Melon And Cheese: Perfect Pairing Or Taste Disaster?

Melons and cheese are a perfect pair when done right. The sweetness of the melon plays wonderfully against the salty cheese. Cantaloupe and prosciutto is a classic combination, with the melon providing cold and juicy elements, and the prosciutto adding hot and dry elements. This combination is said to have stemmed from the ancient Roman health practice of mixing foods with different temperatures and moisture content. Other popular combinations include watermelon and feta, peach and burrata, and pear and brie.

Cantaloupe and prosciutto with mozzarella

Cantaloupe, Prosciutto, and Mozzarella: A Match Made in Heaven

A refreshing and mouthwatering combination, cantaloupe, prosciutto, and mozzarella is the perfect dish to serve at your next summer gathering. This dish brings together the sweetness of cantaloupe, the saltiness of prosciutto, and the creaminess of mozzarella for a true explosion of flavours. Here's everything you need to know about this delightful trio.

The Perfect Partnership

Cantaloupe and prosciutto are a classic combination, with the salty, dry-cured Italian ham providing the perfect contrast to the sweet, juicy melon. This pairing dates back to ancient Roman times, when cold, moist foods like melon were paired with hot, dry foods like prosciutto for health and balance. Adding mozzarella to the mix enhances the creaminess and savouriness of the dish, creating a flavour profile that's simply irresistible.

Ingredients and Preparation

To create this delectable dish, you'll need the following ingredients:

• Cantaloupe
• Fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine)
• Prosciutto
• Fresh basil and/or mint leaves
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Here's a simple preparation method:

• Scoop balls or bite-sized pieces of cantaloupe into a large bowl using a melon baller.
• Add the mozzarella balls and tear the prosciutto into large pieces, adding them to the bowl.
• Drizzle with olive oil and add red pepper flakes (if using).
• Season with salt and pepper to taste and toss everything together gently.
• Plate the mixture and top with fresh basil and/or mint leaves.

Customisation and Serving Suggestions

Feel free to customise this dish to your taste. You can add a drizzle of honey or a splash of balsamic vinegar to enhance the sweetness. A squeeze of lime or a sprinkle of citrus zest can also brighten up the flavours. For a touch of spice, add some red pepper flakes, or chop up some English or Persian cucumber for a refreshing crunch.

This dish can be served as a salad, an appetizer, or a side. It pairs well with crusty bread and is perfect for barbecues, picnics, or any summer gathering. For a beautiful presentation, serve it on a platter with other summer veggies, crackers, and cheeses. Enjoy the sweet and savoury flavours of this delightful combination!

Galia melon salad with feta and blue cheese

Ingredients:

• 1 small Galia melon
• 1 small onion
• 50g Turkish white cheese or feta cheese
• 20g blue cheese
• 30g cashew nuts
• 1 handful of fresh mint leaves
• 1 dessert spoon of olive oil
• 1 dessert spoon of pomegranate molasses

Instructions:

First, remove the flesh from the Galia melon. You can do this by creating melon balls or by quartering the melon and slicing away the flesh from the skin with a sharp knife.

Discard the skin, and chop the melon into bite-sized chunks. Place these in a serving bowl and sprinkle the onion and mint leaves on top, mixing everything together.

Using your fingers, crumble the cheeses into the bowl, ensuring the pieces are in small chunks, and gently stir.

Sprinkle the cashew nuts over the salad and finish with a drizzle of olive oil and pomegranate molasses.

Tips:

Galia melon is a hybrid of the cantaloupe and honeydew melon, so either of these melons can be used as a substitute.

This salad is a refreshing, light option for hot summer days, and the addition of nuts and cheese makes it a more substantial meal.

Galia melon is rich in vitamins A and C, and is a good source of dietary fibre, potassium, calcium and iron.

No dressing is required for this salad, but feel free to add some if you prefer!

Prosciutto-wrapped cantaloupe with feta

A fun twist on the classic prosciutto-wrapped cantaloupe, this recipe adds feta to the mix for an extra burst of flavour. The saltiness of the prosciutto and feta pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the cantaloupe, creating a delicious appetizer or snack that's perfect for summer parties or a quick bite on a warm night. Here's how to make it:

Ingredients:

• Cantaloupe
• Prosciutto
• Feta Cheese
• Balsamic Glaze (optional)
• Arugula (optional)
• Pecans or Walnuts (optional)
• Fresh Mint (optional)

Instructions:

• Start by slicing the cantaloupe into 1/2-inch thick spears. You can also use a melon baller to create cantaloupe balls for a different shape.
• Wrap each cantaloupe spear or ball with a thin slice of prosciutto. You can tear the prosciutto in half lengthwise to wrap more of the cantaloupe's surface.
• If desired, add some arugula tossed with a little olive oil and a sprinkle of salt to a plate, and place the wrapped cantaloupe on top.
• Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the cantaloupe. You can also add pecans or walnuts and fresh mint leaves for extra texture and flavour.
• For an extra touch of sweetness and tang, drizzle balsamic glaze over the cantaloupe.
• Enjoy your delicious Prosciutto-Wrapped Cantaloupe with Feta!

This recipe is a great way to elevate the classic combination of cantaloupe and prosciutto, adding a new layer of flavour with the feta cheese. It's a simple and elegant appetizer that's sure to impress your guests or satisfy your cravings for a quick, tasty snack.

Melon, prosciutto and mozzarella with balsamic glaze

Melon, prosciutto, and mozzarella with balsamic glaze is a refreshing summer dish that is both delicious and easy to make. This classic Italian appetizer combines the sweet juiciness of melon with the salty richness of prosciutto and the creamy texture of mozzarella, creating a perfect flavour profile. Here is a guide on how to make this mouth-watering treat:

Ingredients:

• Cantaloupe melon
• Prosciutto
• Fresh mozzarella balls (cherry tomato-sized)
• Balsamic glaze
• Basil leaves

Optional Ingredients:

• Toothpicks or skewers
• Honey

Instructions:

• Cut the cantaloupe melon in half and remove the seeds.
• Use a melon baller or scoop to create melon balls, or cut the melon into bite-sized cubes.
• If using skewers, assemble the skewers by threading a melon ball, a piece of prosciutto, a mozzarella ball, and a basil leaf onto each skewer.
• If not using skewers, simply wrap each piece of melon with prosciutto and place on a plate or platter.
• Drizzle the melon and prosciutto with balsamic glaze.
• Top with fresh basil leaves.
• For an extra touch of sweetness, drizzle with honey.
• Serve immediately or chill until ready to serve.

Tips:

• For the best flavour and texture, choose a ripe and sweet cantaloupe melon. Look for a tan colour with light green lines, and avoid any with brown or soft spots. The melon should be firm but not too hard, and it should smell sweet and fragrant.
• If you want to make this dish in advance, chill the assembled skewers or wrapped melon in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Add the basil leaves and balsamic glaze just before serving.
• Get creative with your presentation! Arrange the skewers or wrapped melon on a white platter and drizzle with balsamic glaze for an elegant and eye-catching display.

Melon, prosciutto, and mozzarella with balsamic glaze is a perfect summer appetizer or picnic dish. The combination of sweet melon, salty prosciutto, and creamy mozzarella is sure to impress your guests and satisfy your taste buds. Enjoy!

Honeydew melon salad with feta and blue cheese

A refreshing summer salad, this honeydew melon salad with feta and blue cheese is a delightful mix of sweet and savoury flavours. The cool, crisp honeydew melon is paired with salty feta and tangy blue cheese, creating a delightful contrast that will tantalise your taste buds. This salad is perfect for warm summer days and makes an excellent starter or side dish. Here is a step-by-step guide to creating this delicious treat.

Ingredients:

• Honeydew melon: Look for a dull-skinned honeydew melon that is heavy for its size. Avoid shiny melons, as they are likely overripe.
• Feta cheese: Crumble the feta for sprinkling over the salad.
• Blue cheese: Strong blue cheese complements the mild honeydew melon, but you can substitute it with other cheeses like goat cheese or Stilton.
• Cucumber: Crisp, cool cucumber adds a refreshing touch.
• Fresh mint: For garnishing and adding a refreshing flavour.
• Olive oil: Use extra-virgin olive oil for the dressing.
• Lemon or lime juice: Adds a tangy twist to the dressing.
• Honey: A sweet addition to the dressing.
• Salt: Use flaky sea salt or kosher salt to taste.

Optional Ingredients:

• Red onion: Finely chop the onion to add a kick to the salad.
• Dill weed: Chopped dill weed adds a unique flavour.
• Blueberries: Fresh or frozen blueberries provide an extra pop of sweetness.

Instructions:

• Cut the honeydew melon into bite-sized cubes or wedges. Remove the seeds and skin.
• Place the melon on a large serving platter or individual plates.
• Top the melon with sliced cucumbers, crumbled feta, and blue cheese.
• If using blueberries, sprinkle them over the salad along with the cucumber and cheese.
• Drizzle the salad with a dressing made by whisking together olive oil, lemon or lime juice, honey, and a pinch of salt.
• Garnish with fresh mint leaves and a drizzle of olive oil.
• For an extra kick, add finely chopped red onion and chopped dill weed to the salad.
• Enjoy your refreshing and delicious honeydew melon salad with feta and blue cheese!

Tips:

• You can make this salad ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to two days. However, it is best to add the mint just before serving to prevent discolouration.
• If you prefer a larger salad, double the amount of dressing.
• To choose a ripe honeydew melon, look for a sweet, musky aroma and slight give when gently pressed at the blossom end.

Frequently asked questions