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Caprese Melon Salad with Prosciutto and Mozzarella is the perfect summer dish. With a blend of refreshing melons, creamy mozzarella, savory prosciutto, and a tangy dressing, this salad is light, flavorful, and full of vibrant colors. It’s ideal as a side dish for grilled seafood or as a standalone light meal, offering a delightful balance of sweetness, saltiness, and acidity. This easy-to-make salad is perfect for barbecues, picnics, or casual dinner parties.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Salad:

1 small cantaloupe
1 small honeydew melon
1 cup ciliegine mozzarella (small mozzarella balls)
¼ cup fresh basil, rinsed and chopped
3 ounces prosciutto, sliced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, cut in half

For the Dressing:

Pineapple vinegar (or any vinegar of choice)
Olive oil
Fresh cracked pepper
Sea salt

Directions

Prepare the Melon: Cut the melons into small pieces, then scoop the flesh into small balls using a melon baller.
Combine Salad Ingredients: Add the melon balls, ciliegine mozzarella, chopped basil, prosciutto slices, and halved cherry tomatoes to a large salad bowl. Toss gently to combine.
Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the vinegar, olive oil, cracked pepper, and sea salt.
Dress the Salad: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat all the ingredients evenly.
Chill and Serve: Keep the salad chilled in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Nutritional Value (Approximate per Serving)

Calories: 180-220 kcal
Carbohydrates: 20-25g
Protein: 7-9g
Fat: 12-15g
Saturated Fat: 4-6g
Cholesterol: 20-30mg
Sodium: 300-400mg
Potassium: 300-400mg
Fiber: 2-3g
Sugar: 14-18g
Vitamin C: 30-40% of daily recommended intake
Calcium: 10-15% of daily recommended intake

Health Highlights

The melons provide hydration and vitamin C, which boosts immune function.
The prosciutto adds a savory flavor and a good amount of protein.
Mozzarella contributes calcium and protein for muscle and bone health.
The olive oil in the dressing is rich in healthy monounsaturated fats that benefit heart health.

The Refreshing Melon Base

The base of this salad features a combination of cantaloupe and honeydew melon. Both of these melons are naturally sweet and juicy, making them the perfect base for a refreshing summer salad. The cantaloupe adds a slightly musky sweetness, while the honeydew melon brings a mild, almost floral flavor. Together, they provide a refreshing and hydrating foundation for the salad.

The melons are cut into small pieces and then shaped into small balls using a melon baller, adding a fun and visually appealing element to the salad. The melon balls are easy to eat, offering a burst of flavor and juiciness with every bite. The melon’s high water content makes it an excellent choice for hydration, especially during the warmer months.

Adding Mozzarella: Creamy and Mild

The addition of ciliegine mozzarella (small mozzarella balls) enhances the texture and richness of the salad. The mozzarella is creamy, mild, and soft, providing a smooth contrast to the sweetness of the melons. Mozzarella’s mild flavor doesn’t overpower the other ingredients, allowing the melons, prosciutto, and dressing to shine. Additionally, mozzarella adds protein and calcium, which contribute to muscle and bone health, making this salad both delicious and nutritious.

Prosciutto: Savory and Rich

The prosciutto adds a touch of savory richness that beautifully balances the sweetness of the melons. Its thin, delicate slices melt in your mouth, providing a salty contrast to the refreshing and sweet elements of the salad. Prosciutto is a great source of protein, which helps make this salad more filling and satisfying, while also providing a savory depth of flavor that complements the fresh ingredients.

Fresh Basil: Aromatic and Bright

Fresh basil is the perfect herb to brighten up this salad. Its aromatic, slightly peppery flavor enhances the overall flavor profile, tying the ingredients together. The basil’s fresh, herbal notes provide a lovely contrast to the sweetness of the melons and the saltiness of the prosciutto. Chopping the basil leaves allows for an even distribution throughout the salad, so every bite contains a touch of this fragrant herb.

Cherry Tomatoes: Juicy and Vibrant

The cherry tomatoes add a burst of color and juiciness to the salad. Their tangy flavor balances the sweetness of the melons and the richness of the mozzarella and prosciutto. Halving the tomatoes allows them to blend seamlessly with the other ingredients, providing a fresh bite that complements the soft textures of the melons and cheese.

The Dressing: Tangy and Light

The dressing for this Caprese Melon Salad is simple yet flavorful. Made with pineapple vinegar, olive oil, fresh cracked pepper, and sea salt, it provides a tangy, slightly sweet acidity that balances out the richness of the mozzarella and prosciutto. Pineapple vinegar, in particular, adds a unique fruitiness that complements the melons and enhances the overall flavor of the salad.

The olive oil in the dressing is rich in monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health. The dressing is light and won’t overpower the other ingredients, allowing the freshness of the melons and the creaminess of the mozzarella to remain the focal point of the dish.

Assembling the Salad

Assembling this Caprese Melon Salad is incredibly easy and quick. Simply combine the melon balls, ciliegine mozzarella, chopped basil, prosciutto slices, and halved cherry tomatoes in a large salad bowl. Toss gently to mix, ensuring that the flavors are well distributed.

Once the salad is assembled, drizzle the tangy dressing over the top and toss again to coat the ingredients evenly. The dressing will soak into the melon, mozzarella, and prosciutto, creating a beautifully balanced flavor in every bite.

Chill and Serve

While the salad can be served immediately, it’s best to chill it in the refrigerator for a little while before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the salad to become even more refreshing. Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to ensure it’s cold and the flavors have had time to develop.

Once it’s ready, serve the salad as a side dish or a light main course. Garnish with additional fresh basil leaves if desired, and enjoy the vibrant colors and fresh, bold flavors of this unique and delicious salad.

Why Caprese Melon Salad with Prosciutto and Mozzarella is Perfect for Summer

This salad is perfect for summer due to its refreshing, hydrating ingredients and light, flavorful profile. The combination of melons, mozzarella, and prosciutto is an elegant twist on the classic Caprese salad, and the addition of the tangy dressing makes it even more dynamic. The salad’s bright colors, fresh flavors, and healthy ingredients make it ideal for summer gatherings, barbecues, picnics, or casual dinner parties.

It’s also a versatile dish that can be served as a light lunch, a side dish, or even as a starter to complement grilled seafood, chicken, or other summer fare. The balance of sweetness, saltiness, and acidity makes this salad a crowd-pleasing option for almost any occasion.

Nutritional Benefits

This Caprese Melon Salad offers several health benefits. The melons provide hydration and a good amount of vitamin C, which is essential for immune function. Prosciutto adds protein and iron, while mozzarella contributes calcium and additional protein for muscle and bone health. The olive oil in the dressing is rich in heart-healthy fats, which support cardiovascular health.

The fresh basil offers antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, while the cherry tomatoes provide additional vitamins, including vitamin A and C. Together, these ingredients make for a salad that’s not only delicious but also packed with essential nutrients.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Caprese Melon Salad with Prosciutto and Mozzarella is a delightful, refreshing, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for the warmer months. The combination of sweet melons, creamy mozzarella, savory prosciutto, and fresh basil creates a balanced and harmonious flavor profile that’s both satisfying and light. With its tangy dressing and vibrant colors, this salad is ideal for picnics, barbecues, or any casual gathering. It’s easy to prepare, healthy, and absolutely delicious, making it a must-try for anyone looking to enjoy the best flavors of summer.

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