Prosciutto and Melon Recipe

A small plate of arugula salad with sliced Prosciutto and Melon. Oranges on the side.

5 from 4 votes

Prosciutto and Melon Recipe

Prosciutto and Melon Salad is the perfect taste of Italian summer—light, elegant, and bursting with sweet and salty flavor. Inspired by the sun-ripened melons of Sardegna and the simplicity of classic antipasti, this no-cook dish is ideal for al fresco dining, easy entertaining, or a refreshing light meal.

Prep Time10

Total Time10

Course: Appetizer, Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine: Italian

Keyword: melon salad recipe, proscuitto and melon

Servings: servings

Author: Elena Davis

Ingredients

For the Salad:

Fresh arugula about 15 oz, pre-washed
8 slices prosciutto trimmed if needed
8 cantaloupe wedges from about half a medium melon, peeled
8 fresh basil leaves

Orange Vinaigrette:

¾ cup good quality extra virgin olive oil
½ cup fresh-squeezed orange juice about 1 large orange
Zest of one orange
2 tablespoons honey adjust to taste
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon salt more to taste
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 cloves garlic cut into quarters

Instructions

For the Orange Dressing:

Add all vinaigrette ingredients to a mason jar. Seal and shake well until emulsified. Store at room temperature up to 1 week, or refrigerate up to 2 weeks. Shake again before using.

Assemble the Melon and Prosciutto:

Toss the arugula gently with about half of the vinaigrette. Arrange on a large serving platter as a fresh bed for the melon and prosciutto.
Cut the melon in half and scoop out the seeds. Slice each half into even wedges, then run a small knife between the rind and the flesh to remove the peel. Trim the slices as needed so they're easy to wrap with prosciutto.
Wrap the melon: Place a fresh basil leaf on each cantaloupe wedge. Wrap with a slice of prosciutto, leaving the ends of the melon exposed. Repeat for all slices.
Top the salad: Arrange the prosciutto-wrapped melon on top of the arugula. Drizzle with a little extra dressing (about 2 tablespoons) right before serving.
Serve immediately and enjoy with crusty bread or as a starter to a summer meal!

Nutrition