Fresh Champagne-Infused Melon and Prosciutto Salad
A light, refreshing summer salad featuring melon soaked in champagne paired with salty prosciutto, fresh mint, and a bright olive oil-lemon dressing. Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for casual or elegant occasions.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes (melon soaking time)
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 medium cantaloupe or honeydew melon, peeled, seeded, and cut into bite-sized balls or cubes
- 6 ounces thinly sliced prosciutto
- ½ cup (4 fl oz) champagne or sparkling wine
- A handful fresh mint leaves, roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Sea salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1 teaspoon honey or agave nectar
- Optional: Crumbled goat cheese or burrata
Instructions
- Peel, seed, and cut the melon into bite-sized balls or cubes using a melon baller or knife. Aim for uniform pieces so they soak evenly. (Approximate time: 10 minutes.)
- Place the melon pieces in a mixing bowl and pour over the ½ cup (4 fl oz) of chilled champagne or sparkling wine. Toss gently to coat. Let sit for 10-15 minutes to absorb the bubbles and flavor. Do not soak longer than 20 minutes to avoid softness.
- In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, and optional 1 teaspoon honey or agave nectar until emulsified. Add a pinch of sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Drain the melon from the champagne (reserve a little splash if desired). Place the melon on a serving platter or bowl. Tear the prosciutto into strips or bite-sized pieces and scatter over the melon.
- Sprinkle the chopped mint leaves evenly over the salad for freshness and color.
- Pour the olive oil and lemon dressing over the melon and prosciutto. Toss gently or leave as is for a rustic look.
- If using, crumble goat cheese or add small dollops of burrata across the salad for creamy texture contrast.
- Finish with a light sprinkle of sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Add a final drizzle of champagne or sparkling rosé if desired.
- Serve immediately while the melon is crisp and the prosciutto silky.
Notes
Do not soak melon in champagne longer than 20 minutes to avoid mushiness. Tear prosciutto by hand to preserve texture. Use ripe melon for best flavor. Optional cheese adds creaminess but can be omitted for dairy-free. Can substitute sparkling grape juice for champagne for non-alcoholic version. Assemble salad just before serving for best texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 13
- Sodium: 550
- Fat: 10
- Saturated Fat: 2
- Carbohydrates: 15
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 7
Keywords: melon salad, prosciutto salad, champagne salad, summer salad, easy salad, refreshing salad, light salad, gluten-free salad