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Fresh Watermelon Arugula Salad with Prosciutto

Fresh Watermelon Arugula Salad - featured image

A refreshing summer salad combining sweet watermelon, peppery arugula, salty prosciutto, and creamy Gorgonzola, perfect for quick and flavorful summer parties.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups fresh watermelon, cut into bite-sized cubes or small wedges
  • 4 cups fresh arugula leaves, washed and dried
  • 6 ounces thinly sliced prosciutto, torn into bite-sized pieces
  • 4 ounces crumbled Gorgonzola cheese
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • Juice of 1 medium lemon
  • 1 teaspoon honey (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts or walnuts (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cut about 4 cups of seedless watermelon into bite-sized cubes or wedges. Drain excess juice in a colander for 5 minutes.
  2. Rinse 4 cups of fresh arugula leaves under cold water and dry thoroughly using a salad spinner or paper towels.
  3. Tear 6 ounces of thinly sliced prosciutto into bite-sized pieces using your hands.
  4. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, juice of 1 lemon, and 1 teaspoon honey (if using). Season lightly with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  5. Toast 1/4 cup pine nuts or walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 3 minutes until golden and fragrant. Remove from heat and cool.
  6. In a large salad bowl, combine drained watermelon cubes, arugula, torn prosciutto, and crumbled Gorgonzola.
  7. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently with salad tongs or large forks to coat all ingredients without bruising the arugula or breaking the watermelon.
  8. Sprinkle toasted nuts on top just before serving.
  9. Serve immediately for best freshness. If making ahead, add dressing and nuts just before serving.

Notes

Drain watermelon cubes to avoid sogginess. Dress salad just before serving to keep arugula fresh. Use hands to tear prosciutto for better texture. Toast nuts carefully to avoid burning. For dairy-free option, substitute Gorgonzola with vegan cheese or avocado. For vegetarian, omit prosciutto and add more nuts or roasted chickpeas.

Nutrition

Keywords: watermelon salad, arugula salad, prosciutto salad, summer salad, fresh salad, Gorgonzola, easy salad, party salad