If you are looking for a vibrant, refreshing dish that brings together sweet, salty, creamy, and tangy notes all in one bowl, this Melon Prosciutto Salad with Fresh Mozzarella and Balsamic Glaze Recipe is exactly what your taste buds crave. The juicy melon balls provide a burst of summer sweetness, perfectly balanced by the savory prosciutto and smooth mozzarella, all crowned with a luscious balsamic glaze that ties every bite together. It’s a celebration of fresh flavors and simple ingredients that’s elegant enough for guests yet easy enough for any weeknight.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this salad is a star on its own, yet they harmonize beautifully in the final dish. These simple essentials bring a perfect blend of texture, color, and flavor that wakes up your palate with every bite.
- Ripe cantaloupe: Offers sweetness and vibrant orange color that’s juicy and refreshing.
- Ripe honeydew: Adds a mellow, crisp contrast to cantaloupe’s sweetness with its pale green hue.
- 3 ounces sliced prosciutto: Provides a salty, savory edge that complements the fruit’s natural sugars.
- 8 ounces Ciliegine mozzarella balls: These bite-sized fresh mozzarella pieces add creamy, mild richness.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Brings smoothness and helps the glaze meld with the other flavors.
- 2 teaspoons balsamic glaze: Imparts tangy sweetness and a stunning glossy finish.
- 1/2 teaspoon flaky sea salt: Enhances the flavors with light, crunchy bursts of saltiness.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds a subtle heat to balance the dish.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh herbs (mint, basil, sage): Injects fresh, aromatic brightness that elevates every forkful.
How to Make Melon Prosciutto Salad with Fresh Mozzarella and Balsamic Glaze Recipe
Step 1: Scoop the Melon Balls
Start by slicing your cantaloupe and honeydew melons in half and removing the seeds. Using a melon baller or a small spoon, scoop out the fruit in neat, uniform balls. After gathering the first layer of melon balls, slice about half an inch off the top of the melon halves to access and scoop deeper layers. Repeat this step as needed until you have plenty of beautifully round melon balls that will give the salad its colorful, juicy foundation.
Step 2: Assemble the Salad
On a large serving plate or bowl, combine the cantaloupe and honeydew melon balls with the torn prosciutto slices and the delicate Ciliegine mozzarella balls. The variety in textures here—from chewy to creamy to crisp—already hints at how delicious the salad will be.
Step 3: Whisk and Drizzle the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic glaze, flaky sea salt, and ground black pepper until emulsified. Pour this fragrant dressing evenly over your assembled salad, allowing the sweet and tangy notes to marry the savory and fruity components perfectly.
Step 4: Add Fresh Herbs
To finish, sprinkle the chopped fresh herbs—mint, basil, and sage—over the top. These herbs brighten the dish with their fresh, aromatic qualities and add a lovely touch of green that makes your salad as beautiful as it is delicious.
How to Serve Melon Prosciutto Salad with Fresh Mozzarella and Balsamic Glaze Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate this Melon Prosciutto Salad with Fresh Mozzarella and Balsamic Glaze Recipe, refreshing additions like a handful of toasted pine nuts or slivers of toasted almonds add a satisfying crunch. A sprinkle of microgreens or edible flowers offers a delicate aesthetic, making the dish a feast for both eyes and palate.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs beautifully with light, summery sides such as crusty artisan bread to soak up any extra glaze or a simple chilled white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the fresh fruit and creamy cheese elements.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Melon Prosciutto Salad with Fresh Mozzarella and Balsamic Glaze Recipe in individual clear glass bowls or on skewers for easy appetizer bites. Layer the ingredients carefully to show off the colorful melon balls alongside the prosciutto and mozzarella for an Instagram-worthy presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Keep it chilled and add fresh herbs or the balsamic glaze just before serving again to maintain the crisp texture and bright flavors.
Freezing
Because the salad is made with fresh melon, mozzarella, and herbs, freezing is not recommended. The texture of the fruit and cheese will deteriorate upon thawing, losing the crisp freshness that makes this recipe so special.
Reheating
This salad is best enjoyed cold and fresh, so reheating is not advised. Instead, simply mix the salad gently and let it come to room temperature for a few minutes if it feels too chilled straight from the fridge.
FAQs
Can I use other types of melon for this recipe?
Absolutely! Watermelon or even a bit of ripe pear can be wonderful substitutions or additions that complement the prosciutto and mozzarella while offering exciting new flavors.
Is it possible to make this salad vegan?
You can make a vegan version by swapping out the fresh mozzarella for a plant-based cheese alternative and making sure your balsamic glaze is free from any animal-derived ingredients.
Can I prepare the components ahead of time?
Yes, you can scoop the melon balls and slice the prosciutto a few hours ahead; just keep everything refrigerated and assemble the salad along with dressing and herbs right before serving for the freshest taste.
What’s the best way to make balsamic glaze at home?
To make your own glaze, simply simmer balsamic vinegar over medium heat until it reduces by about half and coats the back of a spoon, creating a thick, syrupy consistency.
Can I add nuts or seeds for crunch?
Definitely! Toasted walnuts, pine nuts, or pumpkin seeds add a delightful crunch that enhances the salad’s texture and brings an extra layer of flavor complexity.
Final Thoughts
So there you have it—a Melon Prosciutto Salad with Fresh Mozzarella and Balsamic Glaze Recipe that’s bursting with sunshine, flavor, and effortless elegance. It’s a dish that never fails to impress, whether you’re serving it for a casual lunch or a fancy dinner. Trust me, once you try this combination, it will quickly become one of your favorite go-to recipes for a fresh, easy, and unforgettable salad experience. You absolutely have to give it a whirl and enjoy every juicy, savory bite!
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Melon Prosciutto Salad with Fresh Mozzarella and Balsamic Glaze Recipe
- Prep Time: 12 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 12 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A refreshing and elegant Melon Prosciutto Salad featuring sweet melon balls paired with savory prosciutto and creamy mozzarella, drizzled with a tangy balsamic glaze and olive oil dressing, then topped with fresh herbs for a burst of flavor.
Ingredients
Melons
- 1 ripe cantaloupe
- 1 ripe honeydew
Meat and Cheese
- 3 ounces sliced prosciutto, torn into pieces
- 8 ounces Ciliegine Mozzarella balls
Dressing
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons balsamic glaze
- 1/2 teaspoon flaky sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Garnish
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh herbs (mint, basil, sage)
Instructions
- Prepare the Melons: Slice the cantaloupe and honeydew melons in half and scoop out the seeds. Using a melon baller or a round teaspoon, gently press against the melon flesh and scoop out balls. After completing the first layer, slice about 1/2 inch off the top of the melon and continue scooping out balls to get the perfect shape. Repeat this process as necessary for both melons.
- Assemble the Salad: On a serving plate, combine the freshly scooped melon balls, torn prosciutto pieces, and Ciliegine mozzarella balls. This creates a harmonious mix of sweet, salty, and creamy elements.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic glaze, flaky sea salt, and ground black pepper until well combined. This dressing adds a flavorful and tangy finish to the salad.
- Dress and Garnish: Pour the dressing evenly over the assembled melon, prosciutto, and mozzarella mixture. Finally, sprinkle the chopped fresh herbs—mint, basil, and sage—over the top to add a refreshing herbal aroma and taste.
Notes
- Use ripe but firm melons for the best texture and flavor balance.
- Ciliegine mozzarella balls can be substituted with small fresh mozzarella pearls if unavailable.
- The fresh herbs can be adjusted based on preference or seasonality; parsley or thyme are good alternatives.
- Serve immediately or chill for up to an hour before serving to maintain freshness.
