Cheese And Melon: Perfect Pairing Or Not?

There are many types of cheese that go well with melon, and the combination of the two makes for a refreshing summer snack. Cantaloupe, honeydew, and watermelon are all popular choices of melon to pair with cheese. Some cheeses that go well with melon include feta, blue cheese, mozzarella, and ricotta. The sweetness of the melon pairs well with the saltiness of the cheese, and adding prosciutto to the mix provides a savoury element.

Melon and feta cheese salad

A melon and feta cheese salad is a refreshing dish that combines the sweetness of melon with the savoury, salty flavour of feta cheese. This combination of sweet and savoury is enhanced by the addition of fresh herbs such as mint and basil. The salad is best made with chilled watermelon, which can be cubed or balled, and crumbled feta cheese. It can be served as a side dish or a light meal on a hot summer day.

Ingredients

• Watermelon
• Feta cheese
• Fresh mint
• Fresh basil
• Olive oil
• Lime juice
• Honey
• Salt

Optional Ingredients

• Cucumber
• Red onion
• Avocado
• Serrano/jalapeño pepper
• Nuts (walnuts or cashews)
• Arugula/rocket
• Quinoa
• Strawberries
• Balsamic vinegar/balsamic glaze

Method

• Prepare the watermelon by cutting it into bite-sized cubes or using a melon baller to create small spheres. Chilling the watermelon beforehand will enhance the refreshing quality of the dish.
• If desired, prepare any optional ingredients, such as chopping the red onion, cucumber, mint, basil, and avocado.
• Make the dressing by whisking together the olive oil, lime juice, honey, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl.
• In a large bowl or serving platter, combine the watermelon with any optional ingredients.
• Drizzle the dressing over the watermelon mixture and gently toss to combine.
• Top the salad with the crumbled feta cheese.
• Serve immediately.

Tips

• This salad is best served fresh and will become watery if left for too long.
• For a more substantial meal, serve the salad on a bed of arugula/rocket and quinoa.
• If you don't like spice, omit the serrano/jalapeño pepper.
• For added crunch, include some toasted nuts such as walnuts or cashews.
• If you don't like the combination of melon and feta, you can substitute the feta with another cheese, such as goat cheese or mozzarella.

Cantaloupe and prosciutto

The combination of cantaloupe melon and prosciutto ham is a classic, refreshing, summer dish. The sweetness of the melon and the saltiness of the prosciutto complement each other perfectly. This simple dish is easy to prepare and can be served as an appetizer or a light meal.

Selecting the Perfect Cantaloupe

When choosing a cantaloupe, look for one that is tan with light green lines across it and no brown or soft spots. The melon should be firm but not too hard, and it should have a sweet, fragrant smell at the stem end. If you can't smell the cantaloupe, it is not ripe enough, and if there is any hint of an unpleasant odour, it is overripe.

Preparing the Dish

To prepare the dish, cut the cantaloupe into wedges or bite-sized pieces, wrap with prosciutto, and serve chilled. You can also add a drizzle of honey or balsamic glaze and some fresh basil leaves for extra flavour and colour. This dish can be served as part of a mezze platter or with breadsticks and a light, dry white wine.

A Classic Combination

The pairing of melon and prosciutto has been enjoyed for centuries, particularly in Italy, where it is known as prosciutto e melone. This combination of sweet, ripe fruit and salty, cured meats is a favourite among Italians, and the dish requires just a few simple ingredients and no cooking.

Galia melon and blue cheese

The Galia melon is a type of muskmelon hybrid that was first cultivated in Israel in the 1970s. Its flavour is often likened to pineapple and banana, and it is known for its distinctive pale green to creamy-white flesh and yellow to orange skin.

Pairing with Blue Cheese

The savoury, salty, and pungent nature of blue cheese is a perfect match for the Galia melon's sweetness. The cheese accentuates the melon's flavour while providing a pleasant contrast.

A simple way to serve this combination is in a salad. Start by removing the flesh from a small Galia melon, either by creating melon balls or slicing it into bite-sized chunks. Sprinkle with thinly sliced red onion and roughly chopped fresh mint leaves, then add crumbled blue cheese and Turkish white cheese or feta. For added texture and flavour, sprinkle with salted cashews and drizzle with olive oil and pomegranate molasses.

This salad is a refreshing option for hot summer days, providing a balance of sweet and savoury flavours, along with the refreshing taste of mint and the salty, creamy notes of the cheeses.

Other Melon and Blue Cheese Combinations

Blue cheese pairs well with various other types of melon, including honeydew, cantaloupe, and watermelon. For a refreshing summer salad, combine melon balls or chunks with blue cheese, balsamic vinegar, fresh basil, and a drizzle of honey.

For a heartier option, add prosciutto, as in the classic Italian combination of melon and prosciutto. This savoury, salty ham complements the sweetness of the melon and the pungency of the blue cheese.

Whether served as a salad or a simple appetizer, Galia melon and blue cheese is a delightful combination that showcases the versatility of both ingredients.

Melon and cheese appetizers

Melon and cheese is a classic combination, especially popular during the summer when melons are at their juiciest and tastiest. The sweetness of the melon pairs wonderfully with salty cheese. Here are some ideas for melon and cheese appetizers:

Melon, Cheese and Meat Skewers

A simple and classic option is to make skewers with melon, cheese and meat such as prosciutto. You can add some fresh herbs like basil or mint to these skewers. To elevate this dish further, you can add a drizzle of balsamic reduction, which adds a tangy sweetness that pairs well with the other ingredients.

Melon, Cheese and Cracker Plate

For something a little different, you can serve a melon and cheese plate with crackers on the side. This option allows your guests to build their own bites. In addition to melon, cheese and crackers, you can add some prosciutto and other summer veggies like cucumbers. You can also add some fresh herbs like basil for a little extra summer flavour.

Melon, Cheese and Bread

Another option for a melon and cheese appetizer is to serve it with bread. You can make crostini by topping a French baguette with melon, prosciutto and either goat cheese or ricotta cheese. You could also make a bruschetta by drizzling the baguette with olive oil and topping it with mozzarella, cantaloupe and strawberries.

Melon and Blue Cheese with Balsamic Drizzle

For a quick and easy option, simply cut melon into small chunks and sprinkle with blue cheese. Refrigerate, and then drizzle with balsamic glaze right before serving. This appetizer is not only delicious but also visually appealing.

Melon, prosciutto and mozzarella

Melon, prosciutto, and mozzarella is a delicious combination that makes for a refreshing summer treat. This combination of flavours and textures is not only tasty but also visually appealing and nutritious.

The sweetness of the melon pairs wonderfully with the saltiness of the prosciutto and the creamy, mild flavour of mozzarella. Cantaloupe is a popular choice of melon for this combination, but honeydew and watermelon also work well. The melon can be cut into bite-sized pieces or thin slices, while the prosciutto is usually thinly sliced, and the mozzarella can be served in balls or slices.

To elevate this flavour combination, consider adding some fresh herbs such as basil or mint, a squeeze of lime or lemon, and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar or glaze. These additions will brighten the flavours and colours of the dish. Additionally, you can include other ingredients such as crackers, cucumbers, or hummus to create a more substantial appetizer or meal.

For a more filling option, you can make melon, prosciutto, and mozzarella skewers or serve them on a bed of leafy greens as a salad. This combination is not only delicious but also nutritious, as melon is rich in vitamins A, C, and fibre, while mozzarella adds protein and calcium to the dish.

Frequently asked questions