Need a super simple healthy hor d'oeuvre to bring to your next holiday gathering? Look no further. It doesn't get any easier than these Prosciutto Wrapped Pear Skewers with Sweet Balsamic Vinaigrette. In fact, this appetizer doesn't even involve cooking! Sweet pears are wrapped in sweet basil leaves and salty prosciutto, skewered and served alongside an easy Whole30 compliant and Paleo-friendly homemade vinaigrette. This easy appetizer is sweet, salty and tangy making it almost impossible to stop at just one!
Jump to:
What's in the vinaigrette?
A classic balsamic vinaigrette dressing recipe is taken a step further with a few extra delicious ingredients. To make this vinaigrette, you'll need:
- High-Quality Balsamic Vinegar - the thicker the better. The quality of the balsamic vinegar will make all of the difference. Trust me. The gourmet food aisle in HomeGoods is a great place to score high-quality balsamic vinegar at an affordable price, fyi.
- Shallots - these lend a sweet onion-y flavor to the vinaigrette without overpowering it, and let's be honest -shallots make everything better.
- Italian Seasoning - I love McCormick Italian seasoning. Always have, always will.
- Garlic Powder - because garlic.
- Mustard Powder - it just seemed right.
- Salt & Pepper
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil - HomeGoods also has a great selection of high-quality oils at very affordable prices. You may have to do a little digging, but it will be well worth your time!
How to Make Prosciutto Wrapped Pear Skewers with Sweet Balsamic Vinaigrette:
I'll be honest. I haven't left my kitchen much since Thanksgiving. Between coming up with recipes for the blog, preparing dishes for holiday events and feeding myself I've been cooking around the clock. I knew I wanted to get one more appetizer recipe posted before the new year, but for the life of me I just couldn't bring myself to cook something. So yeah, that's why this week's recipe is hardly a recipe at all. It's more of an explanation.
- I don't doubt that you could have figured out how to assemble the skewers just by looking at the photos, but I'll explain anyway. Start by slicing the pear into 12 pieces and tossing them in lemon juice. Slice the prosciutto into 12 pieces and trim any woody stems from the basil leaves.
- To assemble, simply wrap each piece of pear in a whole basil leaf followed by a slice of prosciutto. I like skewering at least 3 wrapped pears onto each skewer because that makes for a satisfying snack, but you can go about that however you please. Heck, you don't even really have to skewer them if you don't want to, but it sure does make them look pretty.
Making vinaigrette from scratch is SO simple, and by doing so you're avoiding all of the questionable sugary ingredients found in store-bought dressings. To make you own, simply mix the balsamic vinegar with everything except for the EVOO. Once everything is mixed up nicely, then slowly pour in the EVOO while continuing to whisk until the oil and vinegar have emulsified. Simple enough, right?
How to Serve Prosciutto Wrapped Pear Skewers with Sweet Balsamic Vinaigrette:
These are great served as a delicious and nutritious finger food for guests, but they're also nice to have in the fridge as a quick grab and go snack option. The pears are tossed in lemon juice to keep them from browning and the salty prosciutto also helps slow down the process. Add them to your weekly meal prep and thank yourself later. As far as the vinaigrette goes, I like serving it on the side rather than drizzled on top. That gives your guests the option to pour on as little or as much as they want.
These skewers will last in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The leftover vinaigrette will last in the fridge for up to 2 week. The recipe itself yields more vinaigrette than you'll probably need, but there's no reason for it to go to waste. There are plenty of ways to use it up before then. It's great as a marinade for meats and vegetables or as a salad dressing. It's also good enough for you to drink!
Kidding.
These prosciutto wrapped pears are undeniably the easiest recipe on this blog. As simple as it may be, it's still incredibly delicious! If you make these, I'd love to see them! Tag me in your photos on Instagram and use the tag #paleoishkristaeats! Oh, and don't be shy! Leave a rating and a comment on your way out!
Until next time,
Krista
Pin Now! Make Later!
📖 Recipe
Prosciutto Wrapped Pear Skewers with Sweet Balsamic Vinaigrette
Ingredients
For the skewers
- 1 large pear
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 oz prosciutto about 4 slices
- 8 large basil leaves
- 4 small wooden skewers
For the sweet balsamic vinaigrette
- ½ cup high-quality balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon shalllots minced
- 1 teasooon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- ½ cup high-quality extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
For the skewers
- Slice the pear into 12 bite size pieces. In a small bowl, toss pear pieces with lemon juice. Slice prosciutto slices into 12 pieces. Trim stems from basil leaves.
- Wrap each pear piece with a basil leaf followed by a piece of prosciutto. Thread three of each onto each wooden skewer.
For the sweet balsamic vinaigrette
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk the balsamic vinegar together with the remaining ingredients (shallots through pepper). While whisking, slowly pour in the extra virgin olive oil. Continue to whisk until emulsified.
Notes
- The skewers should be served immediately, but if stored in an airtight container in the fridge the lemon juice and salty prosciutto will keep the pears from browning for about 2 days.
- Store the leftover vinaigrette in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
- Use the leftover vinaigrette as a marinade for meat and vegetables or as a salad dressing.
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