Prosciutto and Melon Protein Plate Recipe

Prosciutto and Melon Protein Plate is the Italian summer antipasto that has been a beloved combination for centuries. The sweetness of ripe cantaloupe perfectly balances the salty, paper-thin prosciutto, while fresh mozzarella, arugula, and a honey-balsamic drizzle round out a plate that is as visually stunning as it is delicious. This no-cook, high-protein plate delivers 36g of protein with minimal preparation, making it the ultimate elegant lunch on a warm day.

Ingredients

• 150g prosciutto di Parma, thinly sliced (about 10-12 slices)
• 1 medium cantaloupe, peeled and cut into wedges or cubes
• 150g fresh mozzarella, sliced or torn
• 60g prosciutto crudo (for variety, or use all of one type)
• 50g rocket (arugula)
• 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tbsp balsamic glaze or aged balsamic
• 1 tbsp honey
• Fresh black pepper to taste
• A few fresh basil leaves
• Optional: 30g toasted pine nuts or walnuts

Instructions

1. Cut cantaloupe into wedges or 3cm cubes. Chill in the fridge for 10 minutes if the melon is at room temperature.
2. Arrange arugula on a large serving plate or board as the base.
3. Distribute cantaloupe pieces over and around the arugula.
4. Drape prosciutto slices over the melon in loose, flowing folds.
5. Tear or slice fresh mozzarella and nestle pieces between the prosciutto and melon.
6. Drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil, balsamic glaze, and honey.
7. Grind fresh black pepper generously over the plate.
8. Scatter fresh basil leaves and optional pine nuts over the top.
9. Serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• Use the sweetest, ripest cantaloupe you can find. This dish lives or dies by the quality of the melon. The flesh should be deep orange, fragrant, and yield slightly to pressure.
• Honeydew, watermelon, or figs are excellent substitutes for cantaloupe.
• For an even more protein-forward plate, add 2 hard-boiled eggs, sliced.
• Serve at room temperature for the best flavor. Cold mozzarella and cold prosciutto lose most of their flavor complexity.
• This plate works beautifully as a shared antipasto starter or a single-serving lunch.

Nutrition Breakdown

Calories: 645 kcal

Protein: 35.9g

Fat: 40.4g

Carbs: 37.6g

Fiber: 2.7g

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