A vibrant yet rustic plate, shades of pink watermelon cubes next to crispy golden croutons, all splashed with pieces of lush green basil. Delicate tendrils of light pink prosciutto and white ricotta salata crumbles add contrasting texture against a backdrop of a glossy white platter.

Watermelon Panzanella with Prosciutto and Ricotta Salata

Name: Watermelon Panzanella with Prosciutto and Ricotta Salata
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 medium watermelon cut into 1-inch cubes; 2 cups rustic bread chopped; 1/4 cup olive oil; 6 slices prosciutto ripped; 1 cup ricotta salata crumbled; 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves torn; 3 tablespoons balsamic glaze; 1 tablespoon sugar; Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

A refreshing, sweet, and savoury Italian brunch delight.

Category Brunch

Prep 15 minutes

Cook 15 minutes

Style Italian

Technique Baking

Diet Friendly Mediterranean

Daily recipe · August 30, 2025

A little about this dish

This brunch recipe is an innovative take on the traditional Italian Panzanella, featuring the season's freshest watermelon for a refreshing touch. We'll be pairing it with prosciutto and ricotta salata, creating a perfect balance between sweet, savory, and salty flavors.

Ingredients (for 4)

Medium watermelon — 1 — cut into 1-inch cubes
Rustic bread — 2 cups — chopped
Olive oil — 1/4 cup
Prosciutto — 6 slices — ripped
Ricotta salata — 1 cup — crumbled
Fresh basil leaves — 1/4 cup — torn
Balsamic glaze — 3 tablespoons
Sugar — 1 tablespoon
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper —

Preparation

Step 1 — 🔥🍞🕓

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Toss the chopped bread with olive oil and a sprinkle of salt. Place them on a baking sheet and bake in the oven for 10–12 minutes or until golden brown.
Step 2 — 🍉🥣🍚

In a separate bowl, toss the watermelon cubes with sugar and a pinch of salt.
Step 3 — 🍉🍞❄️

Let both the baked croutons and the prepared watermelon cool down.
Step 4 — 🍽️🥙🍖

Arrange the cooled watermelon and croutons on a platter along with torn prosciutto and crumbled ricotta salata.
Step 5 — 🍯🌿🧂

Drizzle your dish with balsamic glaze, sprinkle torn basil leaves on top, finish by grinding some fresh black pepper over it.

A final fox tip

This recipe can be easily modified to cater it to your liking. Use different types of melons or substitute prosciutto for bacon for a smoky touch. This is an interactive recipe, making it great for kids to help out with arranging the ingredients on the platter.