Sweet melon, salty Prosciutto di Parma, creamy mozzarella, and fresh basil all come together in these easy Prosciutto Melon Skewers. Finished with a light, lemony basil pesto drizzle, this is one of those simple appetizers that looks beautiful on a platter, but takes very little effort to make. They are refreshing, light, and perfect for warm weather entertaining.
These melon skewers are ideal for summer parties, cookouts, brunches, holiday gatherings, or even a quick no-cook appetizer on hot days. The combination of juicy watermelon, cantaloupe, basil, and prosciutto gives them that classic sweet-and-salty flavor that always disappears quickly.
Why You Will Love This Prosciutto Melon Skewers Recipe
- Perfect summer appetizer – These prosciutto melon skewers are refreshing, colorful, and ideal for warm weather entertaining. They can even be served in replacement of a summer salad.
- Easy no-cook recipe – No oven or stovetop required, making this a quick and simple appetizer for parties.
- Beautiful presentation – The watermelon, cantaloupe, basil, mozzarella, and prosciutto create a vibrant platter that looks impressive, with very little effort.
- Sweet and salty flavor combination – Juicy melon paired with salty Prosciutto di Parma creates the perfect balance of flavors.
- Great for entertaining – These appetizer skewers can easily be made ahead for cookouts, brunches, showers, holidays, and dinner parties.
- Customizable ingredients – Build the skewers however you like using different melons, herbs, cheeses, or drizzle options.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Prosciutto di Parma – Substitute with thinly sliced Serrano ham or speck, or leave out for a vegetarian option.
- Cantaloupe – Honeydew melon works beautifully here as well.
- Watermelon – Use all cantaloupe or another sweet melon, if preferred. Dragonfruit would be a great alternative.
- Mozzarella pearls – Small bocconcini or cubed fresh mozzarella can be used instead.
- Prepared pesto – Homemade basil pesto works great if you have it on hand.
- Fresh basil – Fresh mint or arugula can be added for a different flavor profile.
- Lemon juice – A small splash of balsamic glaze can also work nicely with these prosciutto melon skewers.
How to Prepare Prosciutto Melon Skewers
- Using a melon baller, scoop balls from the watermelon and cantaloupe.
- In a small bowl, combine the prepared pesto, olive oil, and fresh lemon juice.
- Build the skewers by threading on a folded piece of prosciutto, cantaloupe ball, basil leaf, mozzarella pearl, watermelon ball, another folded piece of prosciutto, and another basil leaf. Repeat until all ingredients are used. You can assemble the skewers however you prefer.
- Arrange the skewers on a serving platter.
- Sprinkle with the coarse salt and cracked black pepper.
- Drizzle the pesto mixture over the skewers, using as much or as little as desired.
- Finish with torn fresh mint leaves, if using.
How to Serve and Store
- Serve these prosciutto melon skewers chilled, or slightly cool for the freshest flavor.
- Pair with grilled chicken, steak, seafood, pasta salad, or a summer charcuterie board. Great for brunch spreads, cookouts, pool parties, and holiday appetizers.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- If making ahead, wait to drizzle the pesto until just before serving for the best presentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cantaloupe is the classic pairing with prosciutto, but watermelon and honeydew also work beautifully because of their sweetness and refreshing texture.
Yes. Assemble the skewers a few hours ahead and store them covered in the refrigerator. Add the pesto drizzle right before serving.
Prosciutto can naturally darken or develop a slightly brown appearance after being exposed to air. This is normal oxidation and does not usually mean the prosciutto has gone bad. To keep the skewers looking their freshest, assemble them closer to serving time and store them covered in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Traditional basil pesto works perfectly, but arugula pesto, spinach pesto, or even sun-dried tomato pesto can be used for a different flavor.
Absolutely. A light drizzle of balsamic glaze pairs wonderfully with the melon, mozzarella, and prosciutto.
No. You can cube fresh mozzarella, or even use burrata on the side for serving.
These Prosciutto Melon Caprese Skewers are one of my favorite easy summer appetizers, because they come together quickly, while still looking elegant enough for entertaining. The salty prosciutto, juicy melon, creamy mozzarella, and lemony basil pesto create the perfect balance of fresh summer flavors. Whether you are hosting a cookout, brunch, holiday gathering, or simply want a light no-cook appetizer, this recipe is always a crowd favorite.
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Prosciutto Melon Skewers with Basil Pesto
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 to 8 servings 1x
Description
Prosciutto Melon Skewers made with watermelon, cantaloupe, mozzarella, basil, and pesto are the perfect easy summer appetizer for entertaining.
Ingredients
- 1/2 pound Prosciutto di Parma
- 1/2 cantaloupe
- 1/2 seedless watermelon
- 1 container fresh mozzarella pearls
- 20+ fresh basil leaves
- 2 tablespoons prepared pesto
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon coarse salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cracked black pepper
- 3 fresh mint leaves, torn (optional)
- Wooden skewers
Instructions
- Using a melon baller, scoop balls from the watermelon and cantaloupe.
- In a small bowl, combine the prepared pesto, olive oil, and fresh lemon juice.
- Build the skewers by threading on a folded piece of prosciutto, cantaloupe ball, basil leaf, mozzarella pearl, watermelon ball, another folded piece of prosciutto, and another basil leaf. Repeat until all ingredients are used. You can assemble the skewers however you prefer.
- Arrange the skewers on a serving platter.
- Sprinkle with the coarse salt and cracked black pepper.
- Drizzle the pesto mixture over the skewers, using as much or as little as desired.
- Finish with torn fresh mint leaves, if using.
- Serve immediately, or chill until ready to serve.
- ENJOY!
Notes
- Chill the melon before assembling for the best flavor and presentation.
- Pat the melon dry slightly if it is very juicy to help the skewers hold together better.
- Fold the prosciutto rather than wrapping it tightly for a prettier presentation.
- Use shorter appetizer skewers for easier serving at parties (4″, 6″, or 8″).
- The pesto drizzle can be served on the side, if preferred.
- Fresh cracked black pepper really enhances the sweet and salty flavors in this recipe.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Salad
- Method: Easy
- Cuisine: American
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WELCOME! My name is Melissa Latin aka. Charlotte Fashion Plate. Happy to meet you! I am more than just recipes. I love fashion and style too! Most importantly, I love my Family (my Hubby and my Fur Babies). My Husband (aka my “Kitchen Bitch”) means the world to me. He’s pretty damn cool too. Not only is he one of the nicest guys you will ever meet, he also has had a lengthy career in professional hockey. Not only winning two Stanley Cups with the Pittsburgh Penguins in the early ’90’s, but most recently winning the Calder Cup with the Charlotte Checkers, amongst many other accolades. If you live in Charlotte and play hockey, or have a family member who plays, be sure to contact him!
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