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Classic Italian flavors in this delicious SUMMER SALAD

Salty, sweet, and tangy, this prosciutto (Italian cured ham), melon, and arugula salad is a match made in Italian flavor heaven. This is an elegant salad/appetizer to wow a crowd that comes together with a few ingredients and little time. Prosciutto and melon are a classic Italian antipasto that is served in restaurants across Italy and now America. The addition of arugula turns it into a delicious salad recipe. Wait until you try the citrus honey vinaigrette. Oh my! All these flavors create an addicting combination that scream SUMMER TIME. I hope you gather with loved ones and bring this to the center of your table.

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Simple Italian Recipes- a few fresh ingredients go a long way!

My favorite part about Italian cooking is the SIMPLICITY! Every recipe highlights the true taste of the main ingredient and adds a few flavors to complement in the best possible way. This salad is a perfect representation of simple and fresh Italian style ingredients coming together to create a beautiful and flavorful dish. Once you try it once, you will sure make it on repeat.

Cantaloupe Melon on plate wrapped in prosciutto with citrus vinaigrette on a serving platter

Secret Citrus Vinaigrette

This is a dressing recipe I use on so many salad recipes. I make it and then store it in the fridge for up to two weeks. I let it sit on the counter for 15 minutes before I use it if the olive oil solidifies. It is fresh tasting, slightly sweet, citrusy, and meets all the taste bud requirements for a multipurpose dressing. It’s a super bonus with the flavors of the prosciutto, melon, and arugula, but don’t stop there! You can use it on so much more! Here is another great salad with this dressing: Berry and Goat Cheese Salad with Honey Citrus Dressing

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Can I make this salad ahead of time?

YES!!

PREP AHEAD TIPS: prepare the melon, basil, and prosciutto as instructed and cover tightly with plastic wrap. Store in the fridge until ready to use. Prepare the salad with the dressing just before serving and top with the prepared melon slices. Serve immediately.  

Cantaloupe Melon on plate wrapped in prosciutto with citrus vinaigrette

From my Cucina to Your Table. Mangia! Mangia! (Eat!)

Made with Amore, Elena

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Cantaloupe Melon on plate wrapped in prosciutto with citrus vinaigrette
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0Z4A8176 1 1 150x150, CucinaByElena

Prosciutto Melon Arugula Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette

  • Author: Elena Davis
  • Prep Time: 15 min
  • Cook Time: N/A
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
  • Category: Savory
  • Method: Italian
  • Cuisine: Italian
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Description

Classic Italian flavors in this delicious SUMMER SALAD. Salty, sweet, and tangy, this prosciutto (Italian cured ham), melon, and arugula salad is a match made in Italian flavor heaven. This is an elegant salad/appetizer to wow a crowd that comes together with a few ingredients and little time. Prosciutto and melon are a classic Italian antipasto that is served in restaurants across Italy and now America. The addition of arugula turns it into a delicious salad recipe. Wait until you try the citrus honey vinaigrette. Oh my! All these flavors create an addicting combination that scream SUMMER TIME. I hope you gather with loved ones and bring this to the center of your table.   

Ingredients

Scale

Citrus and Honey Vinaigrette 

  • 1/2 cup good quality olive oil
  • 1/2 cup fresh squeezed orange juice + zest of one orange
  • 2 Tbs honey
  • 1 tsp salt (more to taste)
  • 1/2 tsp fresh ground pepper
  • 2 cloves of garlic cut in quarters

SALAD

  • 8 oz fresh arugula salad (pre washed) 
  • 8 slices of prosciutto ham, excess fat trimmed
  • 8 slices (about half a medium melon) of cantaloupe, cut into wedges and peel removed
  • 8 basil leaves

Instructions

    Citrus and Honey Vinaigrette DRESSING
  1. Place all ingredients in a Mason jar and shake vigorously. The dressing can stay at room temperature for up to one week and the fridge up to two weeks. 

Assembling the Salad 

  1.  Gently toss rucola with half of the dressing. Lay the salad on a large flat serving platter. Set aside. 
  2.  Start assembling the melon and prosciutto by placing a basil leaf in the middle of the melon and wrapping the prosciutto around the melon slice. Leave the ends of the melon uncovered. Repeat with all the melon, basil and prosciutto slices. Place the prepared melon slices on top of the platted arugula salad. Drizzle 2 Tbs of extra salad dressing on top of the melon slices. Serve immediately!  

PREP AHEAD: prepare the melon, basil, and prosciutto as instructed and cover tightly with plastic wrap. Store in the fridge until ready to use. Prepare the salad with the dressing just before serving and top with the prepared melon slices. Serve immediately.  

Keywords: prosciutto, melon, citrus vinaigrette, arugula, side dish, salad, melon, basil, easy recipe, Italian recipe