Melon and speck salad is a fresh summer dish full of flavors that perfectly combines the sweetness of melon, the savoriness of speck, and the freshness of cherry tomatoes in a blend of taste and color.
This dish is born from the meeting of two protagonists: the melon, with its juicy and sugary pulp, and the speck, a smoked cured meat that adds an intense and flavorful note. To complete the picture, fresh cherry tomatoes provide a touch of acidity and crunchiness.
It all starts with choosing the melon: it must be perfectly ripe, with bright orange flesh and an irresistible aroma. Cut it into cubes, ready to be embraced by the unique flavor of thinly sliced speck. The cherry tomatoes, washed and halved, are added to balance the flavors with their liveliness.
At this point, compose the salad on a large plate, adding some basil leaves and diced celery for an extra touch of color and crunchiness. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a bit of salt complete this delicious dish.
If you haven’t tried the melon and speck salad yet, it’s time to give in to temptation. This recipe is perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or even as a light main course for a summer dinner. Its simple and quick preparation makes it ideal for those who love to enjoy gourmet dishes without spending hours in the kitchen.
This fresh summer salad is rich in seasonal ingredients, creating a special and versatile dish, absolutely worth trying.
Don’t miss these other tasty salads:
- Difficulty: Very Easy
- Cost: Affordable
- Preparation time: 7 Minutes
- Portions: 4People
- Cooking methods: No Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: Summer
- Energy 248.33 (Kcal)
- Carbohydrates 15.21 (g) of which sugars 13.55 (g)
- Proteins 10.05 (g)
- Fat 17.58 (g) of which saturated 3.39 (g)of which unsaturated 2.96 (g)
- Fibers 2.24 (g)
- Sodium 1,229.26 (mg)
Indicative values for a portion of 354 g processed in an automated way starting from the nutritional information available on the CREA* and FoodData Central** databases. It is not food and / or nutritional advice.
* CREATES Food and Nutrition Research Center: https://www.crea.gov.it/alimenti-e-nutrizione https://www.alimentinutrizione.it ** U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. FoodData Central, 2019. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov
Ingredients for Melon and Speck Salad
- 1 cantaloupe melon
- 3.5 oz speck
- 10 oz cherry tomatoes
- 10 oz yellow cherry tomatoes
- 1 bunch basil
- 1.8 oz celery
- 1.5 tsp salt
- 4 tbsps extra virgin olive oil
Preparation of Melon and Speck Salad
Cut the melon in half, remove the seeds inside, and cut it into cubes.
Wash the red and yellow cherry tomatoes and cut them in half. Season them with salt and olive oil. Clean the celery stalks and dice them.
Now take the slices of speck, remove the fatty part, and cut them into strips.
In a large bowl, place the melon cubes, speck, cherry tomatoes, diced celery, and basil leaves. Gently mix the ingredients.
Variations
The melon and speck salad is already a versatile dish on its own, but there are many variations you can try to adapt it to your tastes and special occasions:
– For a creamy touch, add cubes of buffalo mozzarella or feta cheese. The cheese pairs perfectly with the melon and cured meat.
– For an extra crunchy and healthy touch, add walnuts, toasted almonds, or sunflower seeds.
– Experiment with different herbs such as mint, thyme, or parsley to vary the aromatic profile of the salad.
– Replace the speck with prosciutto crudo for an even more delicate and traditional version.
Storage
The melon and speck salad is best consumed immediately after preparation, but it can be stored in the refrigerator for 1 day, sealed in an airtight container.
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FAQ
Can I prepare the melon and speck salad in advance?
Yes, you can prepare it in advance, but it’s advisable to assemble it just before serving to ensure the ingredients retain their freshness and texture.
What other fruits can I use instead of melon?
You can experiment with other fruits like watermelon or mango for a variation in flavor. Ensure the fruit is sweet and juicy to balance the savory taste of the speck.
