If you’re craving a light, sophisticated appetizer that’s as easy to make as it is impressive to serve, these melon prosciutto skewers are your answer.
This no-cook recipe combines juicy cantaloupe, creamy mozzarella, fresh basil, and savory prosciutto — all drizzled with a sweet balsamic glaze for the perfect bite-sized balance of sweet, salty, and tangy. Whether you’re hosting a summer brunch, prepping a holiday appetizer board, or need a fancy finger food for last-minute guests, this elegant skewer comes together in under 15 minutes.
The best part? No cooking, no mess — just bold flavor and beautiful presentation.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & No-Cook – Done in under 15 minutes with zero heat required.
- Elegant & Crowd-Pleasing – Perfect for entertaining, picnics, or date nights.
- Balanced Flavors – Sweet melon, salty prosciutto, creamy cheese, and tangy glaze.
- Fresh & Healthy – Made with simple whole-food ingredients.
- Visually Stunning – Makes any party platter pop with color and texture.
- Customizable – Swap melon varieties, cheeses, or herbs to fit your taste.
These skewers stand out because they elevate a few humble ingredients into something sophisticated and flavorful. The natural sweetness of ripe melon pairs beautifully with the rich saltiness of prosciutto, while the mozzarella adds softness and basil gives it a bright, aromatic finish.
Ingredients Needed
Here’s exactly what you’ll need to build these simple yet gourmet skewers:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 ripe cantaloupe
(Choose a firm, fragrant melon for best flavor. Honeydew or watermelon also work.) - 8 oz. fresh mozzarella balls (ciliegine)
(Small, bite-sized – drained and patted dry.) - 12 fresh basil leaves
(Use whole, vibrant green leaves for presentation and flavor.) - 12 slices thin prosciutto
(Torn in half lengthwise if too wide; dry-cured for authentic taste.)
For Garnish:
- Balsamic glaze, for drizzling
(Store-bought or homemade reduction for a touch of sweetness and tang.)
Optional: Skewer sticks or long toothpicks for easy assembly and serving.
How to Make Melon Prosciutto Skewers
This simple recipe is all about layering textures and flavors. Here’s how to create the perfect bite each time:
Step 1: Prepare the Cantaloupe
Cut the cantaloupe in half and scoop out the seeds with a spoon. Using a melon baller, scoop out 24 uniform melon balls.
Tip: No melon baller? You can cube the melon into even 1-inch pieces for the same delicious result.
Place the melon balls on a paper towel to remove excess juice — this helps everything hold together better.
Step 2: Assemble the Skewers
On each skewer or cocktail stick, layer the following:
- One cantaloupe ball
- One fresh basil leaf, folded if large
- One mozzarella ball
- One slice of prosciutto, loosely folded
- One more cantaloupe ball
Repeat this pattern for all 12 skewers.
Assembly tip: Spear the basil leaf through its center to hold it in place without tearing. Gently fold the prosciutto for a ruffled effect — it looks elegant and adds height.
Step 3: Plate and Garnish
Arrange the finished skewers on a serving platter.
Just before serving, drizzle with balsamic glaze for a pop of sweetness and color. You can also garnish with extra basil leaves or a light crack of black pepper if desired.
Visual cue: The glaze should form light ribbons — not puddles — across the skewers for a clean, elevated look.
Serving and Storage Tips
Serving Suggestions:
- Appetizer Boards: Pair with olives, roasted nuts, and cheese wedges.
- Brunch Buffets: Serve alongside frittatas, croissants, or fresh fruit salads.
- Holiday Parties: Display on a white tray for festive contrast.
Storage:
- Fridge: Store assembled skewers in an airtight container or covered tray for up to 1 day. Best served within a few hours for optimal freshness.
- Make Ahead: Prep all components ahead and assemble just before serving to avoid soggy basil or mozzarella.
Helpful Notes
- Homemade Balsamic Glaze: Simmer ½ cup balsamic vinegar with 1 tablespoon honey until thickened (about 10–12 mins). Cool before drizzling.
- Swap It Up: Try honeydew or watermelon for different flavor profiles or a colorful trio of melons.
- Add Crunch: A small skewer of cucumber or a toasted crostini on the side adds texture.
- Vegan Version: Replace mozzarella with plant-based cheese and use smoked coconut strips instead of prosciutto.
- Cheese Options: Burrata chunks, marinated feta cubes, or bocconcini also work beautifully.
Conclusion
This melon prosciutto skewers recipe is proof that simple ingredients can create extraordinary bites. Elegant enough for a dinner party and easy enough for weekday snacking, these skewers deliver a burst of summer flavor in every bite.
Juicy cantaloupe, creamy mozzarella, fresh basil, salty prosciutto — all topped with a tangy balsamic drizzle. What more could you ask for?
If you gave this recipe a try, please leave a star rating and a comment below — I’d love to know what you thought! Did you use a different melon? Add a drizzle of honey or a twist of lemon zest?
Don’t forget to share this recipe with friends and tag your creations with #EasySkewerMagic on Instagram and Pinterest!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use a different melon besides cantaloupe?
Absolutely! Honeydew, watermelon, or even mixed melon varieties work wonderfully. Just be sure the melon is firm and sweet.
How do I make this gluten-free?
Good news — this recipe is naturally gluten-free as written! Just confirm your balsamic glaze contains no gluten additives.
Can I prepare these skewers ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep all the ingredients (cut melon, drain cheese, fold prosciutto) a few hours in advance. Assemble and drizzle with glaze just before serving for the best texture and appearance.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Definitely. Omit the prosciutto and add a cube of marinated feta or a grilled veggie like zucchini ribbon or roasted red pepper.
Can I make these without skewers?
Of course. Turn them into a deconstructed salad by layering all ingredients in a shallow bowl and drizzling with glaze for a rustic presentation.
Melon Prosciutto Skewers
Ingredients
Method
- Cut the cantaloupe in half, remove the seeds, and use a melon baller to scoop 24 uniform melon balls. Pat dry with paper towels.
- On each skewer, thread one melon ball, a folded basil leaf, one mozzarella ball, a loosely folded slice of turkey prosciutto, and another melon ball.
- Arrange the skewers on a serving platter and drizzle lightly with balsamic glaze just before serving.