Prosciutto and Melon Is a Quick-To-Prepare and Flavorful Treat for Any Occasion: 2 Simple Recipes

It seems like the stranger a food pairing sounds, the better it tastes. Or at least that’s how I think about it. Nonetheless, one of my favorite food pairings to enjoy as a snack or party appetizer is prosciutto and melon. The sweet fruit and salty cured meat are a match made in flavor heaven, and this treat is incredibly simple to put together. All you really need is the fruit (cantaloupe or honeydew) and the thinly sliced meat, but our First for Women test kitchen shares two ways to prepare it with other flavorful add-ins, including fresh basil and white balsamic vinegar. Keep reading for the scoop on prosciutto and melon so you can make it whenever you’re craving a tasty and wow-worthy snack!

Why are prosciutto and melon so good together?

Pairing fruit and meat creates a treat that’s sweet, tart and salty at once — and this is especially true for prosciutto and melon (also called prosciutto e melone). In addition to its flavor, this food pairing is feel-good since melons are brimming with vitamin C and fiber, while two slices of prosciutto can provide a healthy dose of protein. These are great reasons to whip up prosciutto and melon, but continue scrolling if you’re curious how this ingredient pairing even came about.

The history of prosciutto e melone

Eating cured meat and fruit is a practice first used during Roman times to boost the immune system. Prosciutto and melon gained recognition after Pellegrino Artusi, the father of modern Italian cuisine, published the first recipe for it in a 1891 cookbook. Traditionally, it’s made by wrapping the prosciutto around a slice of melon before serving. As simplistic as it is, prosciutto e melone is considered a quintessential Italian appetizer that’s refreshing, flavorful and quick to prepare.

2 delicious recipes for prosciutto and melon

Here, our test kitchen shares two prosciutto and melon recipes that are ready to serve in as little as five minutes. Whether you wrap the meat around the fruit slices or thread both ingredients onto skewers, it’s a tasty snack option your tastebuds will love. Want to make these recipes ahead of time? Place the assembled meat and fruit into an airtight container in the fridge. Enjoy within three days for maximum freshness and flavor.

Prosciutto and melon

Salty prosciutto and fresh melon get a touch of sweet tang from a drizzle of balsamic.

Ingredients:

• Half of a seeded cantaloupe
• 6 slices of prosciutto 
• 2 cups of mixed greens
• Olive oil
• White balsamic vinegar

Directions:

• Active: 5 mins
• Total time: 5 mins
• Yield: 6 servings

1. Cut into 6 (1-inch-wide) wedges from cantaloupe; cut off rinds. Wrap each wedge with 1 slice of prosciutto.
2. Place mixed of greens on platter; top with wedges.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and white balsamic vinegar.

Cantaloupe and Prosciutto Caprese Skewers

Ingredients:

• 1 small cantaloupe
• ½ lb. thinly sliced prosciutto
• 1 bunch fresh basil leaves
• 1 lb. small (1-inch) mozzarella balls
• 2 Tbs. olive oil

Directions:

• Active: 20 mins
• Total time: 20 mins
• Yield: 6 servings

1. Slice cantaloupe in half. Using melon baller, scoop 1-inch balls of cantaloupe. Using 4-inch-long skewers, thread melon, prosciutto, basil leaves and mozzarella balls.
2. Drizzle olive oil over skewers right before serving. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Easy ingredient swaps for prosciutto and melon

What’s great about prosciutto and melon is that any meat or melon alternative works fine in a pinch. Melons like honeydew and even watermelon are fine to use if you don’t have cantaloupe on hand. For the prosciutto, try thinly sliced regular ham, salami or capicola instead. Proceed with your desired recipe and serve.