When it comes to easy yet impressive appetizers, these Melon, Salami & Mozzarella Skewers hit all the right notes. Sweet, salty, creamy, and tangy in one bite, they’re a perfect party snack that looks elevated with very little effort.
Served on toothpicks over a bed of fresh arugula and drizzled with homemade balsamic glaze, these colorful skewers make the perfect summer appetizer for barbecues, brunches, or any gathering where you want to impress without breaking a sweat.
What You’ll Need
To make about 12 skewers (enough for 4–6 people as an appetizer), you’ll need fresh cantaloupe melon, thinly sliced salami, and mini mozzarella balls. For garnish, a drizzle of thick balsamic reduction and a handful of arugula for the serving plate takes things from simple to stunning.
How to Make Melon, Salami & Mozzarella Skewers
Start by preparing your cantaloupe. Cut the melon in half, scoop out the seeds, and slice the flesh into bite-sized cubes. You want them large enough to hold up the rest of the ingredients without tipping over.
Next, take your salami slices and fold them into quarters or accordion-style folds for volume and shape. This makes the presentation look more dynamic and allows the salami to stack nicely between the melon and mozzarella.
Drain the mozzarella balls and pat them dry to prevent excess moisture from affecting the texture. Then start assembling: slide one mini mozzarella ball onto a toothpick, followed by a folded slice of salami, and finally a cube of melon at the base so they stand upright.
Arrange the finished skewers on a white serving platter lined with fresh arugula for a gorgeous color contrast. Just before serving, drizzle the entire platter with a homemade balsamic glaze—or your favorite store-bought version—for that glossy, sweet finish that ties everything together.
How To Make Balsamic Glaze
If you don’t have balsamic glaze on hand, it’s incredibly easy to make your own with just one ingredient—balsamic vinegar—and a little time.
Pour about ½ cup of balsamic vinegar into a small saucepan and bring it to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat. Let it reduce for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to a syrupy consistency and coats the back of a spoon.
Keep in mind the glaze will continue to thicken as it cools, so I recommend removing the pot from heat sooner rather than later (I totally overdid my first two batches). If it does come out too thick, turn up the heat again before using and add some more water to dilute it.
You can also add a teaspoon of honey or brown sugar if you prefer a slightly sweeter glaze, but it’s totally optional—especially since the melon already brings sweetness to the recipe.
Let it cool completely before drizzling over your skewers.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- 5-minute assembly: Minimal prep and no cooking required.
- Perfect flavor balance: Sweet melon, salty salami, creamy mozzarella, and tangy balsamic.
- Looks festive: The orange, white, and green palette is eye-catching on any appetizer table.
- Great for parties: Easy to make ahead and serve on toothpicks.
- Flexible: Swap the salami for prosciutto or the cantaloupe for honeydew or watermelon.
Tips for Success
- Use a ripe but firm melon so it holds its shape when skewered.
- Fold the salami for height and better texture contrast.
- Thicken your balsamic glaze by reducing balsamic vinegar on low heat until syrupy if making from scratch.
- Chill before serving if prepping ahead, but add the balsamic just before for best texture.
📌 Melon, Salami & Mozzarella Skewers With Balsamic Glaze (Recipe Card)
Makes about 12 skewers (4–6 servings)
Ingredients
- 12 mini mozzarella balls
- 12 slices of salami
- 12 cubes of cantaloupe melon (about 1¼ cups diced)
For garnish:
- 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
- 1 small handful of fresh arugula (for serving plate)
Equipment
- Toothpicks or small skewers
- Cutting board and knife
- Serving plate
Instructions
- Cut cantaloupe into bite-sized cubes.
- Fold salami slices into quarters or an accordion shape.
- Pat mozzarella dry. On each toothpick, skewer one mozzarella ball, one folded salami slice, and one melon cube.
- Arrange on a serving plate over fresh arugula.
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze just before serving.
