Melon and Parma Ham Salad with Mint Dressing
Brighten up your table with this vibrant Melon and Parma Ham Salad with Mint Dressing—a perfect harmony of sweet, savory, and refreshing flavors. Juicy cantaloupe melon pairs beautifully with silky, delicate slices of prosciutto (Parma ham), nestled atop a bed of peppery arugula. The salad is brought to life with a zesty mint dressing made from fresh mint leaves, lemon juice, honey, and extra virgin olive oil, adding a fragrant, tangy kick. Optional toasted pine nuts lend a delightful crunch, making this dish not just elegant but irresistibly satisfying. Ready in just 15 minutes with no cooking involved, this salad is an ideal choice for a light lunch, appetizer, or stunning side dish. Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering or craving something fresh and flavorful, this recipe delivers sophistication in every bite.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 whole cantaloupe melon
- 8 slices prosciutto (Parma ham)
- 100 grams arugula (rocket)
- 10 grams mint leaves
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoon sea salt
- 2 tablespoons pine nuts (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Slice the cantaloupe melon in half and scoop out the seeds. Use a melon baller or cut the melon into bite-sized cubes. Set the pieces aside.
Wash and pat dry the arugula. Spread it evenly on a serving platter or in a large salad bowl.
Drape the slices of Parma ham over the arugula, arranging them to look pleated or folded for presentation.
Scatter the melon pieces over the arugula and ham, distributing them evenly.
For the mint dressing, finely chop the mint leaves and place them in a small mixing bowl.
Add the extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, honey, black pepper, and sea salt to the bowl with the mint. Whisk thoroughly to combine into a smooth dressing.
Drizzle the mint dressing evenly over the salad.
If desired, lightly toast the pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until golden and fragrant, then sprinkle them on top as a garnish.
Serve immediately and enjoy this refreshing, savory-sweet salad!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1262 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 70.1 g | 90% | |
| Saturated Fat | 12.7 g | 64% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 64 mg | 21% | |
| Sodium | 2207 mg | 96% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 136.5 g | 50% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 16.6 g | 59% | |
| Total Sugars | 121.3 g | ||
| Protein | 43.5 g | 87% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 374 mg | 29% | |
| Iron | 7.9 mg | 44% | |
| Potassium | 5432 mg | 116% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
