Cantaloupe Prosciutto Skewers with Pesto
Cantaloupe Prosciutto Skewers with Pesto combine the natural sweetness of ripe cantaloupe, the salty richness of prosciutto, and the vibrant, herby flavor of fresh basil pesto. This quick and visually appealing appetizer is perfect for gatherings, picnics, or elegant starters, offering a harmonious balance of sweet, salty, and fresh notes ready in under 15 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 8-12 skewers 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 ripe cantaloupe, firm and sweet, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 8–12 thin slices of prosciutto, cut into strips matching cantaloupe cube length
- 1/4 cup fresh basil pesto, homemade or store-bought
- Wooden skewers or toothpicks
Optional Toppings
- Toasted pine nuts, for garnish
- Shaved Parmesan cheese, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Cantaloupe: Wash the cantaloupe, cut it in half, remove the seeds, and slice into 1-inch bite-sized cubes for easy skewering and balanced flavor.
- Slice the Prosciutto: Cut thin slices of prosciutto into strips approximately the same length as the cantaloupe cubes to ensure even distribution on each skewer.
- Assemble the Skewers: Thread one cantaloupe cube onto a skewer, followed by a gently folded strip of prosciutto. Repeat this pattern until the skewer is filled without overcrowding, showcasing vibrant colors.
- Add Pesto: Drizzle basil pesto over the skewers or use a small spoon to dollop pesto between the layers. Alternatively, brush pesto lightly over the assembled skewers for even coating.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle toasted pine nuts or shaved Parmesan on top if desired. Serve immediately to enjoy the freshest flavor, or chill for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Choose firm cantaloupe to prevent mushy skewers.
- Use thin prosciutto slices for delicate layering without overwhelming the fruit.
- Fresh, homemade pesto brightens the flavors more than store-bought options.
- Chill skewers before serving to meld flavors and keep them cool.
- Arrange skewers attractively on a platter to highlight their vibrant colors.
- Add pesto just before serving if preparing in advance to keep freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer
- Calories: 70
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: cantaloupe, prosciutto, pesto, skewers, appetizer, snack, easy recipe, gluten free, party food