Melon Caprese at Home

Caprese is one of the most handsome salads.

Layers of colorful ripe fruits (or vegetables) with fresh mozzarella, basil and a drizzle of reduced balsamic. It’s a mosaic of sorts and I certainly adore them! Not only because caprese is way unfussy to prepare (especially dependable for last minute gatherings) but also because it’s fresh, impressive and savory. You may recall, last summer when I made an epic summer garden tomato version. This year, I was set on making a melon version.

Each melon works perfectly with the neutral flavor and creamy texture of fresh mozzarella. Finish it off with a pinch or two of coarse flaked sea salt, ground fresh black pepper and then drizzle everything in honey and balsamic glaze. I also tuck in little rosettes of torn prosciutto for the go-to sweet and salty situation.

Serve it with grilled Italian bread and prepare to fall in love.

To cook this Melon Caprese Set out:

• watermelon (seedless personal size)
• cantaloupe
• honeydew melon
• fresh mozzarella
• basil
• honey
• balsamic glaze (kitchen-made or store-bought)
• flaked salt
• ground black pepper
• grilled bread (optional – for serving)

Wash the outside of each melon well and pat dry. Cut in half and scoop out the seeds of the cantaloupe and honeydew.

Using 1/4 of each melon, slice horizontally in 1/2-inch strips.

Note: Using a personal size watermelon that is similar size to honeydew and cantaloupe helps keep the wedges more uniform

Run a flexible knife (I use a boning knife) around the edge and underneath between the flesh and rind, until the melon slices release. I do slice off the corner tip of the watermelon, simply so that it will lay evenly next to the others. I’ll simply snack on those pieces later.

Arrange basil, melon and fresh mozzarella in rows and repeat. I do slice the mozzarella in half for thinner slices of melon. Then haphazardly shape torn pieces of prosciutto into rosettes and please them between the different rows of melton. However, if vegetarians are in attendance, you could also serve this on the side or not at all.

Whether you make your own balsamic glaze reduction or not is up to you. I personally, will do whatever it is I have time for. Truth be told, I always have (three!!) different types of balsamic glaze on hand only incase I need it.

Lastly, drizzle the melon caprese with honey, balsamic glaze and sprinkle with a few pinches coarse flaked salt and freshly ground black pepper.

…the answer is: beautifully.

No matter how you decide to serve it, as an appetizer or light salad, I like to have a tray of grilled bread nearby. I feel it’s a great vehicle for the melon caprese to go from plate to mouth.

Enjoy! And if you give this Melon Caprese recipe a try, let me know! Snap a photo and tag me on twitter or instagram!