Summer
Melon Panzenella Salad
- Serves 4 - 6 generous servings
Author Notes
A TAKE ON AN OLD ITALIAN CLASSIC . . . THIS IS A FRESH, SUPER YUMMY SALAD I ENJOYED WITH AN OLD ITALIAN FRIEND OF MINE YEARS AGO . . . THOUGH WE ENJOYED IT AS A SIDE-DISH ALONGSIDE SEVERAL GLASSES OF PROSECO AND OTHER FABULOUS LIGHT ITALIAN DISHES ONE SUMMER EVENING ON HIS VERANDA, I HAVE OFTEN RE-CREATED IT AS A MAIN DISH FOR A SIMPLE FUSS-FREE LUNCH, OR BRUNCH MANY TIMES SINCE! —Petra Maria ~ Queen Of Tarts
What You'll Need
Ingredients
-
4 cups
HERB ED FOCCACIA BREAD, CUBED PREFERABLY DAY-OLD
-
2 ounces
PROSCIUTTO, THIN-SLICED & CUT INTO STRIPS
-
2 ounces
SOPRESSTA OR COPPA SALAMI, THIN-SLICED, AND CUT INTO STRIPS
-
3
CLOVES GARLIC, MINCED
-
3 tablespoons
RED WINE VINEGAR
-
4 cups
TORN ARUGALA LEAVES
-
2 cups
FIRM RIPE MELON (1 CUP EACH HONEYDEW & CANTALOUPE
-
1/2 cup
EACH, CHOPPED, FRESH BASIL, AND FLAT-LEAF PARSLEY
-
FRESH CRACKED SEA SALT & PEPPER TO TASTE
-
1 tablespoon
HONEY (OR AGAVE NECTAR)
-
5 tablespoons
EXTRA-VIRGIN OLIVE OIL
-
1 cup
OLIVES, PITTED, & HALVED (KALAMATA OR MIXED GREEK WORK GOOD!)
-
1 cup
WHITE KIDNEY BEANS, RINSED AND DRAINED
Directions
- 1.) Preheat oven to 350° 2.) Spread Foccacia pieces on a baking sheet. Drizzle with about 1 tablespoon olive oil, tossing to coat. Bake, stirring occasionally until lightly toasted and crisp, about 12 - 15 minutes.
- 3.) Meanwhile, heat 4 tablespoons oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat until. Add prosciutto, and cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly crisp, about 3 minutes. Add garlic, and cook, stirring constantly until garlic becomes fragrant, about 30 seconds more. Remove from heat and stir in vinegar, and sweetener. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- 4.) Place arugula, sopressta or coppa salami, melon, beans, basil, parsley and the toasted foccacia in a large bowl. Add the prosciutto mixture and toss to combine. Let salad stand for about 10/15 minutes so the bread can absorb some of the dressing. Serve immediately . . . enjoy!!!
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