Refreshing Melon and Parma Ham Salad with Mint Vinaigrette
This vibrant salad marries the juicy sweetness of melon with the savory depth of Parma ham, resulting in a dish that’s perfect for warm days. The combination is not just delicious; it's a delightful contrast of flavors and textures. As a main course salad, it features cantaloupe nestling amid mixed greens, with ribbons of Parma ham weaving through. Alternatively, for a delightful starter, serve large chunks of honeydew melon topped with crisp, grilled Parma ham, elegantly garnished with a sprinkle of greens. The true star of this dish is the fresh mint dressing; its bright flavors elevate every bite, making it a must-try for all summer gatherings!
N/A
Servings
133
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cantaloupe or Honeydew Melon
1 (Diced or cut into large chunks)
Parma Ham
8 slices (Grilled until crispy or used raw)
Parmesan Cheese
100 g (Shaved using a vegetable peeler (optional))
Mixed Salad Greens
100 g (Washed and dried)
Red Wine Vinegar or White Wine Vinegar
4 tablespoons (For the vinaigrette)
Sugar
1 tablespoon (For sweetening the vinaigrette)
Fresh Mint Leaves
6 tablespoons (Fresh, to be blended into dressing)
Olive Oil
9 tablespoons (Base for the vinaigrette)
Salt
1 pinch (To taste)
Pepper
1 pinch (To taste)
Instructions
1
Prepare the mint dressing by combining red or white wine vinegar, sugar, and olive oil in a blender. Pulse the mixture to combine, then add the fresh mint leaves last, blending until they are slightly chunky. Chill the dressing in the refrigerator until serving.
2
For the salad, choose your preferred presentation: for a main course, mix diced cantaloupe with salad greens, layering in slices of Parma ham; or, for a starter, cut honeydew melon into large chunks and grill the Parma ham until crisp, being careful not to let it burn.
3
Plate the salad or starter elegantly, drizzle with a little mint dressing, and set extra dressing on the side for guests. Add crusty bread to round out the meal.
Nutrition Information
11
Fat
7
Carbs
4
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the flavor profile of the Refreshing Melon and Parma Ham Salad?
The salad features a vibrant contrast between the juicy sweetness of melon and the savory depth of Parma ham, topped with a bright mint vinaigrette.
What ingredients are used in the mint vinaigrette?
The vinaigrette consists of red or white wine vinegar, sugar, olive oil, and fresh mint leaves.
What types of melon can I use for this recipe?
You can use either Cantaloupe or Honeydew melon for this salad.
Is this melon and Parma ham salad gluten-free?
Yes, based on the ingredients provided, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
How many calories are in a serving of this salad?
Each serving contains approximately 133 calories.
How do I prepare the fresh mint for the dressing?
The mint leaves should be added to the blender last and pulsed until they are slightly chunky.
Can I use white wine vinegar instead of red wine vinegar?
Yes, both red wine vinegar and white wine vinegar are suitable for the dressing.
Should the Parma ham be served raw or cooked?
The Parma ham can be used raw in the main course salad or grilled until crispy if served as a starter.
How much Parma ham is required for the recipe?
The recipe calls for 8 slices of Parma ham.
Is cheese included in this salad recipe?
Yes, the recipe includes 100g of Parmesan cheese, which can be shaved using a vegetable peeler.
How do I serve this dish as a main course?
For a main course, mix diced cantaloupe with salad greens and layer in slices of Parma ham.
How do I serve this dish as a starter?
For a starter, cut honeydew melon into large chunks and top with grilled, crisp Parma ham and a garnish of greens.
Should the dressing be chilled before serving?
Yes, it is recommended to chill the dressing in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve the salad.
How much olive oil is used in the mint vinaigrette?
The recipe uses 9 tablespoons of olive oil as the base for the vinaigrette.
How much sugar is needed for the dressing?
The dressing requires 1 tablespoon of sugar.
What kind of greens are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 100g of mixed salad greens that have been washed and dried.
What is the fat content of this salad?
The salad contains 11 grams of fat per serving.
How much protein does this salad provide?
There are 4 grams of protein per serving in this dish.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 7 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much mint is used in the dressing?
The recipe calls for 6 tablespoons of fresh mint leaves.
What is the best way to plate the salad?
Plate the salad elegantly, drizzle with a little mint dressing, and provide extra dressing on the side.
What can I serve with this salad to make it a fuller meal?
Adding crusty bread is recommended to round out the meal.
How many ingredients are needed for this recipe?
There are a total of 10 ingredients in this recipe.
Is the Parmesan cheese mandatory?
The Parmesan cheese is listed as optional but recommended for added flavor.
Can the Parma ham be grilled?
Yes, for the starter version of the dish, the Parma ham should be grilled until crisp.
What is the preparation order for the dressing?
Combine the vinegar, sugar, and olive oil in a blender first, pulse them, then add the mint leaves last.
Are salt and pepper included?
Yes, the recipe includes a pinch of salt and a pinch of pepper to taste.
Is this dish suitable for summer gatherings?
Absolutely, it is described as a refreshing summer dish perfect for warm days.
How do I ensure the Parma ham doesn't burn while grilling?
You should grill the Parma ham carefully and watch it closely to prevent burning while achieving a crisp texture.
What tool should I use to shave the Parmesan?
A standard vegetable peeler is recommended for creating thin shavings of Parmesan cheese.