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.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad
- 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
Dressing
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- ½ teaspoon flaky sea salt (or more to taste)
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
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1/4 of the recipe)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: fresh melon salad, Tuscan melon salad, prosciutto salad, summer salad, mozzarella salad, Italian salad, quick salad
