Summery Melon Prosciutto Salad: Refreshing and Delicious

Welcome to a culinary experience that celebrates the vibrant flavors of summer – the Fresh Melon Prosciutto Salad. This delightful dish combines the sweetness of juicy cantaloupe, the saltiness of crispy prosciutto, the creaminess of burrata, and the freshness of basil, all harmonizing on a bed of peppery arugula. Drizzled with high-quality olive oil and balsamic reduction, seasoned with flaky salt and black pepper, this salad is a true masterpiece of simple yet sophisticated flavors.

Imagine the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and creamy elements coming together in a single bite. This salad is not just a feast for the taste buds but also a visual delight, with its colorful array of seasonal ingredients at their peak. Whether you’re planning a casual weeknight dinner or a special gathering with friends, this Fresh Melon Prosciutto Salad is sure to impress with its elegance and simplicity. It’s a dish that captures the essence of summer in every mouthful.

As someone who fell in love with the magic of burrata on a trip to Italy, I can attest that the creamy richness it brings to this salad is unparalleled. Paired with the freshness of basil, the sweetness of melon, and the savory notes of prosciutto, each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating a symphony of flavors. So, gather your ingredients, follow along as we guide you through the steps, and get ready to indulge in a culinary experience that embodies the best of summer produce.

Quick Benefits

• Ready in under 15 minutes
• Perfect balance of sweet, salty, and creamy
• Elegant enough for entertaining but simple enough for weeknight dinners
• Features seasonal summer ingredients at their peak

Why You’ll Love This Summery Melon Prosciutto Salad: Refreshing and Delicious Recipe

• Ready in under 15 minutes
• No cooking required except for crisping prosciutto
• Perfect balance of sweet, salty, and creamy flavors
• Elegant enough for entertaining but simple enough for weeknight dinners
• Features seasonal summer ingredients at their peak
• Provides a beautiful contrast of colors that make it visually stunning
• The burrata adds a creamy richness that elevates the dish
• Offers versatility with seasonal adaptations for year-round enjoyment
• Can be prepped ahead in components for easy assembly
• Provides a refreshing and light meal option for warm days or gatherings

Ingredients for Summery Melon Prosciutto Salad: Refreshing and Delicious

• 6–8 oz burrata
• 2 oz prosciutto
• Flaky salt, to taste
• 2 cups arugula
• 2 cups fresh cantaloupe balls or cubes
• 2 tbsp fresh basil, finely chopped
• Good quality olive oil
• Good quality balsamic reduction
• Black pepper, to taste

Pro Tips for Summery Melon Prosciutto Salad: Refreshing and Delicious

For the best flavor, choose young, tender arugula leaves and a fragrant, heavy cantaloupe. Quality ingredients like Italian prosciutto di Parma, fresh burrata, and bright green basil elevate the salad’s taste. Opt for a fruity extra virgin olive oil and a thick balsamic reduction for a beautifully simple dressing. Assemble the salad just before serving to maintain its fresh and vibrant flavors.

To prep ahead, ball or cube the cantaloupe, crisp the prosciutto, and wash and dry the arugula in advance. Store each component separately to prevent wilting or sogginess. Remember to wait until the last minute to dress the salad to keep it crisp and flavorful. Experiment with seasonal adaptations by swapping in fruits like watermelon, figs, or blood oranges throughout the year for a fresh twist on the recipe. Adding toasted pine nuts or pistachios can also make the salad more substantial for a satisfying meal.

How to Make Summery Melon Prosciutto Salad: Refreshing and Delicious

Step 1: Step 01

Either use a melon baller to scoop cantaloupe into balls or dice into ½–1 inch cubes.

Step 2: Step 02

1. Preheat a skillet over medium heat, then cook 2–3 slices of prosciutto until crispy, about 1–2 minutes per side. Allow to cool and roughly chop.

Step 3: Step 03

Arrange arugula on a platter. Layer with melon, torn burrata, crispy prosciutto, and chopped basil.

Step 4: Step 04

Drizzle olive oil and balsamic reduction, then sprinkle with flaky salt and black pepper.

Storage Tips

Once you’ve prepared the Fresh Melon Prosciutto Salad, it’s best to assemble and dress it just before serving to maintain its vibrant flavors and textures. However, you can prep components ahead of time. Store the cantaloupe balls or cubes in an airtight container in the refrigerator if prepared up to 24 hours in advance. Crisp the prosciutto ahead up to 4 hours, keeping it at room temperature to retain its crispness. Wash and dry the arugula up to 2 days ahead, storing it with a paper towel in a sealed bag. To prevent wilting, avoid dressing the salad until you’re ready to serve.

For storing leftovers, it’s recommended to enjoy this salad fresh due to the delicate nature of its ingredients. However, if you happen to have any remaining portions, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a day. Keep in mind that the texture and flavors may slightly change upon storage. When ready to eat, allow the salad to come to room temperature for a few minutes to let the flavors come alive again. Remember that the salad is best enjoyed fresh for the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and creamy elements that make it an elegant and refreshing dish, ideal for light meals or special gatherings.

