Ina Garten’s Melon & Prosciutto Recipe for Sunny Gatherings

Melon and prosciutto dance together in a sublime culinary romance that captures summer’s most elegant essence.

Sweet, juicy melon slices find their perfect partner in delicate, salty cured meat from italy.

Each bite delivers a remarkable contrast of textures and flavors that awakens your palate.

Mediterranean traditions shine through this simple yet sophisticated combination of ingredients.

Quick preparation makes this appetizer a go-to choice for casual gatherings or sophisticated soirées.

Bright, fresh elements elevate the dish from ordinary to extraordinary with minimal effort.

The balance of sweetness and saltiness creates a harmonious taste experience that feels both refined and approachable: Get ready to impress your guests.

Why Melon & Prosciutto Is So Refreshing

• Craft Effortless Elegance: This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a sophisticated appetizer that looks restaurant-worthy but takes mere minutes to prepare.
• Celebrate Sensational Flavor Contrast: The sweet, juicy cantaloupe perfectly balances the salty, delicate prosciutto, creating a harmonious taste explosion that delights the palate with every bite.
• Experience Fresh Summer Simplicity: Requiring only five ingredients and minimal prep work, this dish captures the essence of seasonal dining – light, refreshing, and utterly delightful without complicated techniques or long cooking times.
• Elevate Casual Entertaining: Perfect for summer gatherings, dinner parties, or quick sophisticated snacks, this recipe impresses guests while keeping preparation stress-free and enjoyable.

Melon & Prosciutto Ingredient List

• Cantaloupe: Sweet and juicy melon with soft orange flesh, choose ripe and fragrant fruit with no bruises or soft spots.

• Prosciutto: Thin, delicate Italian dry-cured ham with rich, salty flavor, select high-quality, thinly sliced prosciutto.

• Coarse Sea Salt, Black Pepper: Add depth and enhance the natural flavors of the melon and prosciutto.
• Lemon: Fresh citrus juice provides bright, tangy contrast to the sweet and salty components.

Arranging the Perfect Summer Bite

Step 1: Prepare Cantaloupe

Select a ripe, fragrant cantaloupe. Place the melon on a sturdy cutting board. Using a sharp chef’s knife, carefully slice off both ends of the fruit to create a stable base. Stand the cantaloupe upright and smoothly remove the entire outer rind by slicing downward, following the curve of the melon.

Step 2: Create Perfect Slices

Gently cut the cantaloupe in half vertically. Scoop out the seeds using a spoon. Turn each half cut-side down for stability. Slice the melon into elegant quarter-inch thick semicircles, ensuring consistent width for a beautiful presentation.

Step 3: Artfully Arrange

Distribute melon slices gracefully across four dinner plates. Create an elegant cascade by draping delicate prosciutto strips along the center of each melon slice. Allow the translucent prosciutto to highlight the vibrant orange melon.

Step 4: Final Flourish

• Coarse sea salt
• Freshly cracked black pepper
• Fresh lemon juice

Sprinkle salt and pepper with a light hand. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the plate, adding a bright, zesty note. Serve immediately at room temperature to maximize flavor and texture.

Tips for This Classic Pairing

• Pick Perfect Melon: Select a ripe cantaloupe that feels heavy with a sweet, fragrant aroma and yields slightly when pressed at the stem end.
• Slice Prosciutto Like a Pro: Request ultra-thin prosciutto slices from your deli counter to ensure delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture that complements the melon's sweetness.
• Embrace Room Temperature Magic: Let the dish sit for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to mingle and develop a more intense, harmonious taste.
• Squeeze Fresh Citrus Punch: Opt for freshly squeezed lemon juice to add a bright, zesty note that cuts through the richness of the prosciutto and enhances the melon's natural sweetness.
• Salt with Restraint: Use a light touch when seasoning, as prosciutto brings its own natural saltiness to the dish, preventing overwhelming flavors.

Best Way to Store This Appetizer

• Vacuum Seal Method: Extract all air from the container using a vacuum sealer to preserve the prosciutto's delicate texture and prevent moisture absorption. Protects the delicate flavor profile and prevents rapid flavor degradation.
• Layering Technique: Separate prosciutto slices with parchment paper before storing to prevent sticking and maintain individual slice integrity. Ensures easy separation and preserves the delicate meat's quality during refrigeration.
• Humidity Control: Wrap the container with a slightly damp paper towel to maintain optimal moisture levels without compromising the prosciutto's texture. Helps prevent drying while keeping the melon and prosciutto fresh for maximum 24-hour storage.

