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This Summer Italian Prosciutto and Melon salad is a playful twist on the classic prosciutto and melon combo with crisp lettuce of your choice, juicy cantaloupe slices, velvety dairy-free parmesan cheese, and a sprinkle of crunchy pistachios. And that's not all – to bring the perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess, this refreshing summer salad is drizzled with a homemade dairy free honey dijon dressing.

This summer salad is a perfect addition to all of your warm weather gatherings. The refreshing combination of juicy melon, crisp lettuce, and savory prosciutto, paired with the honey dijon dressing, is an excellent choice for picnics, backyard barbecues, poolside parties, and any outdoor gatherings.

This fresh salad will be a hit among those who appreciate a harmonious blend of sweet and savory flavors. It's particularly appealing to fans of Italian-inspired cuisine, those seeking a light and refreshing salad, and individuals who follow a gluten-free or dairy-free lifestyle, thanks to the dairy-free parmesan cheese and the use of fresh, natural ingredients.

If you are looking for more salad recipes, try my: Easy Creamy Vegan Coleslaw, Dairy Free Green Goddess Cabbage Salad or Grilled Peach Salad.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

It is refreshing. The juicy and sweet cantaloupe paired with crisp lettuce provides a perfect contrast of textures and flavors. It’s perfect for hot summer days when a light and refreshing dish is needed.
It is delicious. The combination of salty prosciutto, sweet melon, and tangy honey dijon dressing creates a beautifully balanced medley of flavors.
It is simple to make. This salad is simple and quick to prepare, making it a great option for busy individuals or those who want a fuss-free recipe for a summer gathering.

Ingredients

Here are notes about the ingredients needed to make this melon prosciutto salad. All of these ingredients can be found at your local grocery store or an online retailer.

Lettuce: Use your favorite lettuce of choice.
Melon: I like to use cantaloupe, but feel free to use your favorite melon. You can cut the melon into slices, ro use a melon baller to make melon balls.
Prosciutto: Use thinly sliced prosciutto.
Parmesan: Use dairy free thick grated parmesan.
Pistachios
Dressing: This dairy free honey dijon dressing is best for this salad.

Summer Italian Prosciutto and Melon Salad.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Here is how to make this prosciutto salad recipe.

Step 1: Place the greens in a large bowl.

Step 2: Top with the melon, prosciutto and parmesan cheese.
Step 3: Drizzle with the dressing and sprinkle with the pistachios. Serve and enjoy!

Expert Tips

Select a ripe and sweet cantaloupe for the salad. Look for one with a fragrant aroma and a slightly soft stem end. A ripe cantaloupe will be juicy and full of flavor.
Prepare the honey dijon dressing beforehand and toss with the salad just before serving to keep the flavors fresh.
This salad is best served immediately after assembling to retain the crispness of the lettuce and the freshness of the cantaloupe.

Variations

Instead of cantaloupe, you can use other sweet melon varieties like honeydew melon or even watermelon. Each melon brings a unique flavor profile to the salad.
Swap pistachios for other nuts like almonds, walnuts, or pine nuts to add a different texture and nutty flavor.
While the honey dijon dressing is delicious, you can change the dressing to a balsamic vinaigrette, lemon-herb dressing, or a tangy raspberry vinaigrette for a different taste experience.
Sprinkle fresh herbs like basil, mint, or tarragon over the salad to enhance the flavors and add aromatic notes.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this prosciutto melon salad alongside a variety of other fresh salads, as a side dish to your main course meal, as a dinner or lunch option or even with breakfast! Adding a piece of crusty bread is perfect for getting every last drop of the dressing from the bottom of the bowl.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?

It's best to assemble and serve the salad immediately for the freshest taste and texture. However, you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. Combine them just before serving.

What are some good alternatives for prosciutto?

If you prefer a vegetarian or vegan version, you can substitute prosciutto with thinly sliced vegan deli meats, smoked tofu, or omit it altogether for a lighter option.

Can I add other ingredients to the salad?

Absolutely! The salad is versatile, and you can add other ingredients like avocado or berries for added flavor and texture.

More Easy Recipes

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Dairy Free Creamy Avocado Pasta: This Dairy Free Creamy Avocado Pasta recipe is one that you will want to make over and over! It is a healthy, delicious and versatile option made with creamy avocado, your pasta shape of choice, fresh lemon juice, and leafy greens. It is perfectly flavored with garlic, nutritional yeast, salt and pepper.
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If you make this recipe, don't forget to come back and leave a 5-star rating and a comment below.

Many Hugs,

Cathleen

salad, summer salad, dairy free

salads, side dishes, entrees

Yield: 4

Author: Cathleen Crobons