Melon and Prosciutto Salad

Melon and Prosciutto salad might just be the most perfect salad ever. Then again, to be honest, you might hear me say that about every salad. This recipe is only 5 ingredients, minimal chopping, and so fast to make.  It is light and refreshing and makes an amazing light lunch, or dinner, or even a really nice appetizer to your favorite Italian dinner.

This salad is inspired from a trip to Rome that we took a few years ago.  I absolutely fell in love with Rome but I have to say I was surprised and disappointed by the food there.  That’s what I get for having assumptions….you know the old saying.

However, the carbonara pasta and prosciutto and melon were widely available so I was always happy. I could never be bored eating salads every day.  If I had to pick one food to eat for the rest of my life and nothing else, it would be salads.

Prosciutto and melon is a very traditional and common dish to eat in that region of Italy.  Every restaurant has some version of it. No kidding, I ate it every day that we were there.

The combination of flavors here is so perfect that I truly think dressing just ruins it. A drizzle of olive oil is plenty. The melon is juicy and sweet, and the prosciutto and feta are a bit salty, and then the arugula is peppery and crisp.  It all balances out to one amazing bite.

To make Melon and Prosciutto Salad:

Ingredients:

Makes 2 dinner sized salads

• 3 cups arugula
• 2 cups cantaloupe, cut into cubes
• 6 thin slices of prosciutto
• 1/2 cup of cubed feta
• olive oil (optional)

I will say…if you go to Italy, cheese is not likely to be one of the items on your prosciutto e melone.  I’m a cheese lover, so I put it on.  If you want to go traditional, you can leave it off.

Instructions:

1. Arrange arugula on the plates
2. Next, pile a cup of melon in the middle of the bed of arugula on each plate
3. Then, add the prosciutto and top with a few chunks of feta cheese
4. If you would like, drizzle with olive oil
5. Serve immediately

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Next time you have a craving for good italian, create this melon and prosciutto salad at home in no time! Bring the light and refreshing flavors of Rome right into your home any night of the week!