Potato and Prosciutto Salad: A Hearty Delight for Summer Gatherings
When the summer months arrive, bringing with them the promise of sunny days and warm evenings, there’s nothing quite like a refreshing yet hearty salad to complement your outdoor grilling adventures. This Potato and Prosciutto Salad is one of my all-time favorites, serving as the perfect accompaniment to grilled steaks and chicken. It’s not only simple to prepare but also deliciously satisfying, making it an ideal choice for potlucks, brunches, or even a light supper on those hot summer nights when you want something easy yet flavorful.
Recipe Overview
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Cook Time | 25 minutes |
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Total Time | 35 minutes |
| Category | Vegetable |
| Description | A hearty salad perfect for summer grilling, potlucks, or light suppers. |
| Servings | 4 servings (approximately) |
| Calories | 326.8 per serving |
| Nutritional Information | See table below |
Ingredients
To create this delightful Potato and Prosciutto Salad, you will need the following ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Green beans | 3 cups |
| Red bell pepper | ½ cup, diced |
| Frozen corn | 1 cup |
| Mozzarella cheese | 1½ cups, cubed |
| Prosciutto ham | 1 cup, sliced |
| Green onions | 3, chopped |
| Olive oil | ⅓ cup |
| Lemon juice | ¼ cup |
| Water | 2 tablespoons |
| Garlic clove | 1, minced |
| Fresh thyme | 1 teaspoon, chopped |
| Dried thyme | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
Nutritional Information
This salad not only tastes great but is also a healthy choice, featuring a balance of protein, healthy fats, and fiber:
| Nutritional Component | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 326.8 |
| Total Fat | 18.9 g |
| Saturated Fat | 5.5 g |
| Cholesterol | 22.4 mg |
| Sodium | 189.8 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 31.7 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.8 g |
| Sugars | 3.1 g |
| Protein | 10.7 g |
Instructions
Follow these steps to prepare your Potato and Prosciutto Salad:
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Cook the Potatoes: Begin by placing the potatoes in a large pot filled with boiling water. Allow them to cook for approximately 25 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork. Once cooked, drain the potatoes and set them aside to cool.
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Prepare the Potatoes for the Salad: Once the potatoes are cool enough to handle, slice them into ½-inch thick rounds, and then cut each slice into quarters for a bite-sized piece.
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Blanch the Green Beans: In the same pot of boiling water, add the green beans and cook them until they are tender yet still vibrant in color, which should take around 3 to 5 minutes. Drain the beans and place them in a bowl of ice water to halt the cooking process. This step ensures they retain their crispness and bright green hue.
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Combine the Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the quartered potatoes, blanched green beans, diced red bell pepper, frozen corn, cubed mozzarella cheese, sliced prosciutto, and chopped green onions. Gently toss these ingredients together to evenly distribute them.
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Prepare the Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, water, minced garlic, chopped fresh thyme, and dried thyme. This blend will create a zesty dressing that adds a fresh flavor to your salad.
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Incorporate the Olive Oil: While continuously whisking, slowly drizzle the olive oil into the lemon juice mixture. This method will help emulsify the dressing, creating a smooth and cohesive blend.
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Dress the Salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the potato mixture in the large bowl. Gently toss everything together until the salad is evenly coated in the dressing, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
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Season to Taste: Finally, season your salad with salt and pepper according to your preference, tasting as you go to achieve the perfect balance of flavors.
Serving Suggestions
This Potato and Prosciutto Salad is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, making it a versatile dish that can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Serve it as a delightful side at your next barbecue or summer gathering, and watch as your guests savor every bite.
Not only is this salad pleasing to the palate, but it also boasts a vibrant medley of colors that will brighten any table setting. The combination of creamy mozzarella, savory prosciutto, and crunchy vegetables creates a delightful contrast in texture and flavor that is sure to impress.
For those looking to customize this recipe, feel free to experiment by adding your favorite seasonal vegetables or herbs to enhance the dish further. Whether enjoyed on its own or as a side, this hearty salad will undoubtedly become a staple in your summer repertoire.
Final Thoughts
With its delightful combination of textures and flavors, this Potato and Prosciutto Salad is not just a simple dish; it is a celebration of summer’s bounty. Ideal for gatherings or casual dinners alike, it encapsulates the joy of shared meals and the warmth of sunny days spent with loved ones. Give this recipe a try, and let it become one of your favorites too, ensuring that your summer dining experiences are both delicious and memorable.
This carefully crafted recipe for Potato and Prosciutto Salad is not only nutritious and easy to prepare, but it also exemplifies the spirit of summer dining. Embrace the flavors of the season and enjoy every moment spent preparing and sharing this delightful dish with friends and family!
