Busy moms know that dinner can be a race against time. That’s where this Pear and Prosciutto Salad comes in. It’s quick to prepare, light, and packed with flavor. This salad is perfect for those nights when you want something fresh and fulfilling without spending hours in the kitchen. Your family will love it, and you will appreciate how easy it is to whip up.
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Why You Will Love This Recipe
This Pear and Prosciutto Salad is all about simplicity. You can prepare it in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings. The combination of sweet pears, savory prosciutto, and crunchy walnuts creates a comforting balance that even kids can enjoy. Plus, you can switch up the ingredients based on what you have on hand. It offers flexibility while still delivering on taste and nutrition.
How to Make Pear and Prosciutto Salad
Ingredients
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp malt vinegar
- 3 tbsp olive oil, plus extra for frying
- 1/2 tsp honey
- 1/4 tsp of salt
- 1/4 tsp of pepper
- 8 pieces of prosciutto
- 3 cups of rocket/arugula
- 1 pear, sliced into thin slices
- 3/4 cup walnuts
- 1/2 cup shaved parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp thyme leaves
Directions
Make the dressing
In a small jar, add malt vinegar, lemon juice, olive oil, salt and pepper, then shake to emulsify.Cook the prosciutto
In a pan over medium heat with a little olive oil, fry the prosciutto on both sides until crispy. Place it on a paper towel to cool before adding it to the salad.Assemble the salad
Layer the rocket/arugula on a platter. Add the pear slices, crispy prosciutto, walnuts, parmesan cheese, and thyme on top.Add the dressing and serve
When ready to eat, give the dressing jar a quick shake and drizzle some over the salad. You might not need all of it. If you are taking this salad to a BBQ, wait to dress the salad until just before serving for the best freshness.
Pear and Prosciutto Salad
A quick and flavorful salad featuring sweet pears, savory prosciutto, and crunchy walnuts, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp malt vinegar
- 3 tbsp olive oil, plus extra for frying
- 1/2 tsp honey
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- 8 pieces of prosciutto
- 3 cups rocket/arugula
- 1 pear, sliced thin
- 3/4 cup walnuts
- 1/2 cup shaved parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp thyme leaves
Instructions
- In a small jar, add malt vinegar, lemon juice, olive oil, salt and pepper, then shake to emulsify.
- In a pan over medium heat with a little olive oil, fry the prosciutto on both sides until crispy. Place on a paper towel to cool.
- Layer the rocket/arugula on a platter. Add the pear slices, crispy prosciutto, walnuts, parmesan cheese, and thyme on top.
- When ready to eat, give the dressing jar a quick shake and drizzle some over the salad.
Notes
Substitute walnuts with pecans or almonds for a crunch. Add avocado for creaminess. Use feta cheese for a tangy twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No Cooking Required
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
How to Serve
This salad shines on its own as a light lunch or dinner. You can pair it with grilled chicken or fish for a more complete meal. It also makes a lovely side dish for family gatherings or picnics. Just let the flavors develop in the fridge for a short time if you’re planning to serve it later.
How to Store
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Keep the dressing separate until you are ready to serve. If you need to reheat a cooked protein, do so gently in a pan or microwave, but serve the salad fresh.
Tips and Variations
- Substitute walnuts with pecans or almonds for a different crunch.
- Add some sliced avocado for creaminess.
- Use feta cheese instead of parmesan for a tangy twist.
- For a hearty version, toss in some quinoa or farro.
FAQs
Can I make this salad in advance?
You can prepare the salad ingredients ahead of time. Just wait to add the dressing until you’re ready to serve.
What can I serve with this salad?
This salad pairs well with grilled chicken, fish, or even a simple soup for a light meal.
Is this salad kid-friendly?
Yes! The mix of flavors is appealing to kids, and you can adjust the ingredients to suit their tastes.
Conclusion
Try this Pear and Prosciutto Salad for a fresh, delicious meal that your family will love. It’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner but special enough for entertaining. Don’t forget to save this recipe for later so you can enjoy it again soon. Happy cooking!
