Embrace the sweet and savory combination with this Prosciutto, Arugula and Fig Salad. This salad encapsulates the perfect balance of juicy fresh figs, salty prosciutto, peppery arugula, and creamy mozzarella. Drizzled with a simple yet flavourful dressing, this salad is a perfect light meal or a stunning side dish.
This recipe requires some ingredients that might not be readily available in your pantry. Figs are the star of this salad. These are sweet, delicate fruits that come into season in the late summer and early fall. Fresh mozzarella is another key ingredient, it's a soft, mild cheese that pairs well with the other flavors. Lastly, prosciutto, a dry-cured ham from Italy, adds a nice saltiness to the salad.
Ingredients for Prosciutto, Arugula and Fig Salad
Arugula: A peppery leafy green that adds a nice bite to the salad.
Figs: Juicy and sweet, they add a lovely contrast to the salty prosciutto.
Mozzarella: This cheese adds a creamy texture that balances the crispness of the arugula.
Prosciutto: Thinly sliced Italian ham that gives the salad a salty punch.
Basil: Adds a fresh and aromatic touch to the salad.
Olive oil: Used in the dressing, it adds a rich flavor.
Balsamic vinegar: Adds a tangy sweetness to the dressing.
Lemon juice: Brings brightness and acidity to the dressing.
Salt: Enhances the flavors of the salad.
Black pepper: Adds a slight heat to the overall dish.
One reader, Estrellita Tomlinson says:
This prosciutto, arugula, and fig salad recipe is a delightful blend of flavors. The combination of the peppery arugula, savory prosciutto, and sweet figs is simply divine. The dressing ties everything together perfectly. It's a refreshing and satisfying dish that's perfect for a light lunch or as a side for dinner. Highly recommended!
Techniques Required for Making Prosciutto, Arugula and Fig Salad
How to make the dressing: Combine the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a small bowl and whisk until well combined.
How to assemble the salad: Place the baby arugula on a large platter, then top it with the prosciutto, fresh mozzarella, basil leaves, and figs.
How to serve: Drizzle the dressing over the salad and serve immediately.
How To Make Prosciutto Arugula Fig Salad
Enjoy a delectable plate of this fig salad, tossed with savory prosciutto, crunchy arugula, fresh mozzarella, all tossed in a zesty balsamic dressing.
Serves:
Ingredients
For Dressing:
- 1tbspextra-virgin olive oil
- 1tbspbalsamic vinegar
- ½tbsplemon juice,freshly squeezed
- ⅛tspkosher salt
- fresh black pepper,to taste
For Salad:
- 5cupsbaby arugula
- 4figs,ripe, quartered
- 4ozfresh mozzarella,sliced, torn into pieces
- 2ozprosciutto,torn into pieces, thinly sliced
- 10small fresh basil leaves
Instructions
-
Combine the oil, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, salt, and pepper, then whisk.
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Place the arugula on a large platter, top with the prosciutto, cheese, basil, and figs, and drizzle with the dressing.
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Serve, and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 187.73kcal
- Fat: 11.12g
- Saturated Fat: 4.63g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 4.91g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.82g
- Carbohydrates: 11.90g
- Fiber: 1.73g
- Sugar: 9.49g
- Protein: 10.92g
- Cholesterol: 32.32mg
- Sodium: 563.64mg
- Calcium: 180.33mg
- Potassium: 257.83mg
- Iron: 0.71mg
- Vitamin A: 66.83µg
- Vitamin C: 3.19mg
Helpful Technique Tip for Preparing Prosciutto, Arugula and Fig Salad
When slicing the figs, make sure to use a sharp knife and cut them into thin slices. This will not only make the salad easier to eat, but it will also allow the figs to better absorb the dressing, enhancing their flavor. Additionally, when drizzling the dressing, aim to distribute it evenly over the salad to ensure every bite is flavorful.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Salad Recipe
Prep ahead: Chop and wash your arugula and basil in advance. Store them in airtight containers with a paper towel to absorb excess moisture.
Use pre-sliced prosciutto: Save time by purchasing pre-sliced prosciutto from the deli section of your grocery store.
Prep your figs: Slice your figs ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you're ready to assemble the salad.
Streamline the dressing: Make a larger batch of the dressing and store it in a jar in the refrigerator for future use.
Prep your mozzarella: Consider using pre-sliced or pre-diced fresh mozzarella to save time on slicing and portioning.
Substitute Ingredients For Prosciutto Arugula Fig Salad Recipe
prosciutto - Substitute with smoked turkey or ham: Both smoked turkey and ham have a similar salty and savory flavor to prosciutto, making them suitable substitutes in the salad.
arugula - Substitute with baby spinach: Baby spinach has a mild, slightly peppery flavor similar to arugula and can be used as a substitute in the salad.
figs - Substitute with pears or grapes: Pears or grapes can provide a similar sweet and juicy element to the salad as figs, adding a delightful contrast to the other ingredients.
mozzarella - Substitute with burrata: Burrata cheese has a creamy texture and a rich flavor similar to mozzarella, making it a great substitute in the salad.
prosciutto - Substitute with smoked salmon: Smoked salmon can provide a similar salty and savory flavor to prosciutto, adding a delicious twist to the salad.
arugula - Substitute with watercress: Watercress has a slightly peppery taste and a similar texture to arugula, making it a suitable substitute in the salad.
figs - Substitute with dried apricots: Dried apricots can offer a sweet and chewy element similar to figs, complementing the other flavors in the salad.
mozzarella - Substitute with goat cheese: Goat cheese has a tangy flavor and creamy texture similar to mozzarella, making it a great substitute in the salad.
