Cantaloupe Prosciutto Salad

If you’re looking for a light, refreshing dish to enjoy on a warm day, this Cantaloupe Prosciutto Salad is your new go-to recipe. Combining the sweetness of ripe cantaloupe with the savory bite of prosciutto, fresh basil, and a zesty lime-honey dressing, this salad is the perfect blend of flavors and textures. Best of all, it’s quick and easy to prepare—perfect for a summer gathering, BBQ, or a simple lunch at home.

Quick Video

Why You’ll Love This Cantaloupe Prosciutto Salad

• Sweet and Savory: The combination of juicy cantaloupe and salty prosciutto offers a perfect balance of flavors.
• Refreshing and Light: This salad is packed with hydrating ingredients like cucumber and cantaloupe, making it ideal for warm weather.
• Quick to Prepare: With minimal prep and simple ingredients, this salad can be ready in just 15 minutes. This is also one of those sort of fool-proof recipes that you can delegate to a helper while you are working on other things.

Key Ingredients

• 1 cantaloupe, cut into chunks or scooped with a melon baller
• 1 cucumber, cut into similar-sized pieces as the cantaloupe
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
• 8 slices prosciutto, halved
• Fresh basil, chiffonaded
• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 Tbsp honey
• Zest of 1 lime
• Juice of 1/2 lime
• 1/4 tsp salt
• Balsamic glaze (optional)

How to Make Cantaloupe Prosciutto Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Base

Start by combining the cantaloupe, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and red onion in a large serving dish. Take some time to get everything pretty evenly distributed and pretty looking.

Step 2: Add the Prosciutto

Next, arrange the prosciutto evenly throughout the salad. I like to sort of bunch it up and tuck it into the gaps between the melon and cucumber.

Step 3: Garnish with Basil

Sprinkle the fresh basil over the top of the salad. The basil adds a nice herb-y freshness that ties this all together.

Step 4: Make the Dressing

In a small jar, combine the olive oil, honey, lime zest, lime juice, and salt and then shake it up. This dressing highlights the flavors of melon and cucumbers without being overpowering.

Step 5: Dress and Serve

Pour the dressing over the salad just before serving. For an extra burst of flavor and color contrast, finish with a drizzle of balsamic glaze if desired.

Tips for Success:

• Use Ripe Cantaloupe: To get the best flavor, make sure your cantaloupe is ripe. It should feel heavy for its size and have a sweet smell.
• Chill Before Serving: For an extra refreshing dish, chill the cantaloupe and cucumber before assembling the salad.
• Adjust to Taste: Feel free to add more basil, lime, or honey depending on your flavor preferences.

Variations:

• Add Cheese: For a richer version, you can add Feta or Mozzarella (or dairy-free versions) to the salad.
• Try a different melon: Substitute half or all of the cantaloupe with watermelon or honeydew for a change.
• Herb Swap: If you don’t have basil, I like fresh mint just as well in this.

Serving Suggestions:

This Cantaloupe Prosciutto Salad is versatile enough to serve as a light main course or as a side dish alongside grilled chicken, fish, or even a charcuterie board. It’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a simple weeknight dinner.

FAQs for Cantanloupe Prosciutto Salad

Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep all the ingredients ahead of time, but I recommend waiting to add the prosciutto and basil until just before serving. Also, dress the salad right before serving to avoid sogginess.

How long will this salad last?
This salad is best eaten fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day.

What if I don’t have a melon baller?
No problem and I don’t blame you – these things went out of style in the 70s. Just cut the cantaloupe into bite-sized chunks.

Final Thoughts

This Cantaloupe Prosciutto Salad is not only stunning but also packed with vibrant flavors. The sweet melon, salty prosciutto, and fresh basil are brought together with a simple lime-honey dressing that elevates the dish to a new level. Whether you’re entertaining or just looking for a healthy, light meal, this salad will not disappoint.