This Summer Salad with Melon and Parma ham is one of those dishes you need to know. Why? Because it's super quick to make, you only need a few ingredients, it looks beautiful, and-most importantly-it always works.
The taste is fresh, salty, sweet, and creamy all at once. Perfect for a sunny lunch, a light dinner, or as a small party snack. With the mix of sweet Galia melon, crispness, and an easy yet tasty dressing, you'll impress your guests for sure. And no, you don't need to be a pro in the kitchen!
Arugula Salad with Galia & Balsamic
The first time I made this salad, it was a hot summer day. We planned a BBQ and I wanted something light and different to go with it. I had a ripe Galia melon on the counter, as well as some in the fridge. Ten minutes later, this salad was on the table-and everyone loved it!
It reminded me of warm nights in Italy, spent eating outside and enjoying simple, good food with a cold glass of white wine. The salty and sweet, yet juicy, melon is a perfect match. Just like my carpaccio salad, this recipe is all about balance: salty, sweet, fresh, and creamy in one bite.
Tips for Making This Summer Salad
- Choose a ripe Galia melon. If it smells sweet, it's ready.
- Don't like arugula? Use lamb's lettuce for a milder flavor.
- Use good-quality olive oil. You taste the difference in the dressing.
- Add a few fresh mint leaves for an extra burst of freshness.
- No balsamic glaze? Use regular balsamic vinegar and simmer it in a pan until it thickens.
Did you make this delicious recipe? Tag #byandreajanssen via Instagram! I love to see what your creation looks like and regularly share the most beautiful photos of you! Did you like this recipe? Then leave a rating on the recipe card! Your feedback helps other home cooks and me enormously.
Need more inspiration?
- You can find video recipes on my YouTube channel.
- And don't forget to save the recipes on Pinterest, so you can easily find them again next time!
📖 Recipe
RECIPE CARD
Ingredients
- 3 oz. arugula
- 3 oz. Parma ham
- 1 galia melon
- 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze
- 4 tablespoons olive oil, extra vierge, the best you can get
- salt and pepper, at taste
All my recipes are written both in Metric (gram / ml) and US Customary (cups / pounds). Here you can select which type of amount you would like to see.
Instructions
- Wash the arugula thoroughly and dry it well (using a salad spinner or a towel).3 oz. arugula
- Cut the Parma ham into strips.3 oz. Parma ham
- Peel the melon, remove the seeds, and slice into thin wedges.1 galia melon
- Mix the balsamic glaze and olive oil with a fork or small whisk to make a dressing. Add salt and pepper.1 tablespoon balsamic glaze, 4 tablespoons olive oil, salt and pepper
- Divide the arugula over the plates or small glasses.
- Add the melon slices and crispy Parma ham on top.
- Drizzle with the dressing.
Notes
- Want to prepare ahead?
- Store the rocket, Parma ham, and melon in separate containers in the fridge.
- Add the dressing and flowers just before serving. That way, everything stays fresh and crunchy.
Nutrition
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