Best Way to Present Prosciutto, Arugula and Fig Salad
Elevate the salad with a beautiful plating: As a chef, the presentation of the dish is crucial. Arrange the arugula, prosciutto, figs, and mozzarella in an artful and visually appealing manner on the plate. The colors and textures should complement each other, creating an enticing visual experience for the diners.
Garnish with fresh basil leaves: Add a touch of freshness and elegance to the dish by delicately placing fresh basil leaves on top. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a pop of vibrant green, elevating the overall presentation.
Incorporate a drizzle of balsamic reduction: Use a balsamic reduction to create a decorative drizzle on the plate. This not only adds a touch of sophistication but also complements the flavors of the salad, adding a glossy and professional finish to the dish.
Consider using a unique serving dish: Opt for a unique and stylish serving dish that complements the colors of the salad. The choice of dish can enhance the overall presentation and create a lasting impression on the diners.
Pay attention to the balance of ingredients: Ensure that each component of the salad is balanced in proportion and skillfully arranged. The careful placement of each ingredient demonstrates precision and attention to detail, essential qualities in a top-tier culinary presentation.
Essential Tools for Making This Salad Recipe
- Cutting board: A flat surface used for cutting, slicing, and chopping ingredients.
- Chef's knife: A versatile knife used for a variety of kitchen tasks, such as chopping, slicing, and dicing.
- Mixing bowl: Used for combining ingredients and mixing dressings or marinades.
- Whisk: A kitchen tool used for blending and mixing ingredients together, especially for dressings and sauces.
- Serving platter: A large, flat dish used for serving and presenting salads or other dishes.
- Measuring spoons: Used for accurately measuring small amounts of ingredients, such as salt, pepper, and spices.
- Measuring cup: For accurately measuring liquid and dry ingredients.
- Salad tongs: Used for tossing and serving salads.
- Cheese knife: Specifically designed for cutting and serving cheese.
- Small saucepan: Used for heating and preparing dressings or sauces.
Interesting Fact About Prosciutto, Arugula and Fig Salad
Prosciutto, arugula and fig salad is a classic Italian dish that combines the saltiness of prosciutto with the peppery flavor of arugula and the sweetness of figs. This salad is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Arugula is a great source of vitamins A and K, while figs are high in fiber and potassium. Additionally, prosciutto adds a savory touch to the dish. This salad is a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it a delightful addition to any meal.
Is Making This Salad Recipe at Home Cost-Effective?
This prosciutto, arugula and fig salad recipe offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures. The cost-effectiveness is moderate, as the ingredients may require a slightly higher budget. However, the dish's gourmet appeal and nutritional value make it a worthwhile investment. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $25-$30. The overall verdict rates this recipe at 8/10 for its balance of savory and sweet elements, making it a sophisticated yet accessible choice for a special meal or entertaining guests.
Is This Salad Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?
This prosciutto, arugula, and fig salad recipe is a delightful blend of flavors and textures. The combination of fresh ingredients like baby arugula, figs, mozzarella, prosciutto, and basil creates a visually appealing and tasty dish. The dressing, made with extra-virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, salt, and pepper, adds a tangy and savory touch to the salad.
From a nutritional standpoint, this salad has several healthy components:
- Arugula is low in calories and rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as antioxidants and minerals
- Figs are a good source of fiber, potassium, and calcium
- Fresh mozzarella provides protein and calcium
- Prosciutto, while high in sodium, is a good source of protein and contains beneficial fatty acids
- Basil is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and is a good source of vitamin K
However, there are a few aspects that could be improved to make the salad even healthier:
- The prosciutto, while delicious, is high in sodium and saturated fat. Consider using a leaner protein source, such as grilled chicken or turkey, or reducing the amount of prosciutto used
- The dressing contains olive oil, which is a healthy fat, but the quantity could be reduced to lower the overall calorie count
- To increase the nutrient density of the salad, consider adding more vegetables, such as cherry tomatoes, cucumber, or bell peppers
To further enhance the nutritional value of this salad, you could:
- Add a handful of chopped walnuts or almonds for a boost of healthy fats, protein, and fiber
- Include a whole grain, like quinoa or farro, to increase the fiber content and make the salad more satiating
- Use a mix of different leafy greens, such as spinach or kale, to vary the nutrient profile
- Experiment with different dressings, such as a yogurt-based dressing or a citrus vinaigrette, to reduce the amount of oil used while still maintaining flavor
Editor's Opinion on This Prosciutto, Arugula and Fig Salad Recipe
This prosciutto, arugula, and fig salad recipe is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The peppery arugula pairs beautifully with the sweet figs and savory prosciutto, while the creamy mozzarella adds a luxurious touch. The dressing, with its balance of acidity and richness, ties everything together perfectly. It's a simple yet elegant dish that would make a fantastic addition to any meal.
Enhance Your Prosciutto Arugula Fig Salad Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Similar Salad Recipes to Try
Recommended Main Courses and Desserts to Pair With This Salad
Why trust this Prosciutto Arugula Fig Salad Recipe:
This recipe offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures, featuring the freshness of arugula and the sweetness of figs, balanced with the savory richness of prosciutto and the creaminess of fresh mozzarella. The dressing, made with extra-virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and lemon juice, enhances the dish with a burst of tangy and zesty notes. The use of high-quality ingredients such as fresh basil and the careful arrangement of the salad on a platter showcase the attention to detail and presentation. This recipe promises a delightful dining experience that users can trust.
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