Chilled Cantaloupe Soup with Crispy Prosciutto and Basil Oil - A delicious recipe by DigiDish

Chilled Cantaloupe Soup with Crispy Prosciutto and Basil Oil

Ready to impress your taste buds with something cool and classy? This Chilled Cantaloupe Soup is summer in a bowl! Sweet melon blends perfectly with crispy prosciutto and a drizzle of aromatic basil oil. It’s refreshing, savory, and oh-so-simple to whip up. Let’s dive in!

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When summer rolls in with its blazing sunshine and endless backyard barbecues, it’s time to embrace dishes that are as refreshing as they are exciting. Enter: Chilled Cantaloupe Soup with Crispy Prosciutto and Basil Oil. This isn’t your typical melon moment; this is a bowl packed with sophistication and personality. Sweet, juicy cantaloupe gets the fancy treatment, paired with the salty crunch of prosciutto and a swirl of homemade basil oil that tastes like a Mediterranean vacation. If you’ve been looking for a way to keep cool and impress your guests, oh boy, this recipe is here to deliver.

Chilled Cantaloupe Soup with Crispy Prosciutto and Basil Oil Recipe

What makes this soup shine is its unexpected combination of flavors and textures. The cantaloupe’s natural sweetness is outrageously good when merged with the salty-savory kick of crispy prosciutto crumbles. And that basil oil? It’s like a little green drizzle of magic! Blending fresh basil with olive oil unlocks an herby aroma that ties the whole dish together. The technique for this soup is simple yet elegant—no cooking required, just a quick blend, crisp, and drizzle. Plus, by serving it chilled, the flavors are amplified, making every spoonful feel like a cool, spa-worthy treat. The best part? It’s as gorgeous to look at as it is to eat, with melon-orange and vibrant green hues screaming “summer on a plate!”

Ready to dive in? You’ll love serving this soup on a sunny patio, accompanied by crisp white wine or a sparkling water with a wedge of lime. You can even swap the prosciutto for crispy chickpeas to make this recipe vegetarian-friendly or give smoked salmon a go if you’re feeling fancy. For an extra flavor boost, a sprinkle of cracked black pepper or a touch of chili oil can add a surprising twist. The beauty of this dish is its versatility—it’s perfect as a starter, a light lunch, or even the star of a brunch spread. Go ahead, whisk yourself away to a world of sweet, salty, and herbal perfection, one spoonful at a time!

Keywords: chilled cantaloupe soup recipe, cantaloupe soup with prosciutto, summer appetizer ideas, refreshing melon soup, basil oil recipe, chilled soup serving tips, unique summer soup recipes

Prep Time

20 minutes

Cook Time

10 minutes

Servings

4 servings

Cuisine

American

Ingredients

  • 1 ripe cantaloupe, seeds removed and flesh scooped out
  • 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 4 slices prosciutto
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. 1

    Cut the cantaloupe in half, remove the seeds, and scoop out the flesh into a blender or food processor.

  2. 2

    Add Greek yogurt, honey, lime juice, a pinch of salt, and a pinch of pepper to the blender. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning to taste.

  3. 3

    Cover the blended soup and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to chill and allow the flavors to meld.

  4. 4

    While the soup is chilling, prepare the crispy prosciutto. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and cook the prosciutto slices until they are golden and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to cool, then crumble into smaller pieces.

  5. 5

    To make the basil oil, combine the fresh basil leaves and olive oil in a small food processor or blender. Blend until smooth, then strain through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove any solids, leaving a vibrant green oil.

  6. 6

    When ready to serve, pour the chilled soup into bowls or glasses. Top each serving with crispy prosciutto crumbles and a drizzle of basil oil.

  7. 7

    Optional: Garnish with a fresh basil leaf or a sprinkle of cracked black pepper for added presentation and flavor.

Nutrition Information

Calories

180 calories

Protein

9g

Carbs

20g

Fat

8g

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use a different melon instead of cantaloupe?

A: Yes, you can substitute cantaloupe with honeydew or watermelon for a different flavor profile. However, keep in mind that sweetness and texture may vary, so you may need to adjust the amount of honey or lime juice to balance the flavors.

Q: What can I use as a substitute for Greek yogurt?

A: You can replace Greek yogurt with plain regular yogurt, coconut yogurt, or even sour cream. If you want a dairy-free option, unsweetened almond or cashew yogurt works well too. Keep in mind that substitutions might slightly alter the creaminess and tanginess of the soup.

Q: How do I store leftovers and how long will they last?

A: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The basil oil can be stored separately in a sealed container for up to 3 days. Note that the crispy prosciutto may lose its crunch if stored, so it's best to prepare it fresh when serving again.

Q: Can I make this soup ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can prepare the soup up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it. This will allow the flavors to meld further. For optimal results, prepare the basil oil and crispy prosciutto just before serving to ensure freshness and a crisp texture.

Q: What can I do if my soup is too thick or too thin?

A: If the soup is too thick, you can thin it out by adding a splash of cold water, orange juice, or coconut water until you reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, consider blending in a little more Greek yogurt or a small piece of cantaloupe to thicken it.

Q: Can I skip the crispy prosciutto for a vegetarian option?

A: Yes, you can skip the prosciutto for a vegetarian version of this dish. For added texture and flavor, consider topping the soup with roasted nuts, seeds, or even crispy fried shallots as a substitute.

Q: How can I enhance the presentation of this dish?

A: For an elevated presentation, pour the soup into clear glasses or small bowls, then drizzle the basil oil in a circular motion for a decorative effect. Add a fresh basil leaf, a sprinkle of cracked black pepper, or even a few edible flower petals to make the dish visually stunning.

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