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    Home » Recipes » Side Dishes

    Melon Prosciutto Salad

    Published: Aug 13, 2021 · Modified: Aug 12, 2022 by Amanda · This post may contain affiliate links · This blog generates income via ads

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    Jump to Recipe
    melon, mozzarella, prosciutto and basil layered on a wooden tray
    honeydew, cantaloupe, mozzarella, prosciutto and basil layered on a tray

    This tasty Melon Prosciutto Salad is a delicious, fresh salad that is perfect for summer. Sweet honeydew and cantaloupe are layered with fresh mozzarella cheese. Studded with thinly sliced prosciutto and fresh basil leaves, this refreshing salad is dressed with a lemon vinaigrette.

    slices of honeydew, cantaloupe and mozzarella layered with thinly sliced prosciutto and fresh basil leaves

    This post was originally published in September 2020 and has been updated for content.

    This melon prosciutto recipe is a twist on the classic caprese salad that is said to originate from the island of capri. Traditional caprese salad contains fresh mozzarella, tomatoes and basil and is sometimes dressed with a vinaigrette. This version replaces the tomatoes with melon to provide a sweeter version of this classic italian salad.

    This melon prosciutto salad is perfect to serve along side italian salmon, grilled steaks or even pizza on the grill.

    Jump to:
    • 🍈 Ingredient notes
    • 📋 Substitutions and variations
    • 🔪 Step by step instructions
    • ⭐ Expert tips
    • ⏲️ Make ahead instructions
    • 🥗 More salad recipes
    • 📖 Recipe
    • 💬 Comments

    🍈 Ingredient notes

    honeydew, cantaloupe, prosciutto, mozzarella, lemon, basil leaves, olive oil and salt and pepper on a tray
    • Melon - Honeydew and cantaloupe melons are used for this melon prosciutto salad. Alternatively, crenshaw, santa claus or winter melons would also be good.
    • Mozzarella - I like using a large log or ball of fresh mozzarella cheese for this melon prosciutto salad recipe, because it is easily sliced and layered with the melon.
    • Prosciutto - Prosciutto is an italian dry-cured ham that has a light, buttery and salty taste to it. It adds a nice contrast in flavor to the melon and cheese.

    📋 Substitutions and variations

    • Non-Layered Salad - To make this salad scoopable instead of layered, a melon baller can be used for the cantaloupe and honeydew. Use mozzarella pearls or ciliegine balls instead of slices and dice the prosciutto into smaller pieces.
    • Dairy Free - To make this salad dairy free, omit the mozzarella cheese.
    • Vegetarian/Vegan - To make this salad vegetarian, omit the prosciutto; to make it vegan, omit the cheese and prosciutto.

    🔪 Step by step instructions

    First, remove the peels and seeds from the melons and slice them and the mozzarella in half inch slices. Layer the melon and mozzarella on a serving platter.

    sliced honeydew, cantaloupe and mozzarella layered on a wooden tray

    Next, bunch up the slices of prosciutto and evenly distribute them in and around the slices of melon and cheese. Repeat with the fresh basil leaves.

    honeydew, cantaloupe and mozzarella layered on a tray with prosciutto and fresh basil leaves

    In a mason jar, combine lemon juice, olive oil, salt and pepper and then shake to combine. Pour over the melon prosciutto salad and then serve it immediately.

    mason jar of lemon dressing next to a melon, mozzarella, prosciutto and basil layered salad

    If you ever don't recognize a tool or skill that I mention, be sure to look it up in the Glossary of Cooking Terms and Definitions for more information.


    ⭐ Expert tips

    • Slice the melon and cheese in similar sized pieces to allow for easy layering.
    • Don't dress the salad until you are ready to serve it. The acid in the vinaigrette will start to break down the cheese and melon, so it's best to do right before serving.

    ⏲️ Make ahead instructions

    If you need to make this melon prosciutto salad ahead of time, I recommend keeping the dressing separate. Layer the salad as instructed and then cover it in plastic wrap undressed and store in the refrigerator until serving time. Make the dressing ahead of time and store in the fridge. When it's time to serve, give the dressing a good shake again and then pour it over the salad.

    For a quick overview of this recipe, check out my web story for this melon and prosciutto caprese!

    🥗 More salad recipes

    If you loved this recipe for melon prosciutto salad, check out these other salad recipes that I know you will love too!

    • Summer Panzanella
    • Curry Chicken Salad with Grapes
    • Spinach Salad with Pear & Pomegranate
    • Winter Citrus Salad

    Don't Forget! If you make this recipe, be sure to leave a comment and give it a rating. I love to hear from each and every one of you! Tag me on Facebook and Instagram as well! It makes my day to see all of your photos of the food you have made.


