There are certain ingredients that carry an air of occasion with them wherever they go. In my mom's kitchen, prosciutto was one of them.

It lived in the refrigerator like it owned the place - thin, silky, and strictly off limits for casual snacking. This was not cold cut drawer territory. This was the ingredient my mom pulled out when she wanted to make something feel special, and if you so much as looked at it wrong, well. You were risking a finger.

Growing up watching her treat prosciutto like the crown jewel of the appetizer spread, I learned early that this particular ingredient has a kind of magic to it. It makes everything feel a little more elevated. A little more intentional. A little more bougie - even when the recipe itself could not be simpler.

These watermelon prosciutto skewers are exactly that. Sweet, juicy watermelon. Silky prosciutto. Fresh mozzarella. A single basil leaf. Stacked on a little skewer and ready in 20 minutes flat. They look like something you'd find at a catered garden party. They taste like the best combination of sweet and salty you've had all summer. And they require absolutely zero cooking.

Mom would approve. And yes, you have permission to touch the prosciutto!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Looks incredibly impressive with almost zero effort - the ultimate party trick appetizer
• Sweet, salty, fresh, and creamy all in one perfect bite
• No cooking required - just assemble and serve
• Ready in 20 minutes flat
• Naturally low carb and gluten free
• Perfect for summer parties, baby showers, bridal showers, backyard cookouts, and everything in between
• Feels fancy without the fancy price tag

Ingredients

• ¼ of a small watermelon
• 6 thin slices of prosciutto, halved lengthwise
• 12 mini mozzarella balls
• 12 fresh basil leaves

Tools You'll Need

• Melon baller
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Small skewers

Directions

Ball the watermelon. Use a melon baller to scoop out 12 even watermelon balls. Set them aside on a paper towel to absorb any extra juice - this keeps your skewers from getting soggy.

Prep the prosciutto. Carefully peel the prosciutto slices apart - they like to stick together, so go slow. Slice each piece in half lengthwise so you have 12 long, thin strips ready to fold onto the skewers.

Assemble the skewers. Layer each skewer in this order: watermelon ball, folded prosciutto strip, mozzarella ball, fresh basil leaf. Repeat until all 12 skewers are assembled.

Serve or chill. Serve immediately for the freshest flavor, or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. These hold up beautifully for a few hours in the fridge - perfect for prepping ahead of a party.

Tara's Tips

• A good melon baller makes all the difference. Uniform watermelon balls make these skewers look polished and professional.
• Pat the watermelon dry. A quick blot with a paper towel before assembling keeps the skewers from getting watery and helps the prosciutto cling better.
• Handle prosciutto gently. It tears easily - peel slowly and use a sharp knife for the cleanest cut down the center.
• Dress them up if you like. A light drizzle of balsamic glaze right before serving takes these from beautiful to absolutely stunning.
• Make them ahead. Assemble up to 2 hours before your party, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. Pull them out about 10 minutes before serving for the best flavor.
• Skewer size matters. Small 4-inch appetizer skewers or toothpick-style picks keep these bite-sized and easy to grab.

Serving Ideas

• Arrange on a large wooden board or marble platter for a stunning party presentation
• Serve alongside other light summer appetizers for a full grazing spread
• Add to your baby shower or bridal shower appetizer table for an elegant, no-fuss option
• Pair with a crisp rose or sparkling water with citrus for the ultimate summer party vibe
• Round out your summer entertaining spread with other fresh party favorites like Old-Fashioned Pink Strawberry Fluff Salad, Creamy Avocado Pasta Salad with Crispy Bacon and Fresh Basil, or Old-Fashioned Creamy Fruit Salad Made a Little Lighter

Storage

Best enjoyed fresh or within a few hours of assembling. Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. The watermelon will release juice over time, so these are at their best the day they are made. Not recommended for freezing.

Yield: 12

Watermelon Prosciutto Skewers

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These watermelon prosciutto skewers are the summer appetizer that looks catered but takes just 20 minutes! 

Prep Time 20 minutes

Total Time 20 minutes

Ingredients

• ¼ of a small watermelon
• 6 thin slices of prosciutto
• 12 mini mozzarella balls
• 12 fresh basil leaves

Instructions

1. Use a melon baller to gather 12 balls of watermelon.
2. Peel the slices of prosciutto apart, then slice in half lengthwise.
3. On the skewers, layer the ingredients:  watermelon, prosciutto, mozzarella, basil
4. Serve right away, or cover and chill until ready to serve.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

12

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 114Total Fat: 8gSaturated Fat: 4gUnsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 33mgSodium: 554mgCarbohydrates: 1gFiber: 0gSugar: 1gProtein: 10g

Some appetizers require hours of prep, complicated techniques, and a grocery list that makes your eyes water. This is not that appetizer.

This is the one you make in 20 minutes, set on the table, and watch people reach for before they've even said hello. Sweet watermelon, silky prosciutto, fresh mozzarella, and a little basil - four ingredients that somehow add up to the most elegant thing at the party.

Mom had the right idea all along. Prosciutto really does make everything better.

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