. This salad is so easy to make and tastes amazing. The best part about this dish is that it tastes amazing cold which is perfect as the weather heats up. Cantaloupe and watermelon are the perfect combo with the prosciutto and mozzarella. The best part is you can prepare the melon ahead of time and then make the salad right before serving.
Table of Contents
In this recipe
There isn’t much in this recipe, which is the best part since it gives everything its moment to shine.
Melon: this recipe uses cantaloupe and watermelon however you can use any combination of your favorites such as honeydew, canary, galia, or Santa Claus.
Prosciutto: this salty cured ham is perfect for this recipe however pancetta can also be used for this recipe.
Mozzarella: adds creaminess to the salad.
The best part about this salad is that you can pick up everything in your local grocery store and they are easy to locate.
Pro tips for choosing the best melons
While you might gain a few odd looks while choosing a melon at the store the looks will be well worth it when you get it home and make a fantastic salad.
Cantaloupe
You will want to find one that is heavy for its size. This will mean that it is full of water and will be nice and juicy. The flowering end, the one that looks like an innie bellybutton, should have some give but still be firm. If you flip if over and smell the stem end it should be fragrant and smell like cantaloupe. If it smells sour or does not smell, then feel free to put it back. The rind should be netted and raised and a yellow or beige color, avoid green or smooth melons.
Watermelon
Just like the cantaloupe you want to check to make sure that it is heavy for its size. Then turn it over and look at the group spot. This is the part where it sits on the ground, yes, I know that it is pretty self-explanatory, however this is important because it doesn’t see the sun. You want a nice yellow ground spot that is pretty well defined. Avoid light, white or no ground spot. The last thing you want to do is knock on it. You want a nice hollow sound, that’s means it’s ready to eat.
Preparing the melon and prosciutto salad
Watermelons have a ton of water in them and that can lead to a soggy salad. If you have some time here are some tips to have the best salad. After cutting/balling the watermelon put it in a colander and sit it in a bowl with plenty of space. Put the watermelon in the refrigerator and let it sit for at least an hour. This will help drain the water. One of the best ways to serve this salad is pretty much ice cold. Once the cantaloupe is also cut refrigerate until right before serving and then assemble the salad.
Looking for other salad recipes?
Melon and Prosciutto Salad
Equipment
- Melon baller
- Colander optional
- Large mixing bowl optional
- Serving bowl
Ingredients
- 1 pound cantaloupe cubed or balled
- 1 pound watermelon cubed or balled
- 4 cups arugula
- 4 ounces prosciutto sliced into ribbons or torn
- 4 ounces mozzarella buffalo or ciliegne
- 1 tablespoon thyme
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon white balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Balsamic vinegar or glaze optional
Instructions
- Cube or ball a pound of watermelon and cantaloupe and set aside. If you have time place the watermelon in a colander and large bowl and refrigerate for at least an hour.1 pound cantaloupe, 1 pound watermelon
- In a serving bowl toss the arugula, salt, olive oil, thyme, and balsamic vinegar until everything is coated.4 cups arugula, 1 tablespoon thyme, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon white balsamic vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Add the melon, mozzarella, and prosciutto. Toss again to combine.4 ounces prosciutto, 4 ounces mozzarella
- Drizzle with additional balsamic vinegar or glaze if desired.Balsamic vinegar or glaze optional
Nutrition
My friends love how easy this salad is to make and is perfect for all our weekend BBQs.