Melon and Prosciutto Salad

By japaulson

This colorful appetizer would be a fine addition to an antipasto spread. Parmigiano-Reggiano provides nutty contrast to sweet melons and mirrors the taste of salty prosciutto.

Wine note: I adore the sweet-salty-herbal flavor of this salad. It's so refreshing and so summery. A good wine partner should exude the same characteristics. While you could opt for an Italian pinot grigio, I find a fuller-bodied California pinot grigio works even better, especially given the full flavors of the prosciutto, mint, and Parmigiano. A great choice: Estancia Pinot Grigio 2005 (California), $12. --Karen MacNeil

Ingredients

• 1/2 medium melon)
• 3 cups (1/2-inch) cubed cantaloupe (about 1 medium melon)
• 2 tablespoons thinly sliced fresh mint
• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 ounces thinly sliced prosciutto, cut into thin strips
• 1/2 cup (2 ounces) shaved fresh Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
• Cracked black pepper (optional)
• Mint sprigs (optional)

Preparation

Step 1

3 cups (1/2-inch) cubed honeydew melon (about Preparation
Combine first 5 ingredients, tossing gently. Arrange melon mixture on a serving platter. Arrange prosciutto evenly over melon mixture; sprinkle with Parmigiano-Reggiano. Garnish with cracked black pepper and fresh mint sprigs, if desired.