Description
A refreshing and elegant appetizer combining sweet, juicy cantaloupe with savory prosciutto, creamy fresh mozzarella, and peppery arugula, drizzled with olive oil and optionally finished with balsamic glaze. Perfect for a quick, no-cook dish ideal for summer gatherings or light meals.
Ingredients
Scale
Melon
- 1 ripe cantaloupe, cut into bite-sized chunks
Meat
- 6–8 slices of prosciutto, torn into ribbons
Dairy
- 6 oz fresh mozzarella or mini mozzarella balls
Greens
- 1 cup arugula
Dressings and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Cracked black pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze
Instructions
- Prepare the cantaloupe: Cut the cantaloupe in half, scoop out all the seeds carefully, then slice each half into wedges. Remove the rind from each wedge and chop the fruit into bite-sized chunks for easy eating.
- Prepare the prosciutto: Tear or fold the prosciutto slices into thin ribbons. This helps incorporate the meat evenly and makes it easier to pair with the melon in each bite.
- Add the mozzarella: Tear the fresh mozzarella into pieces or simply scatter mini mozzarella balls over the chunks of melon to distribute the creamy texture throughout the dish.
- Top with arugula: Add a handful of fresh arugula leaves on top, giving the dish a peppery flavor and a lovely leafy green contrast to the sweet and salty ingredients.
- Season and dress: Drizzle the entire salad with 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, then season with freshly cracked black pepper according to your preference.
- Optional finishing touch and serve: If desired, drizzle 1 tablespoon of balsamic glaze over the salad for added sweetness and tang. Serve the dish immediately to enjoy the fresh flavors at their best.
Notes
- Choose a ripe, fragrant cantaloupe for the best sweetness and flavor contrast with the prosciutto.
- Fresh mozzarella is preferred but mini mozzarella balls are a convenient alternative.
- Balsamic glaze adds a sweet and tangy finish but can be omitted if you prefer a simpler taste.
- Serve immediately after assembling to maintain the freshness and texture of the ingredients.
- Can be served as an appetizer, light lunch, or side salad.
