Melon and Prosciutto Skewers

I fell in love with prosciutto-wrapped melon in Tuscany. These enticing Melon and Prosciutto Skewers with a drizzle of basil oil swept me back to Italy. Wouldn’t they be perfect for your next picnic or summer party?

The classic Italian pairing of Prosciutto e Melone is easily made into finger food by using picks and threading on bite-sized melon pieces, mozzarella, grape tomatoes, and prosciutto.

Why You Must Make

When I was in my 20’s, my parents spent a couple of summers in Cortona, Italy, in the hills of Tuscany. My mom was teaching a study abroad course and I took my first trip across the Atlantic.

I saw the sites of Rome, Florence, Venice, and Spoleto, but most vivid were the memories of incredible dishes prepared for the faculty in that quaint walled town. Grilled trout, stuffed zucchini blossoms, and my first taste of succulent Italian melon wrapped in paper-thin and salty Prosciutto de Parma.

• This combination of ingredients has been popular for over a century!
• This sweet and salty pairing will tantalize your taste buds!
• Adding mozzarella cheese and a simple drizzle of basil oil makes for a delicious, memorable twist on the classic pairing.

History of Prosciutto and Melon Appetizers

The ancient Romans touted the practice of eating cold, moist foods with hot, dry food to balance the “elements” of fire, air, earth, and water. But the first written recipe for prosciutto et melone wasn’t until centuries later when  Pellegrino Artusi published it in his 1890s cookbook. This combination regained popularity in the 1960s as a classic Italian summer dish.

Frequently Asked Questions

So with summer approaching, I thought back to the spectacular starter AKA Prosciutto e Melone (Italian ham with melon) I first tasted decades ago. I merged that delectable combination with my favorite Caprese salad ingredients and, voila, the perfect appetizer for any gathering. Pair these with some Antipasto Skewers on a big party platter and dazzle your guests.

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These appetizers would be marvelous for any summer gathering! Check out all the spectacular recipes below.

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• More  of the Best Appetizer Recipes

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The Recipe:

Melon and Prosciutto Skewers

Prep Time 15 minutes

Total Time 15 minutes

Yield 6-8 skewers

These Italian inspired skewers feature melon, mozzarella, prosciutto and grape tomatoes! Adapted from Bon Appetit.

Ingredients

• ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1/3 cup packed fresh basil leaves
• 1 small shallot
• 1 small or half a medium cantaloupe, cut into slices, then chunks
• Small fresh mozzarella balls
• Sliced prosciutto, cut in half lengthwise, and folded into ruffle
• Small cherry or grape tomatoes

Instructions

1. Pulse or puree olive oil, basil and shallot in food processor or blender till basil and shallot are finely chopped.
2. Alternate one piece of melon, one piece of prosciutto, one mozzarella ball, another prosciutto ruffle, a grape tomato, a third prosciutto ruffle and then one more piece of melon on each skewer.
3. Place skewers on platter. Drizzle with basil oil and garnish with sprigs of basil before serving.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

8

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 143Total Fat: 14gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 4mgSodium: 70mgCarbohydrates: 3gFiber: 0gSugar: 2gProtein: 1g

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