This prosciutto salad with peach and mozzarella is an elegant and delicious way to enjoy the fantastic flavors of summer. Better yet, it's easy to make. Thanks to Consorzio del Prosciutto di Parma for sponsoring this post.
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A few months ago, when my husband mentioned that he might have a work trip to Bologna in Italy, I was immediately on board with tagging along. Even the idea of entertaining the kids myself most days in another country didn't deter me as I realized we wouldn't be far from Parma.
It might look small on the map, but it's the home to both Prosciutto di Parma and Parmigiano Reggiano. So naturally, I couldn't pass up a chance to visit.
I managed to organize a tour to visit producers of both those foodie icons, and neither of them disappointed. If you follow on Instagram, you might have seen some highlights already, but let me give you a bit more of a taste of our prosciutto experience.
What distinguishes Prosciutto di Parma?
Prosciutto di Parma is often considered the cream of the crop of cured ham. If you look at the ingredients, it doesn't seem much, being simply Italian-bred pork and Mediterranean sea salt. But there are so many little details that go into curing prosciutto that results in a truly special product.
For example, only particular heritage breeds of pig are used and it can only be made in a fairly narrow area near Parma where the air is dry with a breeze through the hills from the Adriatic Sea, which gives Prosciutto di Parma its unique flavor. It also happens to be a beautiful setting, as you can see.
The legs of ham are hand salted, and go through various stages of curing, all taking a minimum of 400 days in total, all strictly controlled.
One of the things I hadn't appreciated before was all the little signs of those controls throughout the process. For example, the pork is tagged as soon as it enters the prosciuttificio and then the Parma crown is the final stamp of approval once it has had it's final check.
That crown is then the badge of quality and authenticity you can look for on packaging or on the leg of ham when you are looking in store.
And if you want to know if it's all worth it, trust me it is. If you haven't tried it yet, you need to, as this is a ham that really melts in your mouth. My kids devoured the samples on our tour and any other opportunity they got to have some.
In fairness, they had tried some before (I know, they are spoiled). I love it in my goat's cheese and prosciutto croissant and on prosciutto crostini, amongst other things. But seeing the process and the wall of ham in the curing room, above, makes it feel all the more special any time I have a slice.
Making this prosciutto salad
There are so many ways to enjoy the delicate flavors of this ham, but in summer I think this prosciutto salad with peach and mozzarella is one of my favorites. It's easy to make, even making the pretty little ham roses.
It's light and perfect as a lunch or shared as an appetizer. The flavors and textures go so well, and it's a salad that really looks the part too, I think.
Best of all, it's easy to make. All you do is:
- toast the pine nuts;
- slice the peach and mozzarella;
- roll up pieces of prosciutto di Parma;
- then put it all together on your plate.
This prosciutto salad brings a little bit of Italy, in all it's bright, delicious glory, to any table and is something you will want to enjoy again and again. It's a salad that relies on a few great ingredients, then lets them all shine. And shine they do.
Looking for more summer salads? Try these!
- Grilled peach salad
- Panzanella salad
- Laos salad (Luang Prabang salad)
- Plus get more seasonal ideas in the summer recipes archives.
Prosciutto salad with peach and mozzarella
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoon pine nuts
- 4 oz mozzarella
- 1 peach
- 2 handfuls arugula rocket
- 2 oz Prosciutto di Parma
- 5 mint leaves approx
- 2 teaspoon balsamic vinegar aged, if possible
- 2 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Lightly toast the pine nuts in a dry skillet/frying pan or on a baking sheet under the broiler//grill, keeping a close eye as they can quickly burn. Set aside to cool.
- Slice the mozzarella into bite sized pieces and cut the peach into slices.
- Put the arugula in the bottom of a serving bowl or divide between two individual bowls. Arrange the mozzarella and peach slices over the top.
- Take slices of the Prosciutto de Parma and separate into 2-4 pieces so that you can roll the pieces into a little rose shape. Place the ham roses in the salad.
- Drizzle over the toasted pine nuts, roughly shred the mint leaves and scatter over the top then drizzle on the vinegar and olive oil. Add a little salt and pepper, to taste, then serve.
Nutrition
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Maggie Mahar says
Great , easy recipe,
You can include more Or;less mozzarella &prosciutto
But don’t skip the arugula or the;peach!
And please cook the peach slices (as other similar recipes suggest).
Just put a tiny bit of olive oil in a small frying pan and cook the peach
Slices until slightly brown and soft
Caroline's Cooking says
Glad to hear you enjoyed! I agree you don't want to skip those, or to me any of the ingredients. I do cook peaches with other salads (like this one: https://www.carolinescooking.com/grilled-peach-salad/ ) but didn't here as while the cooking brings out the flavor in them, the other flavors are pretty mild and felt they might take over here. But I can see it working either way!
Jan Thomas says
oh mylanta.. what were you thinking putting such amazing ingredients all together like that? You're making me hungry!!! I could eat that every single day! Oh.. and so pretty too! Perfect for our farmers market recipe link up at celebrate 365 blog party!
Caroline's Cooking says
Thank you so much Jan!
Liz @ Books n' Cooks says
Oooo, I love everything about this salad - it sounds so light and delicious!
Caroline's Cooking says
Thanks, it is indeed a wonderful combination!
Jolene says
What an amazing opportunity to go see how it's made, and the dish looks delicious!
Caroline's Cooking says
Thanks, it really was a wonderful experience - I highly recommend! And in the meantime this is a delicious salad to try at home.
Ellen says
Looks like the perfect summer salad!
Caroline's Cooking says
Thanks, it's indeed very summery.
Hadia says
Such a pretty enticing Salad, love the ham roses as well! Enjoyed reading as well about your trip to Parma, and about Prosciutto di Parma!!
Caroline's Cooking says
Thank you, we all had such a great time on the trip - both interesting and delicious! And this salad is a delicious way to enjoy both the prosciutto and everything else.
theresa says
How cool is this. thanks for sharing
Caroline's Cooking says
Thank you!
Diane says
Not only tasty and flavorful ingredients but, a beautiful plate to!! Thanks for sharing your Parma story - the area looks beautiful 😉
Caroline's Cooking says
Thank you! It is indeed a lovely area and with some fantastic products.
ally says
This can't get anymore crazy delicious! Now this is a meal for me! xo
Caroline's Cooking says
Thank you! It's such a great combination.
Claudia Lamascolo says
this is pure gourmet and I am loving the peaches with prosciutto salad!
Caroline's Cooking says
Thanks, the sweet peaches with the slightly salty ham is such a great combination.