Serves: 6
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Credits: Recipe & Photo – Coles
Published on: TopChefsBiography.com

Top chefs Recipes Introduction

The Melon, Prosciutto and Bocconcini Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish that beautifully blends sweet, salty, and aromatic flavors. Juicy melon varieties, delicate prosciutto, creamy bocconcini, and fragrant herbs come together to create a salad that is both visually stunning and deliciously balanced.

Perfect for summer gatherings, picnics, or elegant dinner parties, this salad delivers a light yet satisfying experience. The combination of colorful melon balls and delicate dressing adds a sophisticated touch to your table while keeping the flavors fresh and natural.

Ingredients

For the Salad:

• ¼ watermelon, peeled
• ½ rockmelon, halved and seeded
• ½ honeydew melon, halved and seeded
• 12 prosciutto slices, torn
• 220 g baby bocconcini, drained
• ⅓ cup fresh mint leaves
• ⅓ cup fresh basil leaves
• 60 g baby rocket leaves

For the Honey Balsamic Dressing:

• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• ¼ cup (60 mL) olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Method

1. Prepare the Honey Balsamic Dressing
   Place the vinegar and honey in a screw-top jar. Shake to combine. Add the olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and shake again until well blended and emulsified.
2. Prepare the Melons
   Using a melon baller, scoop balls from the watermelon, rockmelon, and honeydew melon. If a melon baller isn’t available, cut the melons into small bite-sized cubes.
3. Assemble the Salad
   Arrange the melon balls on a large serving platter. Add the torn prosciutto slices, drained bocconcini, and a generous mix of mint, basil, and rocket leaves.
4. Dress and Serve
   Drizzle the honey balsamic dressing evenly over the salad. Toss lightly to coat and serve immediately while the ingredients are fresh and chilled.

Health Benefits of Melon, Prosciutto and Bocconcini Salad

This salad may look indulgent, but it is packed with essential nutrients that promote hydration, heart health, and muscle recovery. Each ingredient brings unique nutritional value to the dish, making it both flavorful and beneficial for your overall well-being.

Watermelon – Hydration and Antioxidant Boost

Watermelon is composed of over 90% water, making it an excellent fruit for hydration. It is also rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant.

Health Benefits:

• Keeps the body hydrated during hot weather.
• Improves heart health and reduces inflammation.
• Supports glowing skin through vitamin C and antioxidants.
• Helps muscle recovery with natural electrolytes.

Rockmelon – A Source of Vitamin A and Beta-Carotene

Rockmelon, also known as cantaloupe, provides a natural sweetness along with essential vitamins and minerals.

Health Benefits:

• Enhances immune function due to high vitamin A content.
• Supports healthy vision and skin.
• Aids digestion with natural fiber.
• Contains antioxidants that protect cells from damage.

Honeydew Melon – Cooling and Refreshing

Honeydew melon offers subtle sweetness and hydration benefits while being low in calories and rich in vitamin C.

Health Benefits:

• Boosts immunity and collagen production.
• Helps regulate blood pressure with potassium.
• Aids in maintaining fluid balance and hydration.
• Promotes digestive health due to fiber and water content.

Prosciutto – Protein and Iron Source

Prosciutto adds a savory and satisfying touch to the salad. It’s rich in protein, iron, and B vitamins, though best enjoyed in moderation.

Health Benefits:

• Provides protein essential for tissue repair.
• Supplies iron to support red blood cell production.
• Enhances energy levels through vitamin B12.
• Offers a naturally rich, umami flavor without artificial additives.

Bocconcini – Calcium and Protein Power

Bocconcini, a soft mozzarella cheese, adds creamy texture and mild flavor to the salad while offering valuable nutrients.

Health Benefits:

• Provides calcium for strong bones and teeth.
• Supplies high-quality protein for muscle maintenance.
• Contains probiotics that promote gut health.
• Offers a satisfying balance to the sweet fruits and salty prosciutto.

Fresh Herbs and Rocket – Detox and Digestive Support

Mint, basil, and rocket not only add freshness but also contribute detoxifying and digestive properties.

Health Benefits:

• Mint helps in digestion and provides a cooling sensation.
• Basil contains antioxidants that fight inflammation.
• Rocket offers iron and folate, supporting healthy blood flow.
• Together, they enhance flavor naturally without added calories.

Nutritional Value (Approx. per Serving)

This salad offers a balanced mix of macronutrients, antioxidants, and hydration, making it a light yet satisfying meal for hot days or post-workout nourishment.

Why You’ll Love This Salad

The Melon, Prosciutto and Bocconcini Salad is the perfect balance of taste, texture, and color. It’s refreshing yet rich, simple yet elegant.

You’ll love this recipe if you are:

• Looking for a quick, healthy, and impressive dish for guests.
• A fan of combining sweet and savory flavors.
• Following a Mediterranean-inspired diet.
• Searching for a hydrating and protein-rich salad.

Top Chef’s Tip

• Serve the salad chilled for a crisp and refreshing experience.
• Substitute bocconcini with burrata for a richer texture.
• Add a few crushed pistachios or walnuts for extra crunch.
• For a vegetarian version, skip the prosciutto and add roasted nuts or seeds.

Final Thoughts

The Melon, Prosciutto and Bocconcini Salad is a timeless combination of elegance and freshness. It showcases how simple ingredients, when paired thoughtfully, can create a masterpiece on the plate. With its blend of juicy melons, savory prosciutto, and creamy cheese, this salad delivers both nourishment and delight in every bite.

Perfect for warm days, family gatherings, or festive occasions, it’s a dish that reflects the heart of summer dining — light, colorful, and bursting with flavor.