Fun Add-Ons for Melon & Prosciutto

• Summer Herb Fusion: Sprinkle fresh basil or mint leaves over the prosciutto-wrapped melon for an aromatic herb enhancement.
• Spicy Mediterranean Kick: Add thin slices of red chili or drizzle with mild hot sauce to introduce a subtle heat to the classic combination.
• Cheese Companion: Crumble soft goat cheese or add small mozzarella pearls alongside the prosciutto for a creamy, tangy element.
• Balsamic Glaze Option: Lightly drizzle aged balsamic reduction over the melon and prosciutto to create a rich, sweet-tangy finish.

Concluding Thoughts on This Cool Combo

Prosciutto-wrapped cantaloupe emerges as summer’s most elegant appetizer, showcasing Ina Garten’s signature culinary finesse.

Classic Mediterranean flavors dance across palates with delicate balance between sweet melon and salty cured meat.

Salt crystals and pepper whispers elevate this simple yet sophisticated dish.

Lemon’s bright acidity cuts through rich prosciutto, creating perfect harmony on plates.

Garten’s recipe transforms humble ingredients into restaurant-worthy elegance with minimal effort.

Savor each bite, share this recipe with friends, double-tap on social media, and spread delicious inspiration that connects passionate cooks worldwide.

Ina Garten Melon & Prosciutto Recipe

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4.8 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s melon and prosciutto create an elegant Italian appetizer that balances sweet summer melons with salty, silky cured ham. Guests will savor this simple yet sophisticated small plate perfect for warm afternoon gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 large ripe cantaloupe
• 6 ounces (170 grams) thinly sliced Italian prosciutto di Parma

Seasonings:

• Coarse sea salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

Garnish:

• 2 lemons, cut in quarters

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Instructions

1. Select a ripe cantaloupe with a sweet aroma and slight give when pressed at the stem end. Wash the exterior thoroughly under cool running water to remove any surface dirt or bacteria.
2. Position the cantaloupe vertically on a stable cutting board. Using a sharp chef’s knife, decisively slice off both rounded ends to create a flat, stable base for further cutting.
3. Stand the cantaloupe upright and carefully remove the tough outer rind by sliding the knife downward, following the curve of the melon. Rotate the fruit to ensure complete rind removal, leaving only the vibrant orange flesh.
4. Slice the peeled cantaloupe in half lengthwise using a smooth, controlled motion. Use a spoon to scoop out and discard the stringy seeds and pulp from the center of each half.
5. Place the cantaloupe halves cut-side down on the cutting board. Slice each half crosswise into uniform half-inch (1.27 centimeters) thick crescents, ensuring consistent thickness for even presentation.
6. Artfully arrange the cantaloupe slices on four chilled dinner plates, creating an elegant fan-like pattern to showcase the fruit’s natural beauty.
7. Gracefully drape thin, translucent prosciutto slices along the center of the cantaloupe, allowing the pink meat to contrast with the bright orange melon.
8. Finish the dish by delicately sprinkling coarse sea salt and freshly ground black pepper over the arranged slices. Squeeze fresh lemon juice in a light, zigzag pattern to enhance the flavors.
9. Serve immediately at room temperature to allow the full spectrum of flavors and textures to be appreciated.

Notes

• Elevate the dish by selecting a ripe, fragrant cantaloupe that yields slightly when pressed, ensuring maximum sweetness and juiciness.
• Layer gossamer-thin prosciutto slices delicately across the melon, creating an elegant presentation that balances salty and sweet flavors.
• Squeeze fresh lemon juice sparingly to brighten the natural flavors, adding a zesty complexity that cuts through the richness of the prosciutto.
• Finish with a whisper of coarse sea salt, allowing the cured meat’s inherent saltiness to complement the melon’s natural sweetness.
• Serve immediately at room temperature to experience the most vibrant and harmonious flavor combination of this classic Italian appetizer.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: None
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving (¼ of recipe)
• Calories: 118 kcal
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 12.4 mg
• Fat: 5.4 g
• Saturated Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 12.5 g
• Fiber: 1.1 g
• Protein: 6.7 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg