If you’re looking for something that’s equal parts elegant and fun, my Cantaloupe Prosciutto Skewers with Lemon Mint Pesto are about to become your go-to appetizer. Each skewer bursts with juicy melon, creamy mozzarella, salty prosciutto, and herbaceous vibes all at once — finished off with a pop of citrusy pesto that transports you to a sunny Italian picnic. They’re irresistibly fresh, totally fuss-free, and guaranteed to disappear at any gathering!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Summertime Perfection: The juicy cantaloupe, fresh mint, and zesty lemon make every bite of these skewers ultra-refreshing and bright.
- No-Cook, No-Fuss: There’s zero cooking required — just a quick assembly for an impressive appetizer in under 30 minutes.
- Flavor Fireworks: The trio of sweet melon, salty prosciutto, and creamy mozzarella, all tied together with lemon mint pesto, is a blast of flavor contrasts in every mouthful.
- Crowd-Pleasing & Customizable: Perfect for parties, showers, picnics, and more — and totally easy to adapt for any crowd or season.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Cantaloupe Prosciutto Skewers with Lemon Mint Pesto is in its ingredients — each one is simple on its own, but together they make pure flavor harmony. Freshness is key, as each ingredient brings color, texture, and that wow-factor taste to every skewer.
- Cantaloupe: Choose a ripe melon for juicy, fragrant sweetness — a melon baller turns it into easy, poppable spheres.
- Prosciutto: Thin slices add a delicate salty richness that balances the melon beautifully; tear them so every bite has a little curl of ham.
- Mozzarella Ciliegine: These bite-sized fresh mozzarella balls are creamy, mild, and a dreamy pairing with the other flavors.
- Fresh Basil Leaves: Basil’s peppery aroma amps up the freshness in every bite, and adds a lovely accent of green.
- Fresh Mint: Loads of mint go into the pesto, infusing the sauce with uplifting, cooling flavor that screams summer.
- Lemon (zest & juice): The brilliant punch of citrus brightens up the pesto and gives the skewers lively zip.
- Toasted Pine Nuts: They give the pesto that classic buttery, nutty undertone — lightly toasted makes all the difference!
- Garlic: Just a bit gives the pesto backbone and savory warmth.
- Olive Oil: Rich, fruity extra-virgin olive oil smooths out the pesto and ties everything together.
- Salt, Pepper & Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: These balance the sauce, add tiny pops of heat, and boost the other flavors.
Variations
The beauty of these skewers lies in how effortlessly you can make them your own. Whether you’re swapping for what’s on hand, accommodating allergies, or just playing with flavors, Cantaloupe Prosciutto Skewers with Lemon Mint Pesto are endlessly adaptable and always delicious.
- Try Different Melons: Swap in honeydew or watermelon for the cantaloupe, or use a colorful mix for a rainbow platter.
- Make It Vegetarian: Skip the prosciutto and add extra mozzarella or a roasted veggie for a meatless, just-as-festive version.
- Pesto Swap: Use all basil or add parsley if you don’t have mint, or make a nut-free version by omitting pine nuts.
- Vegan Twist: Use plant-based mozzarella and omit prosciutto for vegan-friendly skewers with all the same bright flavors.
How to Make Cantaloupe Prosciutto Skewers with Lemon Mint Pesto
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
Start by using a melon baller to scoop out juicy rounds of cantaloupe — you’ll want about 1 ½ cups. Tear the prosciutto into bite-sized pieces (they’ll look extra pretty if you scrunch them a little), drain and pat dry the mozzarella pearls, and pick a handful of fresh basil leaves. You’ll thank yourself later for having everything laid out and ready to go!
Step 2: Make the Lemon Mint Pesto
In a food processor, combine the fresh mint, basil, lemon zest, lemon juice, toasted pine nuts, and garlic. Pulse until the mixture is finely chopped. With the machine running, drizzle in olive oil until you’ve got a pourable (but not runny) pesto. Season it with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for the perfect zesty bite, then give it a taste and adjust as you fancy.
Step 3: Assemble the Skewers
Now for the fun part! Thread cantaloupe balls, mozzarella, basil leaves, and prosciutto pieces onto skewers in any pattern you love. You can alternate for eye candy, stack them for hearty skewers, or make mini versions for quick bites. If you want to “scrunch up” the prosciutto, it’ll stay put on the skewer and look especially festive.
Step 4: Plate and Drizzle
Arrange the skewers on your favorite platter. Just before serving, give each one a generous drizzle of the lemon mint pesto — or serve the pesto on the side for dipping. The vibrant green sauce brightens up the whole dish (and makes every bite even more craveable)!
Pro Tips for Making Cantaloupe Prosciutto Skewers with Lemon Mint Pesto
- Melon Ripeness: Use a cantaloupe that’s super fragrant and gives slightly when pressed for the juiciest, sweetest flavor.
- Pesto Consistency: Begin with a quarter cup of olive oil and slowly add more if needed — the sauce should be spoonable, not runny, so it clings to the skewers.
- Skewer Assembly: If your prosciutto tears, just fold and thread it — those little ruffles add decadence and keep the skewers from looking too perfect.
- Make-Ahead Magic: Assemble the skewers and keep them covered in the fridge, but add pesto right before serving to keep everything ultra-fresh and vibrant.
How to Serve Cantaloupe Prosciutto Skewers with Lemon Mint Pesto
Garnishes
Scatter a few extra fresh mint or basil leaves across the platter for an aromatic touch, or sprinkle with extra toasted pine nuts for a bit of crunch. If you’re up for a little drama, bright lemon zest grated on top just before serving looks stunning and amps up the citrus aroma even more.
Side Dishes
Cantaloupe Prosciutto Skewers with Lemon Mint Pesto are delightful as part of a summer appetizer board — think alongside marinated olives, crispy crostini, or a tangy tomato salad. They also play well next to grilled proteins or paired with a chilled glass of prosecco on a relaxed patio night.
Creative Ways to Present
Try using short cocktail sticks for individual bites at parties, or arrange the skewers in a circular pattern around a bowl of pesto for a crowd-pleasing centerpiece. For a show-stopping brunch or picnic, tuck fresh edible flowers or leafy greens on the platter for a pop of color and garden party flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Cantaloupe Prosciutto Skewers with Lemon Mint Pesto in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The skewers are best enjoyed within a day for peak freshness, as the melon can start to release juice and soften the mozzarella over time.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t recommended for this recipe—the fresh melon and mozzarella tend to get mushy and lose their appeal once thawed. If you do want to get ahead, you can freeze just the pesto in a small airtight container; thaw in the fridge and stir well before serving.
Reheating
These skewers are meant to be served chilled or at cool room temperature—no reheating needed! Just give them a quick rearrange if the juices settle, and add a fresh drizzle of pesto before serving to revive any leftovers.
FAQs
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Can I make Cantaloupe Prosciutto Skewers with Lemon Mint Pesto in advance for a party?
Yes! You can assemble the skewers up to a day in advance and store them covered in the refrigerator. For the best presentation, wait to drizzle the lemon mint pesto on top until just before serving — this keeps everything vibrant and prevents the skewers from getting soggy.
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What can I use if I don’t have a melon baller?
No melon baller? No problem! Simply cut the cantaloupe into small 1-inch cubes. The skewers will taste just as fabulous, and the chunkier pieces give a more rustic look.
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Are there nut-free options for the pesto?
Absolutely! You can leave out the toasted pine nuts or swap them for toasted sunflower seeds or pepitas for a similar texture. The pesto will still be herby, bright, and delicious without nuts.
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Can I use store-bought pesto instead of homemade?
Store-bought pesto works in a pinch, but if you want that ultra-fresh, minty brightness that makes Cantaloupe Prosciutto Skewers with Lemon Mint Pesto so special, homemade is the way to go. Plus, making it yourself lets you control the flavors and texture.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to try these Cantaloupe Prosciutto Skewers with Lemon Mint Pesto — they’re pure sunshine on a stick! Whip up a batch and watch them disappear, whether you’re serving a crowd or just treating yourself to something a little extra special. If you give them a go, I’d love to hear how you made them your own!
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Cantaloupe Prosciutto Skewers with Lemon Mint Pesto Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 long skewers 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Skewering, Food Processing
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cantaloupe Prosciutto Skewers with Lemon Mint Pesto are a refreshing and elegant appetizer perfect for summer gatherings. The sweet cantaloupe, salty prosciutto, and creamy mozzarella are paired with a zesty lemon mint pesto for a burst of flavor.
Ingredients
Cantaloupe Prosciutto Skewers:
- 1 cantaloupe melon, scooped out with a melon baller (about 1 1/2 cups melon balls)
- 6 ounces sliced prosciutto, torn into pieces
- 1 8–ounce container fresh mozzarella (ciliegine)
- 1 handful of fresh basil leaves
Lemon Mint Pesto:
- 4 cups fresh mint
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1 lemon, zest freshly grated and 1/2 juiced
- 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Cantaloupe Prosciutto Skewers: Skewer the cantaloupe balls, mozzarella, basil leaves, and prosciutto pieces in any order you prefer. Make larger or shorter skewers based on your preference.
- Lemon Mint Pesto: In a food processor, combine mint, basil, lemon zest, juice, pine nuts, and garlic. Pulse until crumbly. Stream in olive oil while processing. Add salt, pepper, and pepper flakes. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
