Melon con Jamon Serrano Recipe (Melon with Serrano Ham)

Are you short on time and looking for easy and fast Spanish cold summer tapas?

Melon con Jamon Serrano (in English: Melon with Serrano Ham) might be just exactly what you are looking for.

The salty flavor of the Spanish Serrano Ham is a great contrast to the sweet and juicy honeydew melon.

This tapas dish does not require any cooking, and you can prepare it in less than ten minutes.

Buying the ingredients will indeed take way more time than actually preparing the tapas food.

The Origin of Melon con Jamon Serrano

Melon con Jamon Serrano is a delightful Spanish dish with a fascinating origin that adds to its allure and culinary significance.

This combination of sweet melon and savory Jamon Serrano has been enjoyed by Spaniards for centuries, making it a true classic in Spanish cuisine.

The dish traces its roots back to the southern regions of Spain, where the warm climate and fertile lands provide ideal conditions for growing flavorful melons.

Spaniards have long appreciated the natural sweetness and juiciness of melons, and they ingeniously paired this refreshing fruit with the exceptional flavor of Jamon Serrano.

Jamon Serrano, a dry-cured Spanish ham, has its own rich history and tradition. It is made by carefully salting and air-drying the meat, resulting in a tender and flavorful ham with a distinctive saltiness.

The combination of the melon’s sweetness and Jamon Serrano’s saltiness creates a harmonious balance that has delighted taste buds for generations.

In Spain, where culinary traditions hold deep significance, Melon con Jamon Serrano is considered a summertime delicacy.

The dish has become a staple during hot summer months when the refreshing qualities of melon provide relief from the heat.

It is often enjoyed as an appetizer or tapas, showcasing these two ingredients’ unique flavors and textures.

The popularity of Melon con Jamon Serrano has transcended Spanish borders, captivating the palates of food enthusiasts worldwide.

Today, Melon con Jamon Serrano continues to be a beloved dish, cherished for its simplicity and the perfect harmony it achieves between the natural sweetness of the melon and the intense flavor of Jamon Serrano.

Whether enjoyed at a Spanish tapas bar, a summer gathering, or in the comfort of one’s own home, this delightful combination is a testament to the artistry of Spanish cuisine.

Serving Suggestions

Melon con Jamon Serrano offers versatile serving options. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Melon con Jamon Serrano Tapas

Serve Melon con Jamon Serrano as bite-sized tapas at your next gathering. Arrange the wrapped melon slices on a platter, garnish with fresh herbs like mint or basil, and drizzle with a touch of olive oil for an extra layer of flavor.

Your guests will enjoy the refreshing combination of sweet melon and salty ham.

Melon Salad with Jamon Serrano

Turn Melon con Jamon Serrano into a refreshing salad for a lighter option. Combine diced melon, sliced Jamon Serrano, arugula, and a simple vinaigrette dressing.

Toss the ingredients gently and serve chilled. This salad is perfect for hot summer days or as a side dish for grilled meats.

Pair Melon con Jamon Serrano with Wine.

Pairing Melon con Jamon Serrano with the perfect wine can elevate your dining experience and enhance the flavors of this delightful Spanish dish.

The combination of sweet melon and savory Jamon Serrano offers a unique taste profile that a carefully selected wine can complement.

Here are some wine pairing suggestions that will enhance your enjoyment of Melon con Jamon Serrano:

1. Albariño: A crisp and refreshing white wine, Albariño hails from the coastal regions of Spain, particularly Galicia. With its citrusy notes and vibrant acidity, Albariño beautifully complements the sweetness of the melon and provides a refreshing contrast to the saltiness of the Jamon Serrano. This wine’s bright acidity cuts through the ham’s richness, creating a harmonious balance.
2. Sauvignon Blanc: Another white wine that pairs well with Melon con Jamon Serrano is Sauvignon Blanc. This aromatic wine often exhibits flavors of tropical fruits, citrus, and herbs. Its vibrant acidity and lively character help cleanse the palate and enhance the natural sweetness of the melon. The zesty notes of Sauvignon Blanc complement the savory, salty aspects of the Jamon Serrano, creating a delightful interplay of flavors.
3. Rosé: Consider pairing Melon con Jamon Serrano with a dry or off-dry rosé for a versatile and refreshing wine option. Rosé wines balance the crispness of white wines and the fruitiness of red wines. Their vibrant acidity and delicate fruit flavors, such as strawberry or watermelon, work harmoniously with the melon’s sweetness and enhance the overall experience of the dish. Opt for a rosé with good acidity to cut through the richness of the Jamon Serrano.
4. Cava: To add a touch of celebration to your Melon con Jamon Serrano experience, reach for a bottle of Cava. Cava is a sparkling wine from Spain, made using the traditional method of Champagne production. Its effervescence and lively bubbles provide a delightful contrast to the sweetness of the melon. Cava’s crispness and yeasty notes help balance the saltiness of the Jamon Serrano, creating a festive and enjoyable pairing.
5. Grenache (Garnacha): If you prefer a red wine pairing, consider a Grenache (Garnacha) wine. This medium-bodied red wine offers ripe fruit flavors, such as cherry or raspberry, with a touch of spice. The soft tannins and fruit-forward nature of Grenache complement the sweetness of the melon and create a pleasant contrast with the savory Jamon Serrano. Look for a young and fruity Grenache for the best pairing experience.

The Ingredients

To prepare Melon con Jamon Serrano, you will need two main ingredients: ripe melon and high-quality Jamon Serrano.

The melon should be perfectly ripe, with juicy and sweet flesh. You can choose from various types of melons, such as cantaloupe, honeydew, or Galia melon, depending on your preference.

Jamon Serrano, a dry-cured Spanish ham, adds a rich and savory element to the dish.

How to prepare Melon con Jamon Serrano?

You first need to cut the honeydew melon into small cubes.

Afterward, cut the serrano ham slices in half and wrap one piece around every melon cube. Use toothpicks to hold the ham pieces in place.

Tip # 1: I recommend you to put the plate with your melon and ham cubes for around 20 minutes in the fridge before serving.

Tip #2: Serve the melon cubes immediately (or after 20 minutes in the fridge) because otherwise, the melon can waterlog the ham.

Frequently Asked Questions