When the sun is shining, nothing beats a fresh and easy salad. This melon salad with mozzarella and Parma ham is the perfect mix of sweet, salty, and creamy flavors. The juicy cantaloupe goes so well with soft mozzarella, and the Parma ham adds a delicious savory touch. Drizzled with extra virgin olive oil and topped with fresh basil, this salad tastes like summer on a plate!
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Easy Melon & Mozzarella Salad
There’s a reason this salad is a summer favorite—it’s fresh, quick, and full of Mediterranean flavors. Perfect for a light lunch, picnic, or BBQ side dish. No complicated prep—just slice, mix, and enjoy! Whether you’re eating outside or need a healthy snack, this salad is always a good idea.
What do you Need?
The recipe card below contains the complete list of ingredients, but here are some handy tips:
- Cantaloupe Melon: Sweet, juicy, and full of summer flavor. Try honeydew or Galia melon for a different taste.
- Parma Ham: Salty and slightly nutty, it balances the melon’s sweetness. You can also use prosciutto or serrano ham.
- Mozzarella: Soft and creamy. Let it sit at room temperature for the best taste. If possible, use buffalo mozzarella for extra creaminess!
How to Make Melon Salad in 4 Easy Steps
- Step 1: Drape the Parma ham elegantly around the plate.
- Step 2: Slice the cantaloupe melon into small triangles (about 1 inch/2 cm). Tear the mozzarella into bite-sized pieces. Place the melon and mozzarella in a bowl. Sprinkle with salt and black pepper. Finely chop the fresh basil leaves and mix them into the salad.
- Step 3: Arrange the salad on a serving plate.
- Step 4: Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and toss gently. Serve immediately and enjoy!
What to Serve with Melon Salad
This salad is delicious on its own but pairs wonderfully with:
- Ciabatta or baguette: Perfect for soaking up the olive oil.
- Cold white wine: A crisp Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc pairs beautifully..
- Grilled shrimp skewers: A great option for a light meal
Did you make this recipe? Tag #byandreajanssen via Instagram. I enjoy seeing what your creation looks like. Video recipes can be found on my YouTube channel. And don't forget to save the recipes on Pinterest so you can easily find them next time!
📖 Recipe
RECIPE CARD
Ingredients
- 4 oz. Parma ham
- 1 cantaloupe melon
- 7 oz. mozzarella
- ⅛ teaspoon salt and pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, extra vierge
- ½ oz. fresh basil, leaves only
All my recipes are written both in Metric (gram / ml) and US Customary (cups / pounds). Here you can select which type of amount you would like to see.
Instructions
- Arrange the Parma ham in a circle around the plate.4 oz. Parma ham
- Cut the melon into small triangles (about 1 inch / 2 cm).1 cantaloupe melon
- Cut or tear the Mozzarella into similar-sized pieces.7 oz. mozzarella
- Put the melon and Mozzarella in a bowl.
- Season with salt and pepper.⅛ teaspoon salt and pepper
- Drizzle with olive oil and mix well.2 tablespoons olive oil
- Tear the basil leaves and mix them into the salad.½ oz. fresh basil
- Place the salad on the plate with Parma ham and serve.
Notes
- Best served fresh, but you can store the ingredients separately in the fridge for up to 1 day.
- Mozzarella should be kept in brine and used as soon as possible after opening.
Nutrition
Cher Rockwell says
Welcome back!
Great summer dessert idea.
yummychunklet says
Such a summery, fun salad!
4pure says
This comment has been removed by the author.
4pure says
It indeed could serve as a dessert, but I just love ice creams in warm weather. But as a lunch recipe it is one of my favourites!