Elevate Your Summer Menu with Melon Soup with Port and Prosciutto.
Cool, refreshing, and packed with flavor, Melon Soup with Port and Prosciutto is a must-try recipe that embodies the elegance of French cuisine.
This vibrant dish highlights the natural sweetness of ripe cantaloupe, blended into a smooth, creamy soup that’s perfectly balanced with the rich depth of Port wine.Finished with savory strips of prosciutto, it’s a culinary delight that adds sophistication to any meal.
Ideal for warm-weather dining, this chilled soup makes an excellent appetizer or a refreshing interlude between courses. The combination of sweet melon, tangy lemon juice, and salty prosciutto creates a harmonious flavor profile that’s both simple and luxurious.
Whether you’re hosting a garden party, planning a romantic dinner, or looking to impress your guests with a unique twist, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Serve it alongside a crisp glass of white wine or champagne to enhance its vibrant flavors. Light, elegant, and easy to prepare, Melon Soup with Port and Prosciutto is a true celebration of summer's finest ingredients.
⦁ Main Ingredients:
⦁ 2 cantaloupes, peeled, seeded, and cut into chunks
⦁ Juice of 1 lemon
⦁ 6 tablespoons Port wine
⦁ 6 thin slices of prosciutto, cut into narrow strips
⦁ Seasoning:
⦁ Salt and pepper to taste
1. Prepare the Melon: Add the cantaloupe chunks, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to a food processor. Blend until smooth and creamy.
2. Chill the Soup: Transfer the blended melon to a bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to ensure it’s well chilled.
3. Serve: Pour the chilled soup into individual bowls. Stir 1 tablespoon of Port wine into each bowl. Garnish with strips of prosciutto and serve immediately
🛒 Choosing Ingredients
✔ Melon – Use ripe, fragrant cantaloupe or Charentais for the best natural sweetness
✔ Port Wine – Ruby or tawny Port adds rich, fruity depth and balances the melon’s sweetness
✔ Prosciutto – Thinly sliced Parma ham or San Daniele for silky texture and salty contrast
✔ Lime or Lemon Juice – A touch of acidity brightens and balances the soup
✔ Fresh Mint or Basil – Optional, but adds a lovely herbal lift
✔ Black Pepper – Just a crack for warmth and subtle spice
👩🍳 Preparation
✔ Chill Ingredients First – For best texture and flavor, use chilled melon and Port before blending
✔ Blend Until Smooth – Use a high-speed blender for a velvety finish
✔ Strain (Optional) – For an ultra-smooth soup, strain through a fine mesh sieve
✔ Taste & Adjust – Balance sweetness with citrus juice and Port to your liking
✔ Slice Prosciutto Thinly – Tear or crisp it depending on your serving style
🍳 Balancing Flavors
✔ Sweet vs. Salty – The melon’s natural sugars and Port contrast beautifully with savory ham
✔ Add a Herbal Note – Fresh mint or basil chiffonade cuts through the richness and adds freshness
✔ Cracked Pepper Finish – A light dusting brings out complexity without overpowering the dish
✔ Texture Twist – Crisp prosciutto adds crunch; leave raw for a silkier bite
📦 Storage
✔ Chill Before Serving – Refrigerate soup for at least 1 hour to let flavors meld
✔ Refrigerate – Store in airtight container up to 2 days
✔ Don’t Freeze – The texture of melon doesn’t hold well once frozen
✔ Prosciutto Tip – Add prosciutto just before serving to maintain ideal texture
🍽 Serving
✔ As a Starter – Serve in chilled bowls or cocktail glasses for a refined touch
✔ Garnish Creatively – Top with prosciutto ribbons, mint leaves, melon balls, or a Port drizzle
✔ Mini Appetizer – Serve in shot glasses for elegant hors d’oeuvres
✔ Wine Pairing – Dry sparkling wine, Sancerre, or chilled rosé complements beautifully