    📖 Recipe

    sliced cantaloupe and honeydew with mozzarella, prosciutto and fresh basil on a wooden tray

    Melon Prosciutto Salad

    Amanda
    This tasty Melon Prosciutto Salad is a delicious, fresh salad that is perfect for summer. Sweet honeydew and cantaloupe are layered with fresh mozzarella cheese. Studded with thinly sliced prosciutto and fresh basil leaves, this refreshing salad is dressed with a light lemon vinaigrette. 
    5 from 11 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 mins
    Total Time 10 mins
    Course Appetizer, Salad, Side Dish
    Cuisine Italian
    Servings 10 servings
    Calories 253 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • ½ medium ripe honeydew
    • ½ medium ripe cantaloupe
    • 16 ounces fresh mozzarella
    • ¼ pound thinly sliced prosciutto
    • fresh basil leaves
    • 1 Tablespoon fresh lemon juice
    • 3 Tablespoons olive oil
    • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
    • ⅛ teaspoon black pepper

    Instructions
     

    • Peel and remove seeds from the cantaloupe and honeydew.
    • Slice cantaloupe, honeydew and fresh mozzarella into approximately ½ inch thick slices.
    • Layer cantaloupe, honeydew and mozzarella pieces on a serving platter. 
    • Bunch the prosciutto slices up and place them in and around the melon and cheese slices so they are evenly distributed. Repeat with the fresh basil leaves. 
    • In a small mason jar or container with a lid, add lemon juice, olive oil, salt and pepper. Shake vigorously to combine the ingredients.
    • Drizzle lemon vinaigrette dressing over the top of the salad and serve immediately.

    Notes

    • Slice the melon and cheese in similar sized pieces in both general size and width to allow for easy layering.
    • Don't dress the salad until you are ready to serve it as the acid in the vinaigrette will start to break down the cheese and melon.
     

    Substitutions and Variations

    • Different Melon - crenshaw, santa claus or winter melons would work as alternative melons for this recipe.
    • Non-Layered Salad - To make this salad more scoopable instead of layered, a melon baller can be used for the cantaloupe and honeydew and a mozzarella pearls or ciliegine balls may be used. Dice the prosciutto into smaller pieces as well to make for easy serving and eating.
    • Dairy Free - to make this salad dairy free, simply omit the mozzarella cheese.
    • Vegetarian/Vegan - to make this salad vegetarian, omit the prosciutto and to make it vegan, omit the cheese and prosciutto.
     

    Make Ahead Instructions

    To make the salad ahead of time, keep the dressing separate. Layer the salad as instructed and then cover it in plastic wrap undressed and store in the refrigerator until serving time. Dressing can also be made and stored in the mason jar or container with a lid until serving time. When it's time to serve, shake the mason jar to recombine the ingredients and pour over the salad.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1cupCalories: 253kcalCarbohydrates: 9gProtein: 12gFat: 19gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 43mgSodium: 434mgPotassium: 280mgFiber: 1gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 1298IUVitamin C: 22mgCalcium: 237mgIron: 1mg
    Did You Make This Recipe?Mention @SaporitoKitchen or tag #SaporitoKitchen!

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Tracy Wilkinson

      March 24, 2023 at 12:16 am

      5 stars
      One of the most surprising salad I’ve made in a while. This was enjoyed by all guests and the recipe was emailed to all. Delicious and refreshing 👍👍

      Reply
      • Amanda

        March 24, 2023 at 10:09 am

        I'm so glad you enjoyed it! It's definitely unique but delicious 🙂

        Reply
    2. Anna

      August 17, 2021 at 1:22 am

      5 stars
      It was delicious! So easy and quick to prepare too!

      Reply
      • Amanda

        August 18, 2021 at 10:41 am

        Thanks Anna, I'm so glad you enjoyed them.

        Reply
    3. Pam Greer

      August 16, 2021 at 4:17 pm

      5 stars
      Our favorite salad! This is so light and delicious!

      Reply
      • Amanda

        August 18, 2021 at 10:41 am

        Thank you!

        Reply
    4. Sue

      August 16, 2021 at 5:48 am

      5 stars
      Delicious salad! I love melons and this is a wonderful way to serve them!

      Reply
      • Amanda

        August 16, 2021 at 9:50 am

        Thank you! All of the flavors really compliment each other!

        Reply
    5. Jerika

      August 16, 2021 at 5:31 am

      5 stars
      I love the balance of sweetness of the fruits and the saltiness of Prosciutto they are perfectly combined.:) Thanks for this recipe!

      Reply
      • Amanda

        August 16, 2021 at 9:51 am

        Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed it.

        Reply
    6. Marcellina

      August 16, 2021 at 4:46 am

      5 stars
      A fantastic combination of flavors! One of my favs! Your presentation is excellent and will help me create it just like yours. Can't wait to make this for our next party!

      Reply
      • Amanda

        August 16, 2021 at 9:51 am

        Thank you so much, I'm glad it was helpful.

        Reply
    7. Anaiah

      August 16, 2021 at 4:11 am

      5 stars
      This is a beautiful summer salad. I love the way the sweetness of the melons pairs with the prosciutto. So delicious!

      Reply
      • Amanda

        August 16, 2021 at 9:51 am

        Thank you! It's definitely a summer favorite.

        Reply
    8. Elle @ Spice and Life

      August 16, 2021 at 2:12 am

      5 stars
      As an Italian, I can completely appreciate this combination... it reminds me of long summer days on the beach. Love it!

      Reply
      • Amanda

        August 16, 2021 at 9:51 am

        Yes! Thank you so much.

        Reply
    9. Alexandra

      August 16, 2021 at 12:56 am

      5 stars
      One of the best salads there is - such a delicious combination of flavours!

      Reply
      • Amanda

        August 16, 2021 at 9:52 am

        Thank you!

        Reply
    10. Linda

      August 15, 2021 at 11:43 pm

      5 stars
      I always enjoy melon and prosciutto. They both make a perfect duet and this salad can't get better!

      Reply
      • Amanda

        August 16, 2021 at 9:52 am

        Thank you so much Linda!

        Reply

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