Melon Prosciutto Skewers
Melon Prosciutto Skewers are easy for anyone to make with minimal time and effort, and look so impressive for a party. Sweet melon and salty prosciutto come together on a skewer with fresh herbs, perfect for a summer appetizer or snack.
I first had this combo in Italy years ago, and I’ve been making my own version ever since. Melon and prosciutto is a classic pairing in Italian antipasti, combining salty and sweet flavors with effortless ease.
This is one of those recipes I always turn to when hosting. Whether it’s a backyard gathering or a summer dinner party, they always disappear first. They’re quick, refreshing, and so beautiful on the table—especially when you use both cantaloupe and honeydew for a mix of color and sweetness.
They take just 20 minutes to prep, use minimal ingredients, and can be assembled ahead of time. We even let the kids jump in and help—it’s a fun, hands-on recipe with no cooking required.
For more crowd-friendly favorites, check out my Appetizers or these Watermelon Mozzarella Skewers.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: No cooking needed—just prep and assemble in 20 minutes.
- Simple ingredients: Just melon, prosciutto, basil, and balsamic glaze.
- Make-ahead friendly: You can prep and chill them before serving.
- Beautiful presentation: These skewers always impress with their color and simplicity.
What Are Melon Prosciutto Skewers?
Melon prosciutto skewers are a fresh Italian-inspired appetizer made with bite-sized pieces of melon and thin slices of salty prosciutto, often paired with herbs like basil and sometimes finished with a sweet balsamic glaze. The ingredients are threaded onto skewers for easy serving.
In Italian cuisine, prosciutto e melone (prosciutto and melon) is a classic antipasto—a perfect pairing of sweet and salty, soft and chewy, cool and savory. This handheld version is ideal for summer entertaining or outdoor parties.
Jenn’s Tip: A melon baller gives a clean, round shape, but rustic cubes are just as delicious—and often easier if you’re in a rush.
Ingredients
Cantaloupe – Cut into bite-sized cubes or balls. Juicy and sweet with a rich orange color.
Honeydew – A milder green melon that adds variety in both flavor and appearance.
Prosciutto – Thinly sliced and folded into soft ribbons. Adds a salty, savory bite.
Fresh basil – Bright and aromatic, this adds freshness to each skewer.
Balsamic glaze – A drizzle adds sweetness and acidity to balance the melon.
How to Make Melon Prosciutto Skewers
- Prep your ingredients:
Use a melon baller or knife to cut cantaloupe and honeydew into bite-sized pieces. Tear or fold prosciutto into smaller ribbons. Wash and dry the basil.
- Assemble the skewers:
On each skewer, thread a piece of cantaloupe, a folded ribbon of prosciutto, a basil leaf, and a piece of honeydew. Repeat the pattern as desired, depending on skewer size.
- Finish and serve:
Arrange skewers on a platter. Drizzle with balsamic glaze just before serving for an elegant finish.
Expert Tips
- Chill before serving: These are best when cold, especially in warm weather.
- Layer colors: Alternate melon varieties to make each skewer visually appealing.
- Don’t skip the basil: It adds a vibrant pop of flavor and balances the sweetness.
- Prep smart: You can cut everything ahead and assemble just before serving.
Substitutions and Variations
- Add mozzarella balls: Add ciliegine mozzarella between the melon and prosciutto for a creamy twist.
- Try other fruit: Swap melon for fresh peach slices or a mix of seasonal fruit.
- Different herbs: Use fresh mint instead of basil for a slightly sweeter flavor.
- Drizzle ideas: Balsamic glaze is classic, but you can experiment with honey or hot honey for a twist!
- No skewers? Serve the ingredients on a platter for a deconstructed version.
How to Store and Make Ahead
You can fully assemble the skewers up to 4 hours in advance and store them covered in the fridge. For longer prep, cut the melon and basil and keep in airtight containers, then assemble just before serving. Wait to add balsamic glaze until the very end to keep everything fresh and bright.
FAQs
Cantaloupe is traditional, but honeydew or a combination of both creates visual contrast and balanced flavor.
The salty richness of prosciutto contrasts perfectly with sweet, juicy melon—it’s a beloved flavor pairing in Italy, especially in the summer months.
Peaches, figs, and pears are all delicious with thinly sliced prosciutto.
Fresh, mild cheeses like mozzarella, burrata, or ricotta salata pair beautifully with melon. They balance the sweetness without overpowering it, and their creamy texture complements the juicy fruit and salty prosciutto.
More Easy Italian Recipes
- Lemon Chicken Orzo Pasta
- Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad
- Italian Chicken Cutlets
- Creamy Smoked Salmon Pasta
Melon and Prosciutto Skewers
Equipment
- bamboo or cocktail skewers 4-6 inch.
Ingredients
- 1/2 Cantaloupe cut into bite-sized cubes or balled
- 1/2 Honeydew cut into bite-sized cubes or balled
- 12 slices Prosciutto Cut in half
- Fresh basil
- Balsamic glaze
Instructions
- Prep your ingredients: Use a melon baller or sharp knife to create bite-sized pieces of cantaloupe and honeydew.
- Assemble the skewers: On each skewer, thread a piece of cantaloupe, a folded ribbon of prosciutto, and a piece of honeydew. Add a small basil leaf in between or at the end for a pop of freshness.
- Finish: Arrange skewers on a platter and drizzle with balsamic glaze right before serving.
Notes
Expert Tips
-
- Chill before serving: These are best when cold, especially in warm weather.
-
- Layer colors: Alternate melon varieties to make each skewer visually appealing.
-
- Don’t skip the basil: It adds a vibrant pop of flavor and balances the sweetness.
-
- Prep smart: You can cut everything ahead and assemble just before serving.
