Melon and Serrano Ham Tartar
A Fresh Spanish Summer Tapa
Fresh, elegant, and unexpectedly addictive, this Melon and Serrano Ham Tartar is the perfect balance of sweet and savory. Juicy melon meets thinly sliced Serrano ham, finished with extra virgin olive oil and fresh herbs for a light yet flavorful Spanish tapa. It’s one of those recipes that feels special but takes just minutes to prepare — ideal for warm days, effortless entertaining, or a refreshing start to any tapas spread.
Ingredients
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2 cups melon (cantaloupe, honeydew, or a mix), finely diced
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2 oz Serrano ham by Monte Nevado, finely chopped or thinly sliced
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2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil Diosas de Abril, plus more for drizzling
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Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
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Fresh herbs (mint or basil recommended), finely chopped
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Pistachios (optional), lightly crushed for garnish
Preparation
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Dice the melon into small, even cubes and place in a bowl. If it’s very juicy, gently pat dry to remove excess moisture.
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Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and season lightly with freshly ground black pepper.
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Add the fresh herbs and fold gently until just combined, taking care not to break the melon.
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Shape the tartar using a ring mold or spoon it onto a plate for a more natural presentation.
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Arrange the Serrano ham on top of the melon tartar.
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Finish with an extra drizzle of olive oil and garnish with herbs or crushed pistachios, if using.
Serving Suggestions
This melon and Serrano ham tartar is light, refreshing, and extremely versatile:
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Serve with toasted bread or thin crackers
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Pair with a fresh green salad for a summer starter
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Add it to a cheese and charcuterie board
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Enjoy with cava, rosé, or a crisp white wine
Tip: Chill the melon slightly before assembling for a cleaner cut and fresher flavor.
