There's this little Italian place near my home. One stuffy summer afternoon, I wanted something that was light, refreshing, and something that’s going to make me say 'WOW'!. On the menu, a watermelon and fig salad caught my eye. The salty prosciutto, the sweet figs, and the juicy watermelon dancing on my taste buds – it was an explosion of flavors that I just had to recreate at home. I was hooked on the taste and so I made my own twist: Watermelon Prosciutto Fig Salad! It's an amazing combination of flavors, textures, and colors that's perfect for warm weather. This salad isn't just a dish; it's an experience. And believe me, its so easy to make!
The beauty of this salad lies in its simplicity. It requires just a few fresh ingredients and minimal effort, making it an ideal dish for lazy summer days. The key is to use high-quality ingredients – ripe watermelon, sweet figs, salty prosciutto, and good balsamic glaze. Don't skimp on the mint, either; it adds a refreshing aroma and a pop of color that really elevates the salad. I remember making this for a friend's barbeque once, and it was gone in minutes! Everyone raved about how fresh and flavorful it was. I swear, some people just stood right beside the salad and devoured it! It's one of those things I won't forget.
So, whether you're looking for a light lunch, a refreshing appetizer, or a show-stopping side dish, this Watermelon Prosciutto Fig Salad is guaranteed to impress. It's the perfect way to celebrate the flavors of summer and wow your taste buds. Trust me, once you try it, you'll be hooked. I sure was when I made it for the first time. I made it again later that night for my family!
Indulge in a refreshing Watermelon Prosciutto Fig Salad, a delightful mix of sweet, salty, and fresh flavors. This simple yet elegant salad is perfect for summer gatherings and a light, flavorful meal.
⏳ Yield & Time
Yield:4 servings
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time:
🍽 Ingredients
📖 Instructions
Prep the Watermelon: Cut the watermelon into bite-sized cubes. About 1-inch should do the trick. Remove any seeds you come across. I find using a sharp knife makes this part much easier and safer.
Slice the Figs: Wash the figs and slice them into quarters. If the figs are particularly large, you might want to cut them into smaller pieces. Remember, presentation matters, so try to make them look as uniform as possible.
Arrange the Prosciutto: Tear the prosciutto slices into smaller, manageable pieces. This helps distribute the salty flavor evenly throughout the salad. You can either roll them or simply crumple them – it’s really up to your personal preference.
Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, gently combine the cubed watermelon, sliced figs, and torn prosciutto. Be careful not to mash the watermelon; you want to keep those juicy cubes intact.
Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic glaze, olive oil, honey (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. I sometimes add a tiny bit of Dijon mustard for an extra zing.
Dress the Salad: Drizzle the balsamic glaze dressing over the watermelon mixture. Use just enough to lightly coat the ingredients; you don’t want the salad swimming in dressing.
Add Fresh Mint: Sprinkle fresh mint leaves over the salad. The mint adds a refreshing aroma and a pop of color. You can either tear the mint leaves or leave them whole – again, it’s all about personal preference.
Serve Immediately: This salad is best served immediately. The longer it sits, the more the watermelon will release its juices, making the salad soggy. If you’re not serving it right away, keep the ingredients separate and assemble just before serving.
Garnish (Optional): For an extra touch, you can garnish the salad with a few extra mint leaves or a drizzle of balsamic glaze. I once added a sprinkle of poppy seeds, and it added a nice visual appeal.
Enjoy!: Take a moment to appreciate the beautiful colors and aromas before diving in. This salad is a true celebration of summer flavors!
📝 Notes
For an extra touch, add a sprinkle of crumbled goat cheese or feta cheese. Its amazing!
If you don’t have balsamic glaze, you can use regular balsamic vinegar, but reduce it in a saucepan until it thickens slightly.
Feel free to experiment with different types of mint, such as spearmint or peppermint.