Peach and prosciutto salad is a fresh, quick, and unexpectedly delicious recipe, perfect for the warmer months. In less than 10 minutes, you can serve a colorful dish that enhances the sweetness of summer fruits with contrasting but balanced flavors. The lightly grilled peaches combine with the crunchiness of romaine lettuce, the savoriness of prosciutto roses, and the delicacy of cottage cheese, creating a surprising mix that captivates from the first bite.
If you think peaches are only for eating as fruit or in desserts, this salad will change your mind. Its versatility makes it perfect even in savory dishes, especially when accompanied by an aromatic dressing made from extra virgin olive oil, mustard, lemon juice, and oregano. It’s the ideal solution for a light lunch, a refined side dish, or a no-cook (or almost) dinner. You just have to try it!
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- Difficulty: Very easy
- Cost: Cheap
- Preparation time: 5 Minutes
- Portions: 4People
- Cooking methods: Grill
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: Spring, Summer, and Fall
Ingredients to prepare the Summer Salad with Grilled Peaches and Prosciutto
- 1 head romaine lettuce
- 2 peaches
- 2.1 oz prosciutto
- 5.3 oz cottage cheese
- 1 tbsp butter
- salt
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1 tsp mustard
- 1 tsp dried oregano
Tools to prepare the Summer Salad with Grilled Peaches and Prosciutto
- Cast iron grill pan
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Salad bowl
- Small bowl
- Spoon
How to prepare the Summer Salad with Grilled Peaches and Prosciutto
Wash the peaches, cut them into wedges, and grill them on a hot non-stick pan with a tablespoon of butter (10 g) for about 2-3 minutes per side, until they are slightly caramelized. Let them cool.
In a small bowl, combine the extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, mustard, and oregano. Whisk well with a fork or a whisk.
Wash and dry the romaine lettuce, then tear it into smaller leaves and place it in a large salad bowl. Add the cottage cheese, grilled peach slices, and prosciutto rolled into roses.
Pour the vinaigrette over the salad, gently toss to combine the flavors, and serve immediately.
Storage
This salad should be enjoyed immediately after preparation to best appreciate the texture and freshness of the ingredients. If you want to prepare in advance, you can:
1) Grill the peaches in advance and store them in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 1 day.
2) Keep the other ingredients separate and assemble the salad just before serving.
3) Do not dress the salad before refrigerating to prevent the lettuce from wilting.
Tasty Variations
Raw peaches: if you don’t want to turn on the stove, you can use fresh peaches without grilling them.
Goat cheese or feta: for a stronger taste, replace the cottage cheese with more flavorful cheeses.
Cooked ham or speck: instead of prosciutto, try different cold cuts for a varied savory note.
With different fruits: also excellent with apricots, plums, or fresh figs.
Helpful Tips
Choose ripe but firm peaches, so they maintain their shape during cooking.
Grilling the peaches enhances their flavor and creates a pleasant contrast with the freshness of the other ingredients.
For an extra crunch, you can add toasted walnuts or almonds.
Use good quality extra virgin olive oil for the dressing: it really makes a difference.
FAQ (Questions and Answers)
Can I use another type of lettuce?
Yes, you can also use arugula, lamb’s lettuce, or mixed greens, but romaine lettuce adds crunchiness and freshness to the dish.
Can I grill the peaches in the oven?
Yes, you can cook them under the grill for 5 minutes, turning them halfway through.
Can the cottage cheese be replaced?
Sure! Stracchino, crumbled feta, or a light burrata are also perfect.
Can this salad be taken to work?
Yes, just store it in an airtight container and add the dressing only at the last moment.
