Happy Pairing!
Many delicious foods taste even better when you partner them with something else. Something across the food spectrum. Unusual pairings send your palate soaring. Think about it. My guess is, some of your best meals were probably a combination of contrasting flavors and textures: salty with sweet, chewy with crunchy. That's why I love this recipe: sweet melon, salty prosciutto, fresh mozzarella, and crunchy celery.
Plus, the melons look amazing these days (not MY melons, ha ha!), so take advantage of the season. Also, make sure you buy good-quality, fresh mozzarella - whether it's a block, balls or pearls. The fresh is soft, delicate and milky, adding a distinct, clean quality (and much more flavor than the processed stuff).
Prosciutto with Cantaloupe, Fresh Mozzarella and Shaved Celery
2 cups cubed cantaloupe melon
4 ounces thinly sliced prosciutto
2 teaspoons good-quality olive oil
2 cups “shaved” celery (use a vegetable peeler)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
4 tablespoons diced fresh mozzarella or mozzarella balls (bocconcini), I used mozzarella “pearls”
Combine the melon, prosciutto and oil and toss to combine. Arrange the celery on a salad plate. Top with the melon mixture. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Top with mozzarella.