The juicy sweetness of ripe cantaloupe pairs effortlessly with the salty delicacy of thin-sliced prosciutto in this elegant yet fuss-free salad. Add in creamy burrata and a drizzle of balsamic glaze, and you have a flavor combination that strikes the perfect balance between indulgent and refreshing.
This dish is a celebration of texture and contrast, making it an ideal starter or light lunch for warm-weather gatherings. It’s beautifully simple, requiring zero cooking time, and it presents like a dish straight off the menu of a fine dining bistro. Whether you’re entertaining guests or just treating yourself, this cantaloupe, prosciutto, and burrata salad elevates the everyday with very little effort.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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1 ripe cantaloupe, peeled, seeded, and sliced into wedges
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6 oz prosciutto, thinly sliced
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8 oz burrata cheese
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2 cups arugula or mixed greens
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2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
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1 tbsp balsamic glaze
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Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
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Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Directions:
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Arrange the arugula or greens on a large platter or serving dish.
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Artfully layer the cantaloupe wedges and prosciutto slices over the greens.
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Tear the burrata into pieces and scatter it over the top of the salad.
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Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and balsamic glaze.
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Sprinkle with salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
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Garnish with fresh basil leaves.
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Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 0 minutes | Total Time: 10 minutes
Kcal: 285 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Cantaloupe and Prosciutto Salad with Burrata: A Taste of Summer Elegance
Cantaloupe and prosciutto salad with burrata is a refreshing, elegant dish that captures the very essence of summer on a plate. This combination of juicy fruit, savory cured meat, and creamy cheese offers a balance of flavor and texture that’s both satisfying and sophisticated. It’s a dish rooted in classic Italian flavor pairings but with a modern twist that makes it ideal for brunches, light lunches, al fresco dinners, or as a stunning starter for a dinner party.
A Timeless Flavor Combination
The pairing of melon and prosciutto goes back centuries in Italian cuisine. Traditionally served as an appetizer, the salty, savory nature of the prosciutto complements the naturally sweet and fragrant cantaloupe. This harmony of sweet and salty, soft and firm, is a culinary principle that has stood the test of time for good reason.
When burrata is added to the mix, the dish takes on a luxurious dimension. Burrata, a soft Italian cheese made from mozzarella and cream, adds a layer of richness and decadence that rounds out the dish beautifully. Its velvety texture enhances the mouthfeel of every bite, while its mild, milky flavor provides the perfect backdrop for the bolder flavors of prosciutto and cantaloupe.
The Importance of High-Quality Ingredients
Because the recipe is so simple and requires minimal preparation, the quality of each ingredient plays a crucial role in the overall success of the dish. Choosing a ripe, fragrant cantaloupe is essential. The melon should yield slightly when pressed and have a sweet, floral aroma. A high-quality cantaloupe will deliver a deeper, more nuanced sweetness and a better texture.
Prosciutto should be thinly sliced and freshly shaved from a leg if possible. Look for options like Prosciutto di Parma or San Daniele, which are known for their exceptional quality and aging process. These premium versions are less salty and more complex in flavor.
Burrata should be fresh and consumed as soon after purchase as possible. When cut open, it should release a creamy interior that blends effortlessly with the other ingredients. The fresher the burrata, the more delightful the experience.
No-Cook Simplicity for Warm Weather Meals
One of the most appealing aspects of this recipe is its ease of preparation. There’s no cooking involved, which makes it ideal for hot summer days when turning on the stove or oven is the last thing you want to do. All that’s needed is some light assembly, making it perfect for beginner cooks and seasoned chefs alike.
This dish can be prepared in minutes and plated beautifully for immediate serving. It’s light enough to be enjoyed as a midday snack but sophisticated enough to be served at upscale events.
Versatile Serving Options
Cantaloupe and prosciutto salad with burrata is incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of settings. For a casual meal, serve it family-style on a large platter, allowing guests to help themselves. For a more formal presentation, consider plating individual portions with equal care, garnished with fresh herbs like basil or mint.
The salad can be served on its own or accompanied by toasted bread or crostini for added texture. A side of lightly dressed greens can provide a more substantial meal, while a glass of crisp white wine or sparkling Prosecco elevates the dish to restaurant quality.
Layering Texture and Taste
What makes this salad truly stand out is the dynamic interplay of textures and flavors. The firm, juicy cantaloupe contrasts with the delicate, paper-thin slices of prosciutto. The creamy burrata oozes across the plate, adding richness and a subtle tang. Drizzles of extra virgin olive oil and a touch of balsamic glaze enhance the dish without overpowering it.
Adding a peppery green like arugula or watercress can bring another dimension of flavor. These greens offer a slightly bitter edge that contrasts with the sweetness of the melon and the saltiness of the prosciutto. A light seasoning of freshly ground black pepper or even a sprinkle of sea salt can enhance the complexity of the dish.
A Feast for the Eyes
Beyond its irresistible taste, this dish is a visual masterpiece. The warm orange tones of the cantaloupe, the deep pink hues of the prosciutto, the creamy white of the burrata, and the bright green from the herbs or greens create a plate that’s vibrant and inviting.
Presentation is key. Artfully layering the ingredients not only improves flavor distribution but also turns the dish into a showstopper. Garnishing with basil, mint, or edible flowers can further enhance its aesthetic appeal.
Perfect for Entertaining
Because of its beautiful appearance and gourmet flavor, this salad is ideal for entertaining. It’s quick to prepare, doesn’t require any special equipment, and can be made just before guests arrive. Serve it as part of a summer grazing board, alongside a charcuterie spread, or as the centerpiece of a brunch menu.
It also works well as a first course for a multi-course meal. The light, refreshing quality of the salad awakens the palate and sets the tone for what’s to come.
Dietary Adaptability
This salad is naturally gluten-free and can be adapted to suit various dietary needs. For vegetarians, the prosciutto can be omitted or replaced with grilled vegetables such as zucchini or eggplant. Vegan options can include substituting the burrata with a plant-based cashew cheese or almond ricotta.
Because of its adaptability, this salad can be a go-to dish for diverse guests and occasions. Whether you’re planning a health-focused lunch or a luxurious celebration meal, it fits the bill beautifully.
Storage and Freshness Tips
While this salad is best enjoyed fresh, you can prep the cantaloupe and greens ahead of time. Keep the burrata refrigerated until just before serving, and only add the prosciutto and dressing when you’re ready to plate. This ensures maximum freshness and prevents the greens from wilting or the prosciutto from becoming soggy.
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge, but the texture may degrade slightly. If you’re planning to save some for later, store each component separately to maintain quality.
Conclusion: A Dish That Embodies Seasonal Simplicity
Cantaloupe and prosciutto salad with burrata isn’t just a dish—it’s a celebration of summer’s best flavors. It embodies the joy of eating seasonally, the pleasure of simple ingredients prepared with care, and the elegance of thoughtfully layered textures and tastes.
This salad offers a perfect balance of indulgent and fresh, classic and modern. With just a few high-quality ingredients and a few minutes of assembly, you can create something that looks and tastes restaurant-worthy. Whether you’re preparing a quick weekday lunch or curating a weekend dinner party menu, this salad delivers beauty, nutrition, and unforgettable flavor in every bite.