My mom has been pairing prosciutto with cantaloupe and melons from the time when cordless phones were first introduced (you had to pull out the long telescope antenna, and could hear yourself on your radio if you stood too close).
Lately, it seems everyone is touting melons and savory cured meats as the greatest thing since the iPhone 4G. But this combo is still old skool at our house. You really can't go wrong -- melon's inherent sweetness is always deliciously magnified by the salty, savory prosciutto, no matter how much technology has changed.
This simply chic salad is a send-up to my mom's appetizer: spicy wild arugula is paired with the season's juiciest cantaloupe and watermelon for a refreshingly tangy salad that pairs beautifully with grilled fish, meat, or pasta dishes.
Despite its alluring flavors, I could not classify prosciutto and blue cheese as health foods. But, boy, are they worth an extra 20 minutes on the elliptical.
Arugula, Cantaloupe, and Watermelon Salad with Prosciutto and Blue Cheese
Makes 4 servings
Dressing:
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon fresh basil or parsley, finely chopped
salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Salad:
8 cups wild arugula**
1/2 cup watermelon balls
1/2 cup cantaloupe balls
2 ounces thinly sliced prosciutto
2 tablespoons crumbled blue cheese
2 tablespoons toasted pine nuts
To make the dressing, whisk all of the ingredients in a small bowl and set aside.
To prepare the salad, place arugula, watermelon, and cantaloupe in a large bowl; coat with dressing and toss gently. Divide the salad among 4 plates. Top with prosciutto slices, crumbled blue cheese and toasted pine nuts. Garnish with additional basil or parsley, if desired.
**Wild arugula is a slightly darker shade of green than regular arugula, has delicate fluted leaves, and packs a more intense peppery flavor. Once only available at farmers' markets and specialty organic markets, it is now showing up at many supermarkets, including Trader Joe's. TJ's carries both organic and conventional wild arugula for just over $2.00 for a 7-ounce bag.
Susan Russo is a free lance food writer in San Diego, California. She publishes stories, recipes, and photos on her cooking blog, <Food Blogga and is a regular contributor to NPR’s <Kitchen Window. She is also the author of Recipes Every Man Should Know