Ingredient Substitutions

For the Fresh Melon Prosciutto Salad, there are a few ingredient substitutions you can make based on personal preferences or availability. If you’re not a fan of arugula’s peppery taste, you can substitute it with baby spinach for a milder flavor that will still complement the other ingredients well. Additionally, if you cannot find cantaloupe or prefer a different type of melon, honeydew or watermelon would make excellent alternatives in this salad, offering their unique sweetness and juiciness.

In terms of the cheese component, while burrata is creamy and luxurious, you can switch it out with fresh mozzarella, goat cheese, or ricotta if you prefer or have them on hand. Each cheese will bring its own texture and flavor profile to the dish. Lastly, if you don’t have balsamic reduction on hand, you can make a quick substitute by reducing balsamic vinegar with a touch of honey or brown sugar in a saucepan until thickened. This homemade version will still provide the sweet acidity and glossy finish that complements the salad beautifully.

Serving Suggestions

To add a creative touch to this Fresh Melon Prosciutto Salad, consider serving it in elegant individual mason jars or small glass bowls for a visually appealing presentation. Layer the ingredients starting with a bed of arugula, followed by a mix of cantaloupe balls, crispy prosciutto pieces, and dollops of creamy burrata. Drizzle with a swirl of olive oil and balsamic reduction, sprinkle with fresh basil, flaky salt, and black pepper before serving. This individual serving style adds a charming twist to the dish, perfect for outdoor picnics or garden parties.

For a fun and interactive serving idea, create a DIY salad bar featuring all the components of this Fresh Melon Prosciutto Salad. Arrange bowls filled with arugula, cantaloupe, prosciutto crisps, burrata, basil, olive oil, balsamic reduction, flaky salt, and black pepper on a table. Let guests assemble their own salads, customizing the ratios and toppings to their liking. This interactive setup not only encourages creativity but also makes for a delightful and engaging dining experience, ideal for gatherings and events.

FAQs for Summery Melon Prosciutto Salad: Refreshing and Delicious

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

While it’s best assembled just before serving, you can prep components ahead. Cantaloupe can be prepped up to 24 hours in advance, prosciutto can be crisped up to 4 hours ahead, and arugula can be washed and stored up to 2 days ahead. Assemble and dress the salad right before serving to prevent wilting.

Can I substitute burrata with another cheese?

Yes, you can use fresh mozzarella, goat cheese, or ricotta as alternatives to burrata based on your preference and availability.

How do I crisp the prosciutto?

Heat a skillet over medium heat, lay prosciutto slices flat, and cook for 1–2 minutes on each side until crispy. Let them cool before chopping and adding to the salad.

What does the balsamic reduction add to the salad?

The balsamic reduction provides a tangy, slightly sweet flavor and a glossy finish that enhances the overall taste of the dish, bringing all the flavors together in a harmonious way.

Conclusion

I hope you’ve enjoyed creating and savoring this delightful Fresh Melon Prosciutto Salad as much as I do. It truly captures the essence of summer with its vibrant flavors and elegant presentation. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy meal on a busy weeknight or a show-stopping dish for your next gathering, this salad fits the bill perfectly.

Remember, the beauty of this salad lies not just in its taste but also in its versatility. Feel free to experiment with different fruits, cheeses, and nuts to suit the season or your preferences. The key is to maintain that lovely balance of sweet, salty, and creamy elements that make this Fresh Melon Prosciutto Salad so irresistible.

So next time you’re in the mood for a light and refreshing dish that celebrates the best of summer produce, turn to this Fresh Melon Prosciutto Salad. It’s a true feast for the senses that will leave you feeling satisfied and inspired in the kitchen. Cheers to enjoying good food with great company!

Summery Melon Prosciutto Salad: Refreshing and Delicious

Elevate your summer gatherings with this refreshing Fresh Melon Prosciutto Salad, featuring sweet cantaloupe, savory prosciutto, creamy burrata, and a drizzle of balsamic reduction.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time10 Minutes

Cook Time5 Minutes

Total Time15 Minutes

CuisineItalian

Skill LevelEasy

Servings4 Servings

Ingredients

• 6–8 oz burrata
• 2 oz prosciutto
• Flaky salt, to taste
• 2 cups arugula
• 2 cups fresh cantaloupe balls or cubes
• 2 tbsp fresh basil, finely chopped
• Good quality olive oil
• Good quality balsamic reduction
• Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Step 01: Either use a melon baller to scoop cantaloupe into balls or dice into ½–1 inch cubes.
2. Step 02: 1. Preheat a skillet over medium heat, then cook 2–3 slices of prosciutto until crispy, about 1–2 minutes per side. Allow to cool and roughly chop.
3. Step 03: Arrange arugula on a platter. Layer with melon, torn burrata, crispy prosciutto, and chopped basil.
4. Step 04: Drizzle olive oil and balsamic reduction, then sprinkle with flaky salt and black pepper.