Gluten-Free Prosciutto and Melon Salad

Cubes of cantaloupe or honeydew meet torn prosciutto and fresh basil in this no-cook salad, dressed with olive oil and lemon juice and an optional drizzle of balsamic glaze labeled gluten-free. Sweet, salty and peppery, it comes together in about five minutes.

Prep: 5 min Total: 5 min Serves: 4

At a glance: This easy lunch recipe yields 4 servings in about 5 minutes (5 min prep). It uses 7 ingredients — including cantaloupe or honeydew melon, thinly sliced prosciutto, fresh basil leaves — and walks through 6 steps. Updated October 25, 2026. Browse more lunch recipes or return to all gluten-free recipes.

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Cross-Contamination Warning for Gluten-Free Prosciutto and Melon Salad: When preparing this lunch recipe, while prosciutto is typically gluten-free, it's crucial to check labels for any cross-contamination warnings or added ingredients that may contain gluten. Ensure your balsamic glaze is also gluten-free. In a shared kitchen, avoid porous materials — wooden spoons, wooden cutting boards, and scratched non-stick pans can harbor gluten proteins even after washing. Prefer glass, metal, or silicone tools.

Gluten-Free Notes for Gluten-Free Prosciutto and Melon Salad: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, relying on fresh fruits, cured meats, and simple pantry staples. Always ensure any added glazes or seasonings are gluten-free.

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servings

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Ingredients

Shop links on this page are for balsamic glaze. Buy the package that says gluten-free. A shared production line is the usual risk with these pantry items. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you. Confirm the product is labeled gluten-free before you buy.

1 pound cantaloupe or honeydew melon, cubed
4 ounces thinly sliced prosciutto
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tsp balsamic glaze (optional, ensure GF) Shop
freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1 Prepare the melon by cutting it into bite-sized cubes, aiming for pieces that are easy to spear with a fork. Place the cubed melon into a large mixing bowl, ensuring it has enough space to be tossed gently.
2 Tear the prosciutto slices into smaller, rustic pieces. Add the torn prosciutto to the bowl with the melon. This step should take about 5 minutes to complete.
3 Gently tear the fresh basil leaves and scatter them over the melon and prosciutto. The aroma of the fresh basil will begin to release as you prepare the dressing.
4 In a small separate bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil and fresh lemon juice until they are well combined and slightly emulsified. This creates the bright, zesty base for your dressing, which should take about 2 minutes.
5 Drizzle the olive oil and lemon juice mixture evenly over the ingredients in the large bowl. If using, add the optional balsamic glaze at this stage for an extra layer of sweetness and depth. Season generously with freshly ground black pepper.
6 Gently toss all the ingredients together for about 1-2 minutes, ensuring everything is lightly coated with the dressing. Be careful not to overmix, as this can break down the delicate melon and prosciutto. The salad is now ready to be served immediately, or it can be chilled for up to 25 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Nutrition (per serving)

340

Calories

10g

Protein

46g

Carbs

Fat

Fiber

434mg

Sodium

Tips & Notes

Choose a melon that smells sweet at the stem end and feels heavy for its size. Almost all the flavor comes from the fruit.
Plain prosciutto is cured ham and is usually gluten-free, but if it is sliced at a deli counter, ask about shared slicers or buy one labeled gluten-free.
Assemble just before serving. Melon releases juice as it sits, and dressed prosciutto turns limp.

Common questions

How long does Gluten-Free Prosciutto and Melon Salad take?

Gluten-Free Prosciutto and Melon Salad takes about 5 minutes: 5 minutes to prep, for 4 servings.

What should I check before making Gluten-Free Prosciutto and Melon Salad with celiac disease?

Written with gluten-free ingredients. Use products labeled gluten-free, check labels, and ask your clinician about your own needs.

What cross-contamination risk is specific to Gluten-Free Prosciutto and Melon Salad?

Check cantaloupe or honeydew melon, cubed, thinly sliced prosciutto, fresh basil leaves, torn before they go into Gluten-Free Prosciutto and Melon Salad. While prosciutto is typically gluten-free, it's crucial to check labels for any cross-contamination warnings or added ingredients that may contain gluten. Ensure your balsamic glaze is also gluten-free. In a shared kitchen, avoid porous materials — wooden spoons, wooden cutting boards, and scratched non-stick pans can harbor gluten proteins even after washing. Prefer glass, metal, or silicone tools.

Learn More

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Gluten Free Recipes team

Gluten-free recipe development since 2026

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