Name: Fresh Melon Salad (Ready in 15 Minutes) Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 melon (balled using a melon baller, preferably Tuscan melon); 8 ounces mozzarella balls (drained and dried, small ciliegine type); ⅓ cup Castelvetrano olives (halved); 1 pint cherry tomatoes (halved); ½ cup fresh basil (torn); 8 slices prosciutto; 3 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar; 1 tablespoon honey; ½ teaspoon flaky sea salt (or more to taste)

Jump to Recipe

If you’re searching for a vibrant and refreshing dish that bursts with flavor yet comes together in a snap, this Fresh Melon Salad (Ready in 15 Minutes) is your new best friend. Combining the sweet juiciness of melon, creamy mozzarella, salty olives, and crispy prosciutto, this salad dances on your palate with bright basil and a honey-balsamic dressing that ties it all together beautifully. It’s perfect for a quick lunch, an elegant appetizer, or a colorful side—anytime you want something fresh, light, and utterly satisfying.

Fresh Melon Salad (Ready in 15 Minutes) Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Fresh Melon Salad (Ready in 15 Minutes) lies in its simplicity, where each ingredient plays an essential role to build layers of flavor, texture, and color. These easy-to-find ingredients come together to create a salad that feels thoughtfully prepared but never fussy.

1 melon: Using a Tuscan melon with a melon baller creates perfect, bite-sized juicy spheres that are the star of the salad.
8 ounces mozzarella balls: Small mozzarella ciliegine add a creamy, mild contrast that balances the sweetness of the melon.
⅓ cup Castelvetrano olives: Their buttery, mild flavor adds a salty touch without overpowering the other ingredients.
1 pint cherry tomatoes: Halved, they provide a burst of juiciness and vibrant red color to brighten the dish.
½ cup fresh basil: Torn basil leaves infuse herbaceous aroma and a peppery kick that lifts all the flavors.
8 slices prosciutto: Broiled to crispy perfection, these add a wonderful crunch and savory depth to the salad.
3 tablespoons olive oil: A fruity olive oil helps marry the ingredients with richness and smoothness.
2 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar: Its gentle sweetness and acidity complement the honey and brighten the salad’s profile.
1 tablespoon honey: Adds natural sweetness to balance the tangy vinegar and salty prosciutto.
½ teaspoon flaky sea salt: Enhances all the flavors without overwhelming, adjustable to taste.

How to Make Fresh Melon Salad (Ready in 15 Minutes)

Step 1: Broil the Prosciutto Until Crispy

Preheat your oven’s broiler to high and arrange the prosciutto slices on a foil-lined baking sheet. Keeping a close eye to avoid burning, broil the prosciutto for about 3 minutes on one side, then flip and broil for another 2 minutes. Once crispy and golden, remove from the oven and let the prosciutto cool completely before crumbling it into bite-sized pieces. This step adds a delightful crunch and savory punch that elevates the entire salad.

Step 2: Prepare the Melon and Vegetables

Using a melon baller, scoop out perfect little balls from the Tuscan melon, but feel free to use your favorite type of melon if you prefer. Place these juicy melon spheres in a large salad bowl, then add the drained and dried mozzarella balls, halved Castelvetrano olives, and halved cherry tomatoes. These fresh, colorful ingredients provide a wonderful mix of textures and juicy bursts of flavor.

Step 3: Add the Fresh Basil and Crispy Prosciutto

Tear the fresh basil leaves into smaller pieces to release their fragrant aroma, then sprinkle them over the salad along with the crumbled crispy prosciutto. This combination brings a fresh herbal note and a salty crunch that makes every bite interesting and satisfying.

Step 4: Whisk and Drizzle the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, white balsamic vinegar, honey, and flaky sea salt until they combine into a smooth, glossy dressing. Drizzle this dressing evenly over the salad and gently toss everything together to ensure every bite is infused with that perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors.

How to Serve Fresh Melon Salad (Ready in 15 Minutes)

Garnishes

To make your Fresh Melon Salad pop even more, consider adding a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or a few shavings of aged Parmesan cheese on top. A light dusting of cracked black pepper adds a subtle spice, while a few extra whole basil leaves can make your presentation look effortlessly elegant.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs beautifully with crusty baguette slices or rustic sourdough bread, perfect for scooping up the juicy bits and savoring every drop of dressing. It also complements grilled chicken or seafood, making it a versatile side for light summer meals or stylish dinner parties.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the Fresh Melon Salad (Ready in 15 Minutes) in individual clear glass bowls or hollowed-out melon halves to wow your guests visually. Layering the salad in mason jars also makes for an adorable and portable lunch option. The vibrant colors naturally lend themselves to stunning presentations that will make everyone eager to dig in.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover salad, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and enjoy it within 1 to 2 days. Keep in mind the crispy prosciutto may lose some crunch, so consider storing it separately and adding it just before serving again.

Freezing

This salad is best enjoyed fresh, so freezing is not recommended. The fresh melon and tomatoes will lose their delightful texture once frozen and thawed, and the delicate mozzarella could become watery.

Reheating

No reheating is needed with this Fresh Melon Salad (Ready in 15 Minutes). Its charm lies in the cool, fresh ingredients and crunchy prosciutto which are best enjoyed cold or at room temperature.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of melon for this salad?

Absolutely! While Tuscan melon offers a lovely sweetness and texture, cantaloupe, honeydew, or even watermelon can be great alternatives. Each will bring a unique flavor profile, so feel free to experiment.

What can I substitute for Castelvetrano olives?

If you don’t have Castelvetrano olives, green olives or even Kalamata olives (pitted and roughly chopped) work well. Just pick olives that aren’t too overpowering so they don’t dominate the fresh flavors in the salad.

Is it okay to skip the prosciutto for a vegetarian version?

Yes! Skipping the prosciutto still leaves you with a delicious, fresh salad. For some added texture and umami, consider adding toasted nuts or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast.

How should I prepare the mozzarella balls?

Drain the mozzarella balls well and pat them dry with paper towels to avoid excess moisture in the salad, which helps keep the salad fresh and not watery.

Can I make the dressing ahead of time?

Definitely. The dressing can be whisked together up to two days in advance and stored in the fridge. Just give it a quick stir before drizzling over the salad to recombine any separated ingredients.

Final Thoughts

This Fresh Melon Salad (Ready in 15 Minutes) is one of those recipes that feels like a little celebration in every bite. It’s fresh, flavorful, and easy enough to whip up on a busy day but impressive enough for guests. Once you try it, you’ll find it popping up on your menu time and time again, especially whenever you crave something bright, healthy, and utterly delicious. Give it a go—I promise you’ll love how effortlessly it lifts your meal!

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Fresh Melon Salad (Ready in 15 Minutes) Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 23 reviews

Author: Sophie
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Low Salt

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Description

This Fresh Melon Salad combines juicy, balled Tuscan melon with creamy mozzarella balls, salty Castelvetrano olives, sweet cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and crispy prosciutto. Tossed in a light honey and white balsamic vinaigrette, this vibrant salad is a perfect quick and refreshing dish ready in just 15 minutes.

Instructions

Prepare the prosciutto: Preheat your oven to broiler on high. Lay the prosciutto slices on a foil-lined baking sheet. Broil until crispy, about 3 minutes on one side, then flip and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Watch carefully to avoid burning. Remove from oven and let cool completely before crumbling into pieces. Set aside.
Scoop the melon and combine ingredients: Using a melon baller, scoop balls from the melon and place them in a large salad bowl. Add the mozzarella balls, halved Castelvetrano olives, and halved cherry tomatoes. Toss in the torn fresh basil leaves and the crumbled crispy prosciutto pieces.
Make the dressing and toss the salad: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, white balsamic vinegar, honey, and flaky sea salt until the dressing is well combined. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and gently toss all ingredients to coat evenly.
Serve: Serve the salad immediately, optionally with crusty bread, or enjoy it on its own as a light, refreshing meal.

Notes

Use a ripe but firm Tuscan melon or your favorite melon variety for best flavor.
Keep an eye on prosciutto when broiling as it can burn quickly.
For a vegetarian option, omit the prosciutto and add toasted nuts for extra texture.
This salad is best served fresh to preserve the crispness and vibrant flavors.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: Broiling, tossing
Cuisine: Italian