These melon, prosciutto and mozzarella skewers are drizzled with balsamic glaze for an updated version of a classic appetizer perfect for a summer party or picnic!
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So, what do you do when you get invited to a backyard BBQ or need to pack an elegant picnic and need to make something fairly quick and easy that doesn't need to be kept warm or be reheated? The first things that come to my mind are fruit, charcuterie and cheese!
Something about melon just says summer to me! It's light and refreshing and makes the perfect starter for just about any meal, or if you are like me, when it comes to this combination, it might even become the entire meal!!
Melon, mozzarella and prosciutto is a pretty traditional combination; however, by putting it on skewers and adding the balsamic glaze, it becomes a beautiful party appetizer or a healthy(ish) picnic dish. You can use a white tile or platter as the serving dish then drizzle the glaze similar to the way I did in the photos to create an eye-catching presentation that will definitely impress your guests or fellow partygoers. Then just keep the extra, pre-made skewers in the refrigerator and replenish the platter as needed.
So next time you host a summer party or get ready to pack a summer picnic grab a cantaloupe and a few other ingredients and whip up these tasty skewers!
Contents:
Recipe Highlights
- Great balance of flavors: The sweet melon, salty prosciutto and creamy mozzarella create the perfect flavor profile.
- Elegant presentation: Using a white serving platter and drizzling them with a bit of balsamic glaze creates a beautiful visual for your guests.
- Quick and easy: With only 10 minutes of prep time and no cooking required, these skewers are the ideal solution for those who need something elegant without spending much time in the kitchen.
- Flexible: If you're not entertaining and want a light lunch or afternoon snack, you can skip the skewers and put all the ingredients on a small plate then drizzle with balsamic glaze.
Ingredient Notes
The full list of ingredients and quantities can be found in the recipe card below.
- Melon: Cantelope is the ideal melon for this appetizer as it has just the right amount of sweetness to balance the salty prosciutto
- Balsamic Glaze: Just like with balsamic vinegar, the higher the quality of the vinegar, the more expensive, so if you are willing to spend a little more you can usually find several types of glaze online or at specialty store. Many grocery stores also carry this now - you'll generally find it in the aisle with vinegar and olive oil. You can use leftovers on salads, crab cakes, bruschetta, berries - just about anything you want to enhance with an intense balsamic flavor.
- Fresh mozzarella: Small balls of mozzarella are ideal for this recipe. They should be about the size of a cherry tomato.
- Proscuitto: The saltiness of the prosciutto balances the melon and mozzarella.
- Basil: Fresh basil leaves are a must for this recipe.
Recommended Tools
Wooden skewers – You can use any type of skewer but these 6-inch skewers are ideal for this recipe.
Melon baller - I like the look of round melon balls with the round mozzarella as it creates an elegant presentation.
How to make this recipe
These skewers come together in a snap. In the summer months, I often keep all of these ingredients in my kitchen so I can make these anytime.
Step 1 | Make the melon balls. Cut the cantaloupe in half and remove the seeds from the center. Use a melon baller or other round scoop to scoop balls out of the cantaloupe halves.
Step 2 | Assemble the skewers. Start with a ball of melon, then add some prosciutto and a mozzarella ball. Finish with a basil leaf.
Step 3 | Add glaze and serve. Place the finished skewers on a large plate or serving platter and drizzle with the balsamic glaze. Serve immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, if you prefer you can use cubes of either or both. I think the round version makes for a more elegant presentation.
Summer Party Favorites
Serve these with several of the options shown below to create a nice menu for an outdoor cocktail party or casual gathering.
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Melon, Prosciutto and Mozzarella Skewers with Balsamic Glaze
Ingredients
- 1 large cantaloupe
- 1 8 oz container of cherry tomato sized fresh mozzarella balls
- 2-3 oz sliced prosciutto, torn or cut into 24 pieces
- 24 basil leaves, about ½ cup
- 24 wooden skewers
- balsamic glaze to taste
Instructions
- Make the melon balls. Using a melon baller, scoop 24 balls out of the cantaloupe. Don't worry if they are not perfectly round, they will still work just fine!
- Assemble the skewers. To assemble the skewers add one melon ball, followed by a slice of prosciutto. Add the mozzarella and finish with a basil leaf. You can either chill the skewers until ready to serve or serve them immediately. If you are going to chill them, I recommend adding the basil leaves just before serving them.
- Serve. Drizzle with the balsamic glaze just before serving.
This post was originally published in August 2016. It was updated in June 2024 with some new information and photos. No changes were made to the original recipe.
Michelle | The Last Food Blog
I love this! Totally agree with you, melon is a real taste of Summer, we just need the weather here now 😉
Patty
Oh Katherine, your photos are gorgeous and I love your recipe, I will make it my appetizer of choice at my next gathering!
FoodieGirlChicago
Thanks Patty - I hope you and your guests enjoy them!!
Michelle - Giraffes Can Bake
Love how elegant these look!
FoodieGirlChicago
Thanks Michelle!
Marlee
Look at how cute these are!!! Totally a classic but looks fantastic!
Amy
Your styling is amazing! These are like little works of art!
FoodieGirlChicago
Thank you!!
Anne
Dust with a twist of fresh ground pepper to take this to the next level. Trust me.
Urban Foodie Kitchen
Love the suggestion Anne! Thanks for sharing!!
Jere Cassidy
These skewers are so simple to make and perfect for a party appetizer.
Liz
This is such a great recipe for summer! I love how fresh the ingredients are. Perfect for